This Steak Queso Rice is a great alternative if you want a filling and delicious rice bowl meal. This recipe is both comforting and full of robust tastes. It has tender steak pieces, creamy queso sauce, and properly seasoned rice.
This meal is great for busy weeknights, weekend treats, or when you want a homemade steak rice bowl that tastes as good as one from a restaurant. This dish is a great mix of flavors and textures that will make you happy, whether you love steak or queso.
Let’s get into this tasty steak and rice recipe that is simple to cook and full of cheesy flavor.
Why You Will Love This Queso Rice with Steak
- Loaded with flavor – juicy steak, creamy queso, and seasoned rice in every bite
- Simple to make – the ingredients are easy to get and the prep work is quick
- One-pan recipe – less mess and easier to clean up
- Customizable – swap the protein, mix up the cheese, or add veggies
- Perfect for any occasion – a supper that everyone in the family will like or a good dish to make ahead of time
What You’ll Need
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 Flavorful 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 thick cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Optional Toppings
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes
How to Make Steak Queso Rice
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Bring beef broth, butter, and seasonings to a boil. Add rice, decrease heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Steak
Season steak with seasonings. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 3: Prepare the Queso Sauce
Warm cream, melt cream cheese, then stir in cheeses until smooth. Add garlic powder and cayenne for taste. Keep warm.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Add rice to bowls, top with meat, and sprinkle queso sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Add cilantro, tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or sour cream. Serve hot.
Expert Tips for a Flavorful Rice Bowl
- Use high-quality steak for tenderness
- Let the steak sit to retain juices
- Keep queso warm over low heat to reduce graininess
- Fluff the rice before serving
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking steak – aim for medium
- Using pre-shredded cheese – grate fresh for smoother sauce
- Skipping steak resting time – prevents dryness
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap steak with chicken or shrimp
- Make it spicy with jalapeños or additional cayenne
- Vegetarian version: add beans and grilled veggies
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheating: Use a skillet for 5 minutes or microwave in brief intervals, stirring the queso
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve with guacamole for freshness
- Use tortilla chips to scoop queso rice
- Pair with a simple green salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Yes, just warm in a skillet before serving
What’s the finest rice for this dish?
Jasmine or basmati for fluffiness
Can I cook this ahead of time?
Yes, keep components separately and merge when ready
Can I make this queso spicier?
Definitely. Add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne
Conclusion
This Steak Queso Rice is the perfect steak rice bowl: strong, creamy, robust, and utterly satisfying. Perfect for weekday meals or meal prep, this quick recipe is likely to be a favorite in your kitchen.
Try it today and share your results.
