Steak & Queso Rice Recipe

Steak & Queso Rice is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender steak with creamy, flavorful queso and perfectly cooked rice. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this recipe brings together the best of savory steak, rich cheese sauce, and fluffy rice. The flavors meld together to create a satisfying meal that will become a regular favorite in your kitchen. The dish is versatile, allowing you to adjust the spice levels and toppings to your preference. With a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal at home in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Steak & Queso Rice recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an irresistible meal for any occasion. The seared steak is tender and juicy, seasoned with a blend of spices that bring out its natural richness. Paired with the creamy, cheesy queso sauce, it’s a flavor explosion that’s both savory and indulgent. The rice adds a comforting base to the dish, while optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and avocado elevate the meal. It’s a complete dish that combines protein, carbs, and cheese for a filling, satisfying experience. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping a special meal for friends, this recipe is sure to impress.

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Ingredients

For the Steak:

• Flank steak or sirloin steak
• Olive oil
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper

For the Queso Sauce:

• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• Whole milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper

For the Rice:

• Long-grain white rice
• Water or low-sodium chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges

Variations

• Steak Substitutes: While flank steak or sirloin are the go-to cuts for this recipe, you can also use ribeye or skirt steak if preferred. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the desired level of doneness.
• Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, replace the steak with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. The queso sauce and rice will still provide plenty of flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a diced jalapeño to the steak seasoning or queso sauce to bring more heat to the dish.
• Cheese Swap: If you prefer a different cheese combination, try swapping the cheddar and Monterey Jack for a mix of pepper jack and mozzarella for a spicier or creamier alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Begin by cooking the rice. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly toasted. Add the water or chicken broth, garlic powder, and salt, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

While the rice is cooking, season the steak with ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak and sear it for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

Step 3: Make the Queso Sauce

In the same skillet used for the steak, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the whole milk and bring to a simmer. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to taste, then stir to combine.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Once everything is ready, plate the cooked rice and top it with the sliced steak. Pour the warm queso sauce over the steak and rice. Garnish with optional toppings like cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Rest the steak: Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking to ensure that it stays juicy and tender.
• Use broth for extra flavor: Cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water adds depth to the dish and enhances the flavor of the rice.
• Shred the cheese yourself: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can make it harder to melt smoothly. For a creamier queso, shred the cheese yourself.

How to Serve

Steak & Queso Rice is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad, grilled vegetables, or even some crispy tortilla chips for added crunch. For a family-style meal, serve it in large bowls, allowing everyone to scoop and mix their portions. For a more refined presentation, plate the steak and rice separately and drizzle with the queso sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Steak & Queso Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the steak, rice, and queso sauce separate to prevent them from getting soggy.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze the dish, store each component separately in freezer-safe containers. The steak and queso sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months, while the rice will last for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth. Reheat the steak in a skillet over low heat to prevent it from becoming tough. Gently warm the queso sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of milk if it’s too thick.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe? Yes, ribeye, skirt steak, or even chicken can be used as a substitute for flank or sirloin steak.
2. Can I make the queso sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the queso sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
3. Can I make this recipe without cheese? For a dairy-free or vegan option, you can try making a cashew-based queso or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
4. Is this recipe spicy? The level of spice is mild, but you can adjust the chili powder or add jalapeños for more heat.
5. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but be sure to adjust the cooking time since brown rice typically takes longer to cook.
6. How do I make this recipe gluten-free? This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the ingredients, like the chicken broth, are gluten-free.
7. Can I use pre-cooked rice for this recipe? Yes, you can use pre-cooked rice to save time. Simply heat it through before serving.
8. How do I make the steak tender? To keep the steak tender, cook it to your preferred doneness and let it rest before slicing against the grain.
9. Can I add vegetables to this dish? Yes, sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn would complement the flavors of the steak and queso nicely.
10. How do I make this recipe spicier? Add more chili powder, a diced jalapeño, or even cayenne pepper to the queso sauce for extra heat.

Conclusion

Steak & Queso Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines all your favorite ingredients into one satisfying meal. The tender steak, creamy queso sauce, and seasoned rice create a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and cheesy flavors. Whether for a casual family dinner or a special meal, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. With its versatility and rich flavors, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

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