Steak & Queso Rice

Steak & Queso Rice is the ultimate one-pan comfort food, combining tender, juicy steak with a cheesy, creamy queso sauce over perfectly cooked rice. This dish is a delicious fusion of bold Tex-Mex flavors and hearty ingredients, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual entertaining. The dish is infused with smoky spices, a hint of heat, and plenty of gooey, melted cheese. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare and can be customized to suit your spice preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a satisfying meal for yourself, Steak & Queso Rice is the perfect way to turn everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are endless reasons to love Steak & Queso Rice:

1. One-Pan Wonder: This recipe minimizes cleanup, as the steak, queso, and rice are all cooked in a single skillet or pan.
2. Rich, Creamy Flavors: The creamy queso sauce, infused with spices and cheese, pairs perfectly with the hearty rice and tender steak.
3. Customizable: Adjust the spice level, use your favorite cheese, or add veggies to make the dish your own.
4. Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love the comforting, cheesy flavors.
5. Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
6. Quick & Easy: With minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Serving Size: 1 generous portion

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 510
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious and creamy Steak & Queso Rice:

For the Steak:

• 1 lb (450 g) steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye), thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
• 2 cups beef broth (or water with 1 bouillon cube)
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder

For the Queso Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or pepper jack for extra spice)
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced avocado
• Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

1. Season the Steak: In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced steak with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the steak is evenly coated with the spices.
2. Sear the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then cook the steak slices in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

3. Toast the Rice: In the same skillet, add the uncooked rice. Stir it over medium heat for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast it and infuse it with the remaining steak juices.
4. Add Liquid and Spices: Pour in the beef broth and stir in the cumin and chili powder. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the rice simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 3: Make the Queso Sauce

5. Sauté Aromatics: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if using). Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
6. Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until the queso is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thin, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 2 teaspoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

7. Layer the Ingredients: Once the rice is cooked, return the seared steak to the skillet and gently fold it into the rice. Pour the queso sauce over the steak and rice mixture, stirring gently to combine everything. Let the dish simmer for 2–3 minutes over low heat to meld the flavors.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Serve hot and enjoy!

Ingredient Background

Steak:

Sirloin, flank, or ribeye are ideal for this dish because they’re tender and flavorful. Thinly slicing the steak ensures it cooks quickly and evenly.

Rice:

Long-grain white rice is perfect for this recipe because it stays fluffy and absorbs the flavors of the beef broth and spices. Jasmine rice or brown rice can also be used, but cooking times may vary.

Queso Sauce:

The creamy queso sauce is made with a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for a rich, melty consistency. Pepper Jack can be used for extra spice.

Aromatics:

Onion, garlic, and jalapeño add depth and flavor to the dish. For a milder option, skip the jalapeño or use bell peppers.

Spices:

The chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder give the dish its Tex-Mex-inspired flavor profile. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste.

Technique Tips

1. Cook Steak in Batches: To get a good sear, avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking the steak. Work in batches if necessary.
2. Fluff the Rice: Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork to prevent it from clumping together.
3. Stir the Queso Constantly: Cheese sauces can break if overheated, so stir constantly over low heat to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
4. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the queso. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
5. Adjust Thickness: If the queso sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream. If it’s too thin, use cornstarch to thicken.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Serve the steak and queso rice in individual bowls for a plated, restaurant-style presentation.
• Create a “burrito bowl” by layering the rice and steak with black beans, corn, and salsa before drizzling with queso.
• Use the steak and queso rice as a filling for tacos or burritos for a fun twist.
• Serve family-style in a large skillet with tortilla chips on the side for dipping.

Additional Tips for Success

• Marinate the Steak: For extra flavor, marinate the steak in olive oil, lime juice, and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Add Vegetables: Mix in sautéed bell peppers, corn, or black beans for added texture and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Double the Recipe: This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd. Simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet.

Recipe Variations

Low-Carb Option:

Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to reduce carbs while keeping all the flavor.

Vegetarian Version:

Replace the steak with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or black beans for a meat-free version.

Cheesy Rice Bake:

Transfer the assembled dish to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Extra Creamy Queso:

Mix in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese with the queso sauce for an even creamier texture.

Southwest Style:

Add a teaspoon of taco seasoning to the rice and garnish with crushed tortilla chips and avocado slices for a Southwest-inspired flair.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing:

• Rice and Steak: Let the rice and steak cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Queso Sauce: Store the queso sauce separately in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use leaner cuts of steak or substitute chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
• Load up on vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or broccoli for extra fiber and vitamins.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Family Dinner: Pair with a simple green salad and tortilla chips for a complete meal.
• Potluck: Keep the dish warm in a slow cooker for easy serving at potlucks.
• Game Day: Serve with extra queso as a dip and plenty of tortilla chips for a game-day feast.

Special Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan for cooking steak and rice.
• Medium saucepan for preparing the queso sauce.
• Sharp knife for slicing steak.
• Box grater for shredding cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use leftover steak for this recipe?
Yes, leftover steak works well. Slice it thin and add it to the dish during the final step to prevent overcooking.

2. Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Add extra jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce to amp up the heat.

3. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but note that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly.

4. How do I keep the queso smooth?
Use low heat and stir constantly when melting the cheese. Avoid boiling the sauce, as this can cause it to separate.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the steak, rice, and queso separately. Combine and reheat just before serving.

6. Can I add beans to this recipe?
Yes, black beans or pinto beans make a great addition for extra protein and fiber.

7. Can I skip the queso sauce?
While queso is a key part of this recipe, you can substitute it with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole if preferred.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and check that your spices and cheese are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Steak & Queso Rice is the perfect dish to bring bold flavors, creamy textures, and hearty ingredients together in one skillet. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting friends and family, this recipe offers something for everyone. With its easy customization options and comforting flavors, Steak & Queso Rice is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve it tonight, and watch as everyone asks for seconds!

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