Name: Steak & Queso Rice Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 450g (1 lb) flank or sirloin steak; 1 tsp paprika; A sprinkle of salt and pepper, to your taste; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1½ cups whole milk; A pinch of salt and pepper, to your liking; ½ tsp ground cumin; 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tsp chili powder; 2 garlic cloves, chopped finely; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 2 cups broth (or water if you prefer); A bit of salt, as needed; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 tsp garlic powder; Fresh cilantro, chopped; Wedges of lime; Slices of avocado; Cut jalapeños

Jump to Recipe

If you’re after a dish that delivers comfort, flavor, and fun in every bite, Steak & Queso Rice is your new go-to recipe! This meal has everything we crave: tender steak, fluffy rice, and a blanket of creamy, molten cheese sauce—plus all the fixings that make every forkful interesting. It’s hearty enough for a weeknight dinner, yet dazzling enough to roll out for friends. Trust me, Steak & Queso Rice is one of those recipes you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Steak & Queso Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Steak & Queso Rice lies in a handful of simple ingredients, each bringing something essential to the table—richness, a pop of color, or just that extra flavor punch. Here’s what you’ll need and why each element matters.

Flank or sirloin steak (450g/1 lb): The star of the show; choose a cut that stays juicy and slices beautifully after a quick sear.
Paprika (1 tsp): Adds a subtle smokiness and gentle warmth to the steak rub.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all those savory flavors.
Ground cumin (2 tsp for steak, ½ tsp for queso): Lends earthiness and depth to both steak and sauce.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps with browning, adds richness, and keeps everything from sticking.
Garlic powder (1 tsp for steak, 1 tsp for rice): Convenient and mellow, infuses an extra layer of garlicky goodness throughout the dish.
Whole milk (1½ cups): The base for that dreamy queso sauce; go for whole milk for best results.
Cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups): Gives the queso its sharp, classic flavor and beautiful melt.
Butter (2 tbsp): Adds creaminess to the queso and helps sauté the garlic.
Chili powder (1 tsp): A hint of heat and color for the cheese sauce.
Fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped (2): Sautéed for an aromatic lift in the queso.
Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (1 cup): Makes the queso extra gooey and smooth.
Broth (2 cups): Cooking rice in broth ups the savory factor, but water works in a pinch.
Long-grain white rice (1 cup): Fluffy and perfect for soaking up all those cheesy, savory juices.
Fresh cilantro, chopped: For a burst of color and fresh flavor as a finishing touch.
Wedges of lime: Citrus brightens each bite and cuts through the richness.
Slices of avocado: Creamy, cooling, and a gorgeous contrast to the spicy, cheesy sauce.
Cut jalapeños: For those who love a spicy kick on their Steak & Queso Rice.

How to Make Steak & Queso Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Start by patting your steak dry with paper towels—this helps it sear up beautifully. Rub both sides with a drizzle of olive oil, then sprinkle on paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Press the seasonings in, making sure every inch is covered. This upfront effort gives the steak tons of character when it hits the hot pan!

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Wash your long-grain rice under cold water until it runs clear; this small step ensures your rice comes out fluffy, not sticky. Heat a spoonful of olive oil in a saucepan and stir in the rice and a bit of garlic powder, letting the grains toast gently for a couple minutes. Add your broth (or water), bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for about 18-20 minutes. When it’s done, the grains should be distinct, soft, and flavorful.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Get your largest skillet smoking hot—really! Add your seasoned steak and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and your favorite doneness. For medium-rare, about 4 minutes each side does the trick. Remove from the skillet and let it rest. This is your secret weapon for keeping every bite juicy.

Step 4: Make the Queso Sauce

In the same hot skillet (hello, flavor!), add butter and the chopped garlic. Let it sizzle for a minute. Pour in the milk and bring it to a gentle simmer, then gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly so it melts smoothly. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, tweaking the flavor to your own preferences. The sauce should be thick, lush, and incredibly cheesy—this is what makes Steak & Queso Rice a knockout.

Step 5: Slice the Steak

After a 5–10 minute rest, slice your steak thinly, cutting against the grain for maximum tenderness. Each strip should be juicy with a little crust from the spices.

Step 6: Assemble Your Steak & Queso Rice

Pile a generous scoop of rice on your plate. Top with those silky steak strips, and then pour the warm queso sauce over everything—let it run down and pool into the rice. The combination is what makes Steak & Queso Rice unforgettable, balancing every component in a golden, mouthwatering cascade.

Step 7: Add Toppings

Scatter on fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, a few crunchy jalapeños, and a couple wedges of lime. These toppings bring freshness, color, and a lively zip to your Steak & Queso Rice.

How to Serve Steak & Queso Rice

Garnishes

Don’t skimp on the finishing touches! Pile on chopped cilantro for freshness, avocado for creamy contrast, a few jalapeño slices for heat, and a squeeze of lime for brightness. If you like, scatter a few extra shreds of cheese on top before serving. Every garnish elevates the look and flavor of your Steak & Queso Rice.

Side Dishes

Steak & Queso Rice is hearty on its own, but it shines alongside a cool cucumber salad, blistered corn, or even a handful of tortilla chips for scooping up queso-laden bites. For something lighter, a crisp slaw or a pile of sautéed greens works wonders.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring a little flair to your presentation! Try serving Steak & Queso Rice in individual bowls, family-style in a big platter, or even as a filling for burritos and burrito bowls. If you’re feeling festive, let everyone build their own with a toppings bar. This dish is endlessly adaptable, and every spin is a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your leftovers tasting fresh, store components separately in airtight containers. Rice, steak, and queso sauce will keep up to three days in the fridge. Wait to add those delicate toppings (like avocado and cilantro) until just before serving for best texture and color.

Freezing

You can freeze the rice and steak portions for up to two months—package them tightly in freezer bags. Queso sauce can be frozen, too, but may need a good stir and a splash of milk to come back to life. Toppings are best added fresh; avoid freezing avocado or herbs since they won’t thaw well.

Reheating

Reheat rice and steak gently in the microwave or a skillet with a sprinkle of broth or water to add moisture. For queso, rewarm slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring in extra milk if needed to smooth it out. Combine and garnish just before serving, and your Steak & Queso Rice will taste like new.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Steak & Queso Rice?

Absolutely! Flank and sirloin are great, but you can swap in skirt steak, ribeye, or even leftover grilled steak. Just be sure to slice thinly across the grain for the most tenderness.

Is there a way to make Steak & Queso Rice less spicy?

Yes—control the heat by adjusting or skipping the chili powder and jalapeño toppings. The queso is flavorful on its own, and you can always let spice-lovers add heat at the table.

What cheeses work best for the queso sauce?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt beautifully and give the right blend of sharpness and ooze. If you’d like to experiment, try adding a little pepper Jack for zest or even a smoky gouda for a twist.

Can I prepare Steak & Queso Rice ahead for a party?

You bet! Make the rice and queso sauce a day ahead and reheat before serving. Cook the steak just before guests arrive for best texture. Let everyone build their own bowls at a toppings station—it’s a guaranteed hit.

How do I keep the queso sauce from turning grainy?

The trick is gently melting the cheese in gradually, over low heat, and never letting the sauce boil. Stir continuously and don’t rush this part—creamy, melty queso is what truly sets Steak & Queso Rice apart.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably magical about a plate of Steak & Queso Rice—every bite delivers comfort, flavor, and a little bit of excitement. Give it a try, get playful with the toppings, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request at your dinner table!

Steak & Queso Rice Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This delectable recipe combines perfectly cooked steak with a creamy queso sauce served over flavorful rice, topped with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, avocado, and lime wedges for a burst of flavor in every bite.

Instructions

Make the queso: In the skillet used for the steak, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in milk and simmer.
Cook the rice: Rinse rice under cold water. Heat olive oil in a pot, add rice and garlic powder. Toast lightly, then add broth or water. Simmer for 18-20 minutes.
Rest and slice the steak: Allow steak to rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice thinly across the grain.
Prepare the steak: Dry steak, rub with olive oil, and season with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Finish the queso: Slowly stir in shredded cheeses until melted. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the toppings: Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, avocado slices, and lime wedges.
Cook the steak: Sear steak in a hot skillet for 4-5 minutes per side for desired doneness.
Put it together: Serve rice topped with steak strips and queso sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Tex-Mex