If you are craving a hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying meal, the Steak & Queso Rice Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together perfectly cooked steak, creamy cheesy sauce, and fluffy rice dressed in bold spices that create a comforting yet exciting fusion of tastes. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this recipe delivers richness and warmth with every bite, making it an absolute favorite in my kitchen and, soon, in yours too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Steak & Queso Rice Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the dish’s perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color.
- 1 lb flank or sirloin steak: Choose a tender cut for juicy, flavorful meat.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: The fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- 1 ½ cups whole milk: Creates a rich and creamy queso sauce, perfect for coating the rice.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and depth to the cheese sauce.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Provides a smooth, melty texture perfectly balanced with cheddar.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for toasting the rice and cooking the steak, it brings out those amazing flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the rice with subtle garlicky warmth.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Adds earthiness and a slightly smoky aroma to the steak seasoning.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for elevating all the flavor layers.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a vibrant color and a gentle smoky kick.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Fresh garlic really wakes up the cheese sauce.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Provides a touch of heat and depth to the steak seasoning.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish: Brightens the dish with fresh, herbal notes.
- Thin slices of jalapeños for garnish: For those who love a little spicy crunch.
- Lime wedges for garnish: Adds a zesty burst of citrus to balance the richness.
- Creamy avocado slices for garnish: The cooling, buttery finish to each bite.
How to Make Steak & Queso Rice Recipe
Step 1: Toast and Cook the Rice
Start by rinsing the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear; this removes excess starch and keeps the rice fluffy. Then, heat olive oil in a pan and toast the rice with garlic powder for a few minutes to coax out deep nutty flavors. Next, add broth or water, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 18 to 20 minutes until tender and perfectly cooked.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Steak
While the rice is cooking, coat your choice of flank or sirloin steak with olive oil and sprinkle generously with garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat a skillet to high and cook the steak for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred doneness. Always let the steak rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Queso Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt a bit of butter and sauté the freshly chopped garlic until fragrant. Pour in the whole milk and gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until melted into a luscious, velvety sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference—this cheese sauce is the heart of the dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Steak & Queso Rice Recipe
Plate a generous bed of the warm, fluffy rice and spoon over your tender, sliced steak. Ladle the creamy queso sauce lovingly on top, letting it cascade and pool around the steak and rice. This is where comfort meets indulgence.
How to Serve Steak & Queso Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates the dish more than the fresh garnishes. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro to cut through the richness with a herbal brightness. Add thin jalapeño slices for a spicy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy queso. Don’t forget fresh lime wedges—squeezing citrus over the top wakes up every flavor. Creamy avocado slices add a silky, buttery finishing touch that rounds out each mouthful.
Side Dishes
This dish packs enough punch to shine on its own but serving it alongside a light salad, such as a crisp Mexican slaw or a bright cucumber salad, provides a refreshing contrast. Grilled vegetables or roasted corn with a sprinkle of chili powder also complement the smoky, cheesy goodness of the steak and rice beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd or festive dinner, serve the steak and queso rice in individual bowls or small cast iron skillets—this keeps portions warm and presentation charming. You can also turn it into a loaded skillet meal topped with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and sliced olives for a fun twist. Garnishing with edible flowers or colorful microgreens adds an unexpected pop if you’re aiming to impress visually.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be hard to resist!), transfer them into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, but be sure to consume within 3 to 4 days to enjoy the best taste and texture.
Freezing
This Steak & Queso Rice Recipe freezes well if you want to save a portion for later. Freeze in airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best consistency and freshness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the cheese sauce if needed. Stir occasionally until heated through to maintain the creamy texture without drying out the steak or rice.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Flank and sirloin are great for tender slices, but you can use ribeye, skirt steak, or even strip steak. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to achieve your preferred doneness.
Is it okay to use different cheeses?
Yes, feel free to experiment! Cheddar and Monterey Jack give a classic flavor and creaminess, but you can try pepper jack for a little kick or mozzarella for extra meltiness. Just keep the balance between sharp and smooth cheeses to maintain the creamy queso texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s possible with substitutions like plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives, but it will change the flavor and texture of the queso sauce quite a bit. For the best experience, using whole milk and real cheeses is recommended.
How spicy is the dish? Can I adjust the heat?
This recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the chili powder and jalapeños. You can easily adjust by reducing or omitting the jalapeños and chili powder if you prefer less heat or adding extra if you love it spicy.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook and store the rice and steak separately, then quickly prepare the queso sauce and assemble just before serving. This makes it perfect for busy evenings or meal prepping.
Final Thoughts
The Steak & Queso Rice Recipe is one of those rare dishes that manages to feel both special and comforting at the same time. With simple ingredients bringing out layers of flavor and a creamy, cheesy finish, it’s sure to become a go-to meal in your repertoire. Don’t hesitate—grab these ingredients and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Steak & Queso Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
A flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender flank or sirloin steak served over garlicky toasted rice simmered in broth, topped with a creamy blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese sauce, and garnished with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, creamy avocado, and lime wedges for a perfect balance of richness and zest.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasonings
- 1 lb flank or sirloin steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Rice
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (used in steak leg for sautéing, plus some butter mentioned for cheese sauce – butter quantity estimated)
- 1 tablespoon butter (estimated for sautéing garlic and melting cheese)
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Thin slices of jalapeños for garnish
- Lime wedges for garnish
- Creamy avocado slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the long-grain white rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and toast the rice with garlic powder for a few minutes, stirring frequently to lightly brown and infuse flavor. Add broth (amount not specified, but typically use 2 cups broth for 1 cup rice) and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Cook the Steak: Season the flank or sirloin steak with olive oil, garlic powder, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat a skillet over high heat and cook the steak for 4–5 minutes per side or until the desired doneness is reached. Remove from heat and let the steak rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped garlic until fragrant. Gradually stir in whole milk and slowly add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate a portion of the cooked garlic toasted rice, top with sliced steak, and generously ladle the warm cheese sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, thin slices of jalapeño, creamy avocado slices, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to add brightness to the dish.
Notes
- Use broth instead of water to cook the rice for extra depth of flavor; chicken or vegetable broth works well.
- Adjust jalapeño slices according to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Allow steak to rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- For a thicker cheese sauce, use less milk or add more cheese.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by ensuring broth and all seasonings are gluten-free certified.
