Name: Steak Queso Rice
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 cup jasmine or basmati rice; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese; ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese; ¾ cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons cream cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 jalapeño, sliced; 1 tablespoon sour cream; ½ cup diced tomatoes

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If you’re looking for a hearty and indulgent rice bowl recipe, this Steak Queso Rice is a perfect choice! There’s something about the combination of savory steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this dish brings everyone together for a delicious meal. Plus, it’s easy to whip up and packed with flavor, making it a go-to favorite in my home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe can be made in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cheesy goodness! This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them when you’re ready to eat.
Endless Flavor: The blend of spices in the steak and the creamy queso sauce creates an irresistible flavor combination.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Steak Queso Rice. These items are easy to find and will make your cooking experience enjoyable!

For the Steak

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

For the Rice

1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Queso Sauce

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)

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño, sliced
1 tablespoon sour cream
½ cup diced tomatoes

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Swap the protein: Use chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option that still packs plenty of flavor.
Add more veggies: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers or corn for added texture and nutrition.
Change the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Pepper Jack for extra heat or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Make it spicy: Add diced green chilies or use hot sauce in your queso for an extra kick!

How to Make Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, bring beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to a boil. Adding these flavors right into the broth enhances the rice’s taste beautifully. Once boiling, add the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork when it’s done and set aside while we prepare the rest.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Steak

Take your steak strips and season them well with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. This seasoning gives your meat that hearty flavor we all love! Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; this ensures a nice sear on your steak. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re browned and cooked to your liking. Let them rest off heat for about 5 minutes; this keeps them juicy.

Step 3: Prepare the Queso Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, warm up heavy cream. This gentle heating is key to preventing it from scorching. Stir in cream cheese until melted; then gradually add both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese while stirring constantly until smooth. Mixing in garlic powder and cayenne pepper adds depth to your sauce—keep it warm on low heat while you assemble everything.

Step 4: Assemble the Steak Queso Rice Bowl

Now it’s time for assembly! Divide that fluffy rice into serving bowls as your base. Top each bowl generously with those delicious steak strips you just cooked. Finally, drizzle your luscious queso sauce over everything—it should ooze with gooey goodness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

To finish off your dish beautifully, add optional toppings like fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for that extra touch! Serve immediately while everything is warm and enjoy each bite of this incredible Steak Queso Rice!

Pro Tips for Making Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe

Creating the perfect Steak Queso Rice is all about enhancing flavors and textures, so here are some helpful tips to elevate your dish!

Choose the Right Cut of Steak: Opting for tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye ensures that your steak remains juicy and flavorful, enhancing the overall dish.
Let the Steak Rest: Allowing the cooked steak to rest for a few minutes before slicing helps retain juices, resulting in a more succulent bite.
Control the Heat: Cooking the queso sauce on low heat prevents it from burning, ensuring a creamy texture that perfectly coats your rice and steak.
Experiment with Cheese: Don’t hesitate to mix different types of cheese for the queso! Adding pepper jack can introduce a delightful kick, while gouda can offer a smoky flavor.
Customize Your Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper based on your preference. If you love heat, add more; if you prefer mild flavors, skip it altogether!

How to Serve Steak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Recipe

Serving your Steak Queso Rice in an inviting way can make mealtime even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas to present this hearty dish beautifully!

Garnishes

Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the queso.
Jalapeño Slices: Add sliced jalapeños for those who enjoy an extra kick; they also provide a lovely pop of color.
Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices not only add flavor but also enhance the dish’s texture and nutrition.

Side Dishes

Mexican Street Corn Salad: This vibrant salad combines corn, lime, cheese, and spices, making it a refreshing companion to balance out the richness of your rice bowl.
Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: The creamy guacamole paired with crunchy chips makes for a fantastic appetizer or side that everyone will love.
Black Bean Salad: A simple black bean salad with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro offers a protein-packed side that’s both hearty and healthy.
Grilled Vegetables: Tossed in olive oil and herbs, grilled veggies add both color and nutrients to your meal, creating a beautiful plate.

Now that you have all the tips and serving suggestions at hand, you’re ready to impress your family or guests with this delicious Steak Queso Rice. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Steak Queso Rice makes for an excellent meal prep option! You can prepare it in advance, saving you time during the busy week ahead. Plus, the flavors only get better as they meld together.

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Steak Queso Rice to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best quality, separate the steak and queso sauce from the rice before storing.

Freezing

Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
Place portions of rice and steak (and queso sauce if desired) into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for your reference.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Heat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Alternatively, reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth for moisture if necessary.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

What types of steak can I use for Steak Queso Rice?

You can use sirloin, flank, or ribeye steak strips for your Steak Queso Rice. Each offers a different flavor and tenderness that will enhance your dish beautifully.

Can I make Steak Queso Rice ahead of time?

Absolutely! Steak Queso Rice is perfect for meal prep. You can store leftovers in the fridge or freeze them for later enjoyment.

How do I make the queso sauce extra creamy?

To achieve an extra creamy texture in your queso sauce, ensure you slowly melt the cream cheese into the heavy cream before adding the cheeses. This will help create a smooth and rich sauce.

What can I substitute if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of half-and-half and a little bit of butter to mimic its richness.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Definitely! You can increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños directly into the queso sauce for an extra kick!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Steak Queso Rice! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience full of flavor that brings comfort to any dinner table. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it all by yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking!

Steak Queso Rice

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Dinner
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Steak Queso Rice, a hearty dish that combines tender beef strips, fluffy rice, and a creamy cheese sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, bringing everyone together over a delicious meal. With just 35 minutes of preparation and cooking time, you can enjoy this satisfying bowl loaded with flavor and warmth. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be approachable and adaptable to your taste preferences. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this delightful creation!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb steak strips (sirloin, flank, or ribeye)
1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
¾ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons cream cheese
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño, sliced
1 tablespoon sour cream
½ cup diced tomatoes

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Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
Season steak strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook steak for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Let rest for 5 minutes.
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm heavy cream; stir in cream cheese until melted. Gradually add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese while stirring until smooth. Mix in garlic powder and cayenne pepper.
Assemble bowls by placing rice as the base, topping with steak strips and drizzling queso sauce on top.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or sour cream as desired.