Introduction

Steak Queso Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, seasoned steak with creamy queso sauce over fluffy rice. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe brings together bold spices and rich cheese in one satisfying bowl.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of white rice, fluffy and slightly separated. On top of the rice, there is a creamy light brown sauce with visible small pieces of meat mixed in. Larger chunks of browned beef are scattered on top of the sauce, showing a rich brown color and a textured, seared surface. The dish is garnished with fresh green parsley leaves spread evenly across the top, adding a bright contrast to the creamy sauce and brown beef. The photo is close-up, showing the details of the sauce and meat clearly, with a sharp focus on the textures. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

450g (1 lb) flank or sirloin steak
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1½ cups whole milk
½ tsp ground cumin
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp chili powder
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups broth or water
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup long-grain white rice
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)
Avocado slices (for serving)
Sliced jalapeños (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, then coat with paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over high heat until very hot. Sear the steak for 4–5 minutes per side, adjusting time based on thickness and your preferred level of doneness.
Step 3: Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Slice thinly across the grain to ensure tenderness.
Step 4: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and garlic powder, stirring to coat the grains, and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Add broth or water to the pot, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a low simmer. Cook for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: Using the same skillet from the steak, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 7: Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth. Season the queso sauce with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 8: To serve, spoon the cooked rice onto plates, top with sliced steak, and ladle warm queso sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, and jalapeños as desired.

Tips & Variations

Use leftover steak or grilled chicken as a quicker protein option.
For a spicier kick, add chopped chipotle peppers or hot sauce to the queso sauce.
Swap cheddar and Monterey Jack with pepper jack cheese for extra heat and flavor.
Microwave the queso sauce gently when reheating to avoid curdling or separating.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently to keep the queso sauce smooth. Add a splash of milk when reheating if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a bed of white rice with visible grains, fluffy and slightly sticky, forming the bottom layer. On top, there are many chunks of brown cooked beef with a textured, grilled surface. The beef is covered by a thick, creamy sauce that is light beige with specks of black pepper, evenly spread over the meat. Bright green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce and brown beef. The dish is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute flank or sirloin with ribeye, skirt steak, or even a tender cut like filet mignon, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the steak with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth for the rice and keep the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.