Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred the bubbling queso sauce, my kitchen filled with that unmistakable Tex-Mex aroma that transports me straight to a bustling food truck in my favorite neighborhood. Today, I’m excited to share my take on Steak Queso Rice, a delightful medley of succulent seared steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice. This dish shines not only for its rich flavors but also for its speed—ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back get-togethers. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, zesty lime, or spicy jalapeños. Are you ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this comforting and satisfying recipe! Why is Steak Queso Rice so Special?Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You won’t have to sacrifice flavor for speed!Rich, Creamy Queso: The queso sauce envelops each component with velvety creaminess, creating a heartwarming comfort food experience.Endless Customization: Personalize your bowl! Top it with cilantro, lime, and avocado for freshness, or kick up the heat with jalapeños.Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or friendly gatherings, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.Nostalgic Flavors: Reminiscent of your favorite Tex-Mex restaurants, it’s an experience that serves both deliciousness and fond memories. Try pairing it with a Cheesy Rice Casserole for a comforting spread!Steak Queso Rice IngredientsFor the Steak • Flank or Sirloin Steak – Choose these cuts for their flavor and tenderness, making your dish truly shine.For the Base • Rice – This fluffy base soaks up the delicious queso and steak juices, creating a satisfying texture.For the Queso Sauce • Queso Sauce – This creamy staple brings richness and a delightful cheesy flavor that defines your Steak Queso Rice.For Garnishing • Cilantro – Add this fresh herb for a burst of brightness and color. Optional, but highly recommended! • Lime – A squeeze not only adds acidity but also balances the richness of the dish; a zesty touch! • Avocado – This creamy addition brings richness and healthy fats to your meal. • Jalapeños – For those who crave a kick of heat, jalapeños elevate your dish with a spicy flair!For Reheating • Broth/Water – When reheating, splash in some broth or water to revive moisture and enhance the flavors.Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Steak Queso RiceStep 1: Cook the Rice Begin by rinsing 1 cup of rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of water, bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is fluffy. Remove the rice from heat and let it rest, covered, as you prepare the rest of the dish.Step 2: Sear the Steak While the rice cooks, take your flank or sirloin steak and pat it dry with paper towels. Season it generously with your favorite spices. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then sear the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, until a nice crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 130°F. Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.Step 3: Prepare Queso Sauce In a saucepan over medium heat, combine your choice of cheese with milk and a splash of broth for added flavor. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Be attentive to avoid burning the cheese; it should be velvety and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Once done, remove it from heat and set aside while you assemble your Steak Queso Rice.Step 4: Assemble the Dish Start by fluffing the cooked rice with a fork and serving it as the base in warm bowls. Layer the sliced steak evenly over the rice, allowing its juices to mingle with the fluffy grains, enhancing the flavor of the dish. Next, generously pour the creamy queso sauce over the steak, ensuring every bite will be rich and flavorful.Step 5: Garnish To finish your Steak Queso Rice, add your preferred garnishes. Sprinkle fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness, squeeze lime juice for a zesty kick, and add creamy avocado slices for richness. If you enjoy spice, choose thin slices of jalapeños to top your dish! These additions will elevate this comforting meal and personalize it to your taste.Variations & Substitutions for Steak Queso RiceFeel free to get creative with your Steak Queso Rice by trying out these fun variations! Each twist adds a unique touch that’s sure to delight your taste buds.Chicken Alternative: Swap out the steak for juicy grilled chicken for a lighter option. This change brings a different flavor profile while keeping the heartiness.Shrimp Twist: For a seafood delight, use shrimp instead of steak. Sauté them until pink and tender for a delicious variation that’s full of flavor.Vegetarian Version: Replace the protein with sautéed mushrooms or black beans. They provide a satisfying texture while keeping the dish hearty and filling!Spicy Kick: Add diced serrano or habanero peppers to the queso sauce for extra heat. This fiery twist will definitely perk up each bite if you crave that spicy edge.Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb twist, use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy all the flavors with a lighter texture.Creamy Avocado Sauce: Instead of queso, blend ripe avocados with lime juice and a dash of garlic for a creamy, green sauce. It’s a refreshing alternative that pairs beautifully!Bell Pepper Addition: Stir in sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra sweetness and crunch. They’ll add vibrant colors and nutrition, making your dish even more appealing.Mixed Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheese blends in your queso, such as pepper jack for a little heat or a sharp cheddar for richer flavor. Each option brings a distinct personality to your dish.No matter how you choose to customize, you’ll be serving up a dish that’s uniquely yours. And if you’re looking for more comfort food inspiration, consider trying out the hearty Caribbean Chicken Rice or the delightful Bbq Steak Rice for your next family meal!What to Serve with Creamy Steak Queso RiceCreate a satisfying meal that dazzles the senses and complements the rich, creamy flavors of your dish with these delightful pairings.Crispy Tortilla Chips: These crunchy bites are perfect for scooping up the creamy queso, adding a satisfying texture to your meal.Fresh Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty rice dish. It’s an excellent palate cleanser!Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, charred corn enhances the Tex-Mex vibe while adding a burst of color and sweetness that balances the savory steak.Black Bean Salsa: This zesty, protein-packed salsa, with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, complements the dish well, adding both flavor and nutrients.Spicy Pickled Vegetables: For an extra kick, serve with pickled jalapeños or carrots. Their acidity brightens each bite, enhancing the overall experience.Classic Margaritas: A perfectly mixed margarita pairs beautifully with the Tex-Mex theme, soothing the palate while keeping the party alive!Remember, the combination of textures and flavors is key to elevating your dinner, making each bite explode with excitement and warmth.Expert Tips for Steak Queso RicePerfect Steak Timing: Don’t over-cook the steak; aim for medium-rare to ensure it stays tender. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy—130°F is ideal.Smooth Queso Sauce: Stir continuously while heating the queso sauce to avoid burning. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.Rice Fluffiness: Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps keep it fluffy and prevents clumping in your Steak Queso Rice.Garnish Wisely: Fresh garnishes like cilantro and lime can brighten the dish, while jalapeños offer heat. Don’t skip these—they add layers of flavor!Customizable Options: Feel free to mix in sautéed bell peppers or onions into the dish for extra flavor. Make it your own!Make Ahead OptionsThese Creamy Steak Queso Rice bowls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can cook the rice and prepare the queso sauce up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For the steak, consider cooking it a day ahead as well—just be sure to slice it just before serving to keep it tender. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the rice and steak in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep the rice moist. Drizzle the creamy queso sauce over the top, and your flavorful dish will be just as delicious as if it were made fresh!How to Store and Freeze Steak Queso RiceFridge: Store leftover Steak Queso Rice in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.Reheating: To reheat, place the frozen or refrigerated Steak Queso Rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding broth or water as needed. Cover to steam and heat through for a warm, creamy meal.Wrapping: If freezing, ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. Portioning into single servings can help with easy reheating later!Steak Queso Rice Recipe FAQsHow do I select the right steak for my dish? Absolutely! For the best flavor and tenderness, I recommend using flank or sirloin steak. These cuts not only sear beautifully but also hold up well when sliced thinly. Look for cuts with a rich, red color and minimal visible fat.How should I store leftover Steak Queso Rice? To maintain freshness, store any leftover Steak Queso Rice in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing—this prevents condensation and keeps your dish tasty!Can I freeze Steak Queso Rice? If so, how? Very much! If you want to freeze your Steak Queso Rice, place it in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. For reheating, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and add a splash of broth or water when warming to restore moisture.What if my queso sauce is too thick? If your queso sauce turns out too thick, don’t worry! Simply add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up and stir over low heat until it reaches your desired creaminess. Stirring continuously is key to avoid any burning.Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? While Steak Queso Rice is not specifically formulated for dietary restrictions, feel free to customize it! If anyone is gluten-sensitive or has dairy allergies, you can substitute with gluten-free broth and a dairy-free cheese alternative. Just make sure to check labels for any hidden allergens!How long will this dish last in the fridge? Leftover Steak Queso Rice can be stored in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. For the best experience, don’t wait too long to enjoy those rich flavors again!Irresistibly Creamy Steak Queso Rice for Cozy DinnersA delightful medley of succulent seared steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice, ready in just 45 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to your taste. Print Recipe Pin RecipePrep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes minsServings: 4 servingsCourse: BeefCuisine: Tex-MexCalories: 550 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition NotesIngredients 1x2x3x? For the Steak1 lb Flank or Sirloin Steak Choose these cuts for their flavor and tenderness.For the Base1 cup Rice This fluffy base soaks up the delicious queso and steak juices.For the Queso Sauce1 cup Queso Sauce Brings richness and a delightful cheesy flavor.For Garnishing1/4 cup Cilantro Optional, but highly recommended for freshness.1 unit Lime A squeeze adds acidity and balances richness.1 unit Avocado Adds richness and healthy fats.1 unit Jalapeños For those who crave a kick of heat.For Reheating1/4 cup Broth/Water Use when reheating to restore moisture.Equipment Medium saucepanSkilletMethod Cooking StepsRinse 1 cup of rice under cold water. Combine with 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil and then simmer for 18-20 minutes until fluffy.Pat the steak dry and season. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Let it rest.In a saucepan, combine cheese, milk, and broth over medium heat. Stir until cheese melts and the sauce is creamy, about 5-7 minutes.Fluff the cooked rice and serve as the base in bowls. Layer sliced steak over rice and pour queso sauce on top.Garnish with cilantro, lime juice, avocado slices, and jalapeños as desired.Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mgNotesStore leftover Steak Queso Rice in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with broth or water as needed.Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
