Seared steak with cheesy queso over fluffy rice is a delightful dish that brings together comforting flavors and textures. This Steak Queso Rice recipe is perfect for quick dinners, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a satisfying meal. The combination of tender steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice makes it a standout choice on your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes only 45 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices and cheesy goodness creates a rich flavor that will satisfy your cravings.
- Versatile Garnishes: Customize each serving with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, or jalapeños for added freshness.
- Comfort Food Classic: Combining steak and queso over rice delivers a warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
- Great for Leftovers: Enjoy delicious leftovers the next day; this dish holds up well in the fridge.
Tools and Preparation
For preparing your Steak Queso Rice, having the right tools can make all the difference. Gather your kitchen essentials before you begin cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good quality skillet ensures even cooking and perfect searing of the steak.
- Pot: A sturdy pot is essential for cooking the rice evenly without sticking.
- Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes slicing the steak easier and safer.
Ingredients
Seared steak with cheesy queso over fluffy rice—comforting, bold, and ideal for quick dinners.
For the Steak:
- 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
For the Queso:
- 1½ cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 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
For the Rice:
- 2 cups broth or water
- Salt, as needed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices
- Sliced jalapeños
How to Make Steak Queso Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Pat steak dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil and coat both sides with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat a large skillet until very hot. Sear steak for 4–5 minutes per side based on thickness and preferred doneness.
Step 3: Rest and Slice Steak
Transfer steak to a cutting board and let rest for 5–10 minutes. Slice thinly across the grain to maintain tenderness.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Rinse rice under cold water. Heat olive oil in a pot; stir in rice and garlic powder to coat. Toast lightly. Add broth or water. Bring to boil, cover, and simmer on low for 18–20 minutes.
Step 5: Make the Queso Sauce
In the same skillet used for steak, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic; cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in milk; bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Incorporate Cheeses
Gradually add shredded cheeses into the milk mixture while stirring until smooth. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve Your Dish
Spoon rice onto plates. Top with sliced steak and ladle warm queso sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, and sliced jalapeños as desired.
Enjoy your delicious Steak Queso Rice!
How to Serve Steak Queso Rice
Serving Steak Queso Rice is all about enhancing the flavors and creating a delightful dining experience. Here are some tasty suggestions to elevate your meal.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze lime over the dish for a zesty kick.
- Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy heat, add sliced jalapeños on top.
Accompanying Dishes
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole complements the richness of the queso.
- Salsa Verde: A tangy salsa verde provides a refreshing contrast to the cheese sauce.
- Corn Tortillas: Warm tortillas make a great side for scooping up rice and queso.
Beverage Pairings
- Iced Tea: A cold glass of iced tea balances the richness with its refreshing flavor.
- Mexican Beer: Enjoying a light Mexican beer can enhance the Tex-Mex experience.
How to Perfect Steak Queso Rice
Perfecting Steak Queso Rice involves a few simple tricks that can take your dish to the next level. Follow these tips for an outstanding meal.
- Use Quality Meat: Select high-quality flank or sirloin steak for better flavor and tenderness.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the steak to rest before slicing keeps it juicy and flavorful.
- Toast the Rice: Lightly toasting the rice before cooking adds depth to its flavor.
- Gradual Cheese Addition: Adding cheese gradually prevents clumping and ensures a smooth queso sauce.
- Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning; it enhances all the flavors in your dish.
- Customize Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes or sour cream for extra flair.
Best Side Dishes for Steak Queso Rice
To round out your meal, consider these delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with Steak Queso Rice. Each option adds variety and flavor.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and savory, refried beans complement the cheesy goodness of the main dish.
- Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn topped with mayo, cheese, and chili powder is a tasty and vibrant addition.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa provide a fun appetizer while you enjoy your meal.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad offers freshness that balances out the rich flavors of steak and cheese.
- Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains add a unique twist and sweetness that contrasts well with savory dishes.
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and cilantro brightens up your plate with freshness.
- Black Bean Salad: A zesty black bean salad can be both nutritious and flavorful alongside your steak queso rice.
Enjoy your delicious meal!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Steak Queso Rice, it’s easy to make mistakes that can impact the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Overcooking the steak: Cooking the steak for too long can lead to a tough texture. Aim for medium-rare or medium doneness for the best results.
- Not seasoning enough: Skipping proper seasoning can leave your dish bland. Make sure to generously season both the steak and cheese sauce.
- Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese can lead to a grainy queso. Opt for high-quality cheddar and Monterey Jack for a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Rinsing rice improperly: Failing to rinse rice can result in excess starch, making it gummy. Rinse until the water runs clear for fluffy rice.
- Skipping the resting time: Cutting into steak immediately after cooking can cause juices to escape. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Steak Queso Rice in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Steak Queso Rice
- Portion out leftovers into freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Steak Queso Rice
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth or water. Stir occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about preparing Steak Queso Rice.
What cuts of steak are best for Steak Queso Rice?
Flank or sirloin steak works well due to their tenderness and flavor profile when seared.
Can I make Steak Queso Rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare components ahead of time. Store the steak, rice, and queso separately until ready to serve.
How do I customize my Steak Queso Rice?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor. Toppings like avocado or jalapeños enhance the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep and quick dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Steak Queso Rice is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week. With its cheesy goodness and flavorful steak, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or ingredients!
Steak Queso Rice
Steak Queso Rice is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory seared steak with rich, creamy queso sauce over fluffy rice. This Tex-Mex-inspired dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings and takes just 45 minutes to prepare. The tender steak, enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, paired with light and airy rice, creates a satisfying meal that will leave everyone craving more. Customize each bowl with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or spicy jalapeños for added flavor. With easy preparation and endless variations, this hearty dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your dinner rotation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
- 450g 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
- Salt, as needed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Pat the steak dry and rub with olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet until hot and sear the steak for 4–5 minutes per side.
- Let the steak rest before slicing thinly against the grain.
- In a pot, heat olive oil; stir in rinsed rice and garlic powder. Add broth or water, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes.
- In the same skillet used for the steak, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in milk and let simmer gently.
- Gradually add shredded cheeses while stirring until smooth. Season to taste.
- Serve rice topped with sliced steak and queso sauce; garnish as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
