Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the fragrant aroma of sizzling steak fills the kitchen, I can feel my taste buds awaken with excitement. This hearty Steak Queso Rice Bowl is a game-changer for anyone seeking a comforting yet bold meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Packed with tender steak strips nestled in a creamy queso sauce over perfectly seasoned jasmine or basmati rice, this dish offers not only quick prep but also an explosion of flavors that rivals your favorite takeout. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or prepping a cozy weekend dinner, this flavorful recipe is customizable to suit any dietary preference. Are you ready to bring a taste of Tex-Mex comfort into your home? Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together! Why is Steak Queso Rice a Must-Try? Flavor Explosion: This dish combines rich, savory steak with a creamy queso sauce that dances on your palate. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something tasty. Customizable: Want a vegetarian option? Swap in sautéed veggies! You can even substitute proteins for a personal touch. Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings—everyone will be coming back for seconds! Comfort in a Bowl: The hearty combination of flavors and textures makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. If you love bold flavors, check out our recipes like Caribbean Chicken Rice for more delicious ideas! Steak Queso Rice Ingredients • Curious about what makes this dish so delicious? Here’s what you need! For the Rice Rice (Jasmine/Basmati) – The fluffy base that holds all the flavors; rinse before cooking to remove excess starch. Beef Broth – Adds depth to the rice flavor; can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter option. Butter – Enhances richness in the rice; margarine or oil can be an alternative for dairy-free diets. For the Steak Steak Strips – The star protein that provides rich flavor; feel free to replace with chicken or shrimp if you prefer. Olive Oil – Used for cooking, adding a hint of richness; any cooking oil or butter works too. Salt – Enhances flavor; adjust to taste, with kosher salt recommended for the best results. Black Pepper – Adds a spicy dimension to the dish; crushed red pepper makes a great alternative for an extra kick. Garlic Powder – Imparts savory goodness; fresh minced garlic is a fantastic substitution. Paprika – Provides mild heat and vibrant color; smoked paprika will elevate the smokiness of your dish. Cumin – Adds earthy undertones; swap it out for coriander for a different flavor profile. For the Queso Sauce Shredded White Cheddar Cheese – The cheese that brings creaminess to the sauce; any melting cheese like Gouda can work as a substitute. Monterey Jack Cheese – Adds additional creaminess; mixing cheeses will create a delightful depth of flavor. Heavy Cream – Creates the luscious base of the queso; half-and-half is a lighter option. Cream Cheese – Adds thickness to the sauce; you can skip it for a lighter version. Cayenne Pepper – Optional for an extra kick of heat; adjust to taste based on your preference. For Garnish Fresh Cilantro – Brightens up the dish as a garnish; green onions can substitute for a different freshness. Jalapeño Slices – Adds spiciness; optional if you prefer a milder flavor. Sour Cream – Provides a creamy finish; Greek yogurt can be used for a tangy twist. Diced Tomatoes – Adds freshness and color; canned tomatoes can be a convenient alternative. With these simple yet flavorful ingredients, you’re on your way to creating an unforgettable Steak Queso Rice experience that’s sure to delight! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Steak Queso Rice Step 1: Cook the Rice In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of beef broth to a boil, adding 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for flavor. Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of rinsed jasmine or basmati rice, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is completely absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside. Step 2: Season and Cook the Steak While the rice is cooking, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. In a bowl, toss 1 pound of steak strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin until well-coated. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned steak and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from heat and let the steak rest for 5 minutes. Step 3: Prepare the Queso Sauce In a small saucepan over low heat, warm 1 cup of heavy cream until just steaming but not boiling. Gradually blend in 4 ounces of cream cheese until smooth, then whisk in 1 cup of shredded white cheddar cheese and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy. Stir in a pinch of garlic powder and cayenne pepper for an extra kick, keeping the sauce warm while you assemble the rest of the dish. Step 4: Assemble the Bowl Spoon a generous portion of the cooked rice into serving bowls, creating a comforting base for your Steak Queso Rice. Layer the perfectly cooked steak strips over the rice, ensuring that each bowl gets a hearty helping. Drizzle the rich queso sauce generously over the steak, allowing it to melt into the layers below. Step 5: Garnish and Serve To finish off your Steak Queso Rice bowl, sprinkle fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes over the top for vibrant color and flavor. Add jalapeño slices for heat and a dollop of sour cream to enhance the creamy goodness. Serve immediately for a deliciously satisfying meal that’s sure to become your new favorite! Make Ahead Options These Steak Queso Rice bowls are fantastic for meal prep! You can prepare the rice up to 3 days in advance; just refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The steak can also be seasoned and marinated up to 24 hours prior, ensuring rich flavors penetrate through. For the queso sauce, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply reheat the rice and steak in a skillet and warm the sauce on low heat to prevent graininess. This way, you’ll have a delicious, comforting bowl ready in minutes—perfect for busy weeknights! Expert Tips for Steak Queso Rice Use Good Quality Steak: Select high-quality steak for tenderness; tough cuts may ruin the mouthfeel of your Steak Queso Rice. Rest Your Steak: Letting the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor and tenderness. Don’t Rush the Queso: Heat the queso sauce slowly over low heat to avoid graininess; quick heating can cause it to separate. Taste as You Go: Always taste the rice and queso sauce while cooking; adjust seasoning to professional levels for a flavor-packed experience. Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the steak while cooking; overcooking results in tough meat that detracts from the dish’s quality. How to Store and Freeze Steak Queso Rice Fridge: Store leftover Steak Queso Rice in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing to retain freshness. Freezer: Freeze individual portions of the Steak Queso Rice in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Avoid storing the queso sauce with the rice to prevent texture changes. Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to restore creaminess. Component Separation: For best results, consider storing steak, queso, and rice separately. This keeps flavors intact and allows for easy reassembly when you’re ready to indulge again! Variations & Substitutions for Steak Queso Rice Each bite of Steak Queso Rice is a joyful experience, but don’t hesitate to let your creativity shine through with these easy variations! Vegetarian Delight: Swap steak for sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Featuring fresh veggies elevates this dish while keeping it hearty and satisfying. Protein Swap: Use chicken or shrimp in place of steak, seasoned similarly. Both options bring their own distinct flavors while maintaining that comforting vibe. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of chili powder to the queso for those who love a spicy edge. This will enhance the overall flavor and give it a delightful heat. Low-Carb Option: Instead of rice, serve the queso and steak mixture over a bed of cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb version. This will keep you feeling good while satisfying your cravings! Extra Creaminess: Stir in a bit more cream cheese or use cream of mushroom soup as a base for the sauce, for a richer mouthfeel. Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or chives alongside cilantro for added freshness. This can brighten up the overall dish and provide layers of flavor. Cheese Combination: Try mixing in different types of cheese like Gouda or Pepper Jack for a unique twist. A blend of cheeses brings an exciting depth of flavor in every bite. Flavorful Broth: Experiment with a spiced coconut milk instead of beef broth for a tropical twist. It’ll add a delightful creaminess and a hint of sweetness that complements the savory elements beautifully. These variations not only allow you to tailor the dish to your taste but can make your dinner routine fun and exciting! For more ideas to spice up your meals, check out our rich Cheesy Rice Casserole or bring a touch of tropical flavor with Caribbean Chicken Rice. Enjoy your culinary adventure! What to Serve with Hearty Steak Queso Rice Bowl? Indulging in this comforting dish? Let’s create the perfect meal alongside your delicious Steak Queso Rice with these delightful pairings. Fresh Side Salad: A light mix of greens and vinaigrette brings balance and a refreshing crunch, perfect to cut through the richness. Crispy Tortilla Chips: Serve these alongside for a satisfying crunch. They’re perfect for dipping in any leftover queso sauce! Guacamole: Creamy and zesty, guacamole adds a vibrant flavor contrast, enhancing the Tex-Mex theme beautifully. Grilled Vegetables: Brightly colored veggies like bell peppers and zucchini elevate the meal’s freshness while adding a nutty charred flavor. Mexican Street Corn: Sweet corn with lime and spices creates a delightful texture and flavor pairing, rounding out your feast with joy. Pair these suggested sides for an enticing banquet that brings family and friends together to share in the warmth of home-cooked comfort! Steak Queso Rice Recipe FAQs What type of steak should I use? I recommend using high-quality cuts like sirloin or ribeye for optimal tenderness and flavor. Avoid tougher cuts, as they can detract from your Steak Queso Rice experience. If you’re in a pinch, flank steak is also a great option! How do I know when my steak is cooked perfectly? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: 130°F for medium-rare and 145°F for medium. Additionally, don’t forget to let your steak rest for about 5 minutes after cooking; this helps keep it juicy and succulent. Can I store leftovers, and how long will they last? Absolutely! Store leftover Steak Queso Rice in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to keep it fresh. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. How should I freeze the components of the dish? For the best results, I suggest freezing components separately. Place the rice in one container and the steak and queso in their own containers. This prevents the sauce from changing texture when thawed. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat everything separately before assembling your bowl. What are some dietary considerations for this recipe? This Steak Queso Rice recipe is quite versatile! If you’re accommodating dietary restrictions, feel free to substitute the steak with chicken or shrimp, and for a vegetarian option, sautéed vegetables work beautifully. Additionally, you can use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream if you’re looking for a healthier twist. Savory Steak Queso Rice: Your New Favorite Comfort Bowl Steak Queso Rice is a comforting bowl filled with tender steak and creamy queso over seasoned rice, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: Tex-MexCalories: 650 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Rice1 cup Rice (Jasmine/Basmati) Rinse before cooking to remove excess starch2 cups Beef Broth Can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth2 tablespoons Butter Margarine or oil can be used for dairy-free dietsFor the Steak1 pound Steak Strips Feel free to replace with chicken or shrimp2 tablespoons Olive Oil Any cooking oil or butter works too1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste; kosher salt recommended1 teaspoon Black Pepper Crushed red pepper makes a great alternative1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic is a substitution1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika will elevate the dish1 teaspoon Cumin Swap for coriander for a different flavorFor the Queso Sauce1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half is a lighter option4 ounces Cream Cheese Can skip for a lighter version1 cup Shredded White Cheddar Cheese Any melting cheese like Gouda works1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese Mixing cheeses creates a depth of flavor1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Adjust to taste based on preferenceFor Garnish1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Green onions can substitute for freshness1/4 cup Jalapeño Slices Optional if a milder flavor is preferred1/2 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can be a tangy alternative1/2 cup Diced Tomatoes Canned tomatoes are a convenient alternative Equipment Medium saucepanLarge skilletSmall saucepanMixing bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Steak Queso RiceIn a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of beef broth to a boil, adding 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir in 1 cup of rinsed jasmine or basmati rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Fluff and set aside.Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss 1 pound of steak strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Add the seasoned steak to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes.In a small saucepan over low heat, warm 1 cup of heavy cream until steaming. Blend in 4 ounces of cream cheese until smooth, then whisk in 1 cup each of shredded white cheddar and Monterey Jack until melted. Stir in garlic powder and cayenne pepper, keep warm.Spoon a generous portion of cooked rice into serving bowls, layer steak strips over the rice, and drizzle with queso sauce.Garnish with fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes, add jalapeño slices and a dollop of sour cream, and serve immediately. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg NotesFor best results, consider storing the steak, queso, and rice separately. This keeps flavors intact for reassembly when ready to eat again. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
