Name: Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb steak strips (sirloin, flank, or ribeye); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon cumin; 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon butter; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese; ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese; ¾ cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons cream cheese; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice); 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 jalapeño, sliced; 1 tablespoon sour cream; ½ cup diced tomatoes

Jump to Recipe

When you crave a plate that’s hearty, creamy, and full of bold Tex-Mex flair, look no further than Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe. Tender, seasoned steak meets fluffy, buttery rice and a cascade of gooey, homemade queso—the holy trinity of comfort in one bite. This crowd-pleasing dish balances rich beef flavors with a silky cheese sauce, all rounded out by your favorite toppings. Trust me, every forkful is pure deliciousness and sure to make your kitchen the hottest spot on the block.

Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe is in its smart, straightforward ingredient list. Each choice—be it the cut of steak, aromatic spices, or blend of cheeses—plays a starring role in exciting your palate and making this meal truly unforgettable.

Steak strips (1 lb, sirloin, flank, or ribeye): Pick a tender cut for melt-in-your-mouth bites that soak up the seasonings beautifully.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and ensures your steak gets that gorgeous caramelized sear.
Salt (1 teaspoon for steak, ½ teaspoon for rice): Brightens all the flavors and is essential for seasoning.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Brings subtle spice and depth to the steak’s flavor profile.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon for steak, ½ teaspoon for rice, ½ teaspoon for queso): A triple threat that infuses everything with irresistible savory notes.
Paprika (½ teaspoon for steak, ¼ teaspoon smoked for rice): Provides warmth and color; smoked is best for a hint of BBQ flavor.
Cumin (½ teaspoon): Earthy and aromatic, it’s the secret to that classic Tex-Mex taste.
Jasmine or basmati rice (1 cup): Long-grain rice stays fluffy and soaks up the beefy broth.
Beef broth (2 cups): Elevates the rice with savory, meaty undertones.
Butter (1 tablespoon): The key to luscious, flavorful rice every time.
Shredded white cheddar cheese (1 cup): Gives your queso sauce sharpness and body.
Monterey Jack cheese (½ cup): Balances the sharp cheddar with gooey meltability.
Heavy cream (¾ cup): The base for that dreamy, velvet-smooth queso.
Cream cheese (2 tablespoons): Adds creaminess and keeps your queso thick without being gloopy.
Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle, warming kick.
Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): A pop of color and fresh, herby goodness for garnish.
Jalapeño (1, sliced): For a zesty, spicy edge—totally optional but highly recommended.
Sour cream (1 tablespoon): A cool, tangy swirl against the richness of melted cheese.
Diced tomatoes (½ cup): Adds juicy freshness and lively color on top.

How to Make Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start your Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe journey by preparing the rice. In a medium saucepan, combine beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, then bring everything to a gentle boil. Stir in your rice, lower the heat, and let it simmer covered so every grain can drink up that rich broth. When the liquid’s gone (after about 15–18 minutes), fluff with a fork—your rice will smell absolutely amazing and taste even better.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Steak

While the rice simmers, toss your steak strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin in a bowl. Your goal is full, even seasoning so each piece is packed with flavor. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high, add the steak, and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until beautifully browned. Let your steak rest for five minutes before slicing to keep every bite juicy.

Step 3: Prepare the Queso Sauce

Warm up your taste buds, because here’s where Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe truly dazzles: the queso! In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream and cream cheese until fully combined and smooth, whisking constantly. Now slowly add in both cheeses, a handful at a time, stirring to create a silky sauce worthy of pouring on literally anything. Finish with garlic powder and cayenne pepper for that extra punch, and keep the sauce warm until serving.

Step 4: Assemble the Steak Queso Rice Bowl

Now comes the fun part: assembly! Divide your savory, aromatic rice into bowls, pile on generous spoonfuls of those juicy steak strips, and then absolutely douse the whole thing in the luscious, homemade queso. This step brings everything together into a showstopper bowl you’ll want to dig into immediately.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish off your Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe masterpiece with your favorite toppings—think chopped cilantro for herbal zing, fresh tomatoes for juiciness, bright jalapeño slices for just the right heat, and a dollop of cool, tangy sour cream. Bright colors, varying textures, and bold flavors make every bite a mini celebration.

How to Serve Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe

Garnishes

Go wild with toppings! Fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and a swoosh of sour cream aren’t just for looks—they elevate every bowl, adding freshness, crunch, creaminess, and a hint of zing that cut through the richness of the queso and steak. A sprinkle of crispy tortilla strips can add an irresistible crunch as well.

Side Dishes

Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe is fantastic all on its own, but it shines even brighter with sides. Try partnering it with grilled corn, a fresh avocado salad, or a pile of charred veggies. Even a simple side of tortilla chips can turn dinner into a Tex-Mex feast, perfect for scooping up every last drop of that dreamy queso.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, serve in colorful bowls and let guests choose their own toppings, taco-bar style. Roll it up in burritos, stuff it in peppers or scoop it over nachos for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. You can even layer it mason jar–style for stunning, portable lunchboxes—Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe is as versatile as your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe stores beautifully. Transfer everything to airtight containers (keep the rice, steak, and queso sauce separate if possible), and refrigerate for up to three days. This makes it just as delicious for meal prep or next-day lunches—the flavor gets even better!

Freezing

If you want to save some for the future, freeze the steak and rice together in a freezer-safe container, and the cooled queso sauce separately in a small container or zip-top bag. Both will keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the rice and steak in a covered skillet on low or in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent dryness. For the queso, reheat on the stovetop over low, stirring until melted and smooth—add a bit more cream if needed. Then combine, garnish, and enjoy like it’s fresh from the stove.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of steak for Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin, flank, or ribeye are classics for their tenderness and rich flavor, you can use any steak cut you prefer—just be sure to slice it thin across the grain and cook it quickly to keep it juicy.

What if I don’t have beef broth for the rice?

No worries! You can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, or even water in a pinch, though beef broth gives the rice its signature savory depth in Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe.

Is there a way to make the queso sauce spicier?

Definitely—just add extra cayenne pepper, a splash of hot sauce, or even diced jalapeños while melting the cheese for a bolder kick!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth and double-check your seasonings and cheeses for hidden gluten-containing additives.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap the steak for sautéed mushrooms or grilled tofu and use vegetable broth for the rice. The cheesy queso and flavorful seasonings ensure you’ll still have a show-stopping dish!

Final Thoughts

Few dishes bring people together like a big, generous bowl of Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe. Whether you’re craving weeknight comfort or dazzling your friends with Tex-Mex magic, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Invite everyone to the table and let each bite remind you just how fun and satisfying home-cooked meals can be!

Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 25 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Steak Queso Rice recipe. Tender steak strips seasoned to perfection, flavorful rice cooked in beef broth, and a creamy, cheesy queso sauce come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Season and Cook the Steak: In a bowl, season the steak strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from heat and let the steak rest for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Queso Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Gradually add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until smooth. Mix in garlic powder and cayenne pepper for extra flavor. Keep warm on low heat.
Assemble the Steak Queso Rice Bowl: Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with steak strips, then drizzle generously with queso sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Add optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Tex-Mex