Steak Queso Rice

When you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying, nothing beats a big bowl of Steak Queso Rice. This recipe combines juicy, perfectly seared steak, creamy queso sauce, and fluffy rice into one irresistible dish. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a restaurant-quality meal but can be made right in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this Steak Queso Rice recipe will hit the spot every single time.

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Why You’ll Love Steak Queso Rice

• Bold flavors: The smoky seared steak pairs beautifully with creamy, melty queso.

• Family favorite: Both adults and kids love it—comforting but not complicated.

• Versatile: Serve it as a main dish, stuff it in burritos, or enjoy it as a side to tacos or grilled veggies.

• Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch and portion for quick lunches or dinners.

This is not just another rice recipe—it’s a powerhouse of flavor that brings Tex-Mex vibes straight to your table.

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Ingredients for Steak Queso Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect Steak Queso Rice at home. All ingredients are easily available in most grocery stores.

For the Steak:

• 1 ½ pounds flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Juice of 1 lime

For the Rice:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• ½ teaspoon salt

the Queso Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups whole milk (warm)

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• Salt, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Sliced jalapeños

• Pico de gallo

• Sour cream

• Avocado slices

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make this Steak Queso Rice recipe, gather the following tools:

• Large skillet or cast-iron pan (for steak)

• Medium saucepan (for queso sauce)

• Medium pot with lid (for rice)

• Sharp chef’s knife

• Cutting board

• Wooden spoon or whisk

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make a perfect batch of Steak Queso Rice.

1: Cook the Rice

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the rice cook fluffy.

2. In a medium pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, butter, and salt.

3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until tender.

4. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

2: Season and Cook the Steak

1. Pat the steak dry with paper towels.

2. Rub olive oil over the steak, then season generously with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Squeeze lime juice over the top.

3. Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until very hot.

4. Sear steak for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust for preferred doneness).

5. Transfer steak to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

3: Make the Queso Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

2. Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth and thickened.

3. Lower heat, then stir in Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese until melted.

4. Add diced tomatoes with green chilies, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until creamy. Season with salt to taste.

4: Assemble the Steak Queso Rice

1. Spoon a generous serving of rice into a bowl or plate.

2. Add sliced steak on top.

3. Pour warm queso sauce generously over the steak and rice.

4. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, or avocado slices if desired.

And there you have it—a steaming, creamy, and flavorful plate of Steak Queso Rice ready to enjoy!

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Helpful Tips for Perfect Steak Queso Rice

• Choose the right cut: Flank, skirt, or sirloin steak works best because they cook quickly and slice beautifully.

• Don’t skip resting the steak: Resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping your steak tender.

• Cheese matters: Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded bags for a smoother queso sauce.

• Spice control: Adjust chili powder and cayenne to your heat preference.

• Make it a bowl: Layer with black beans, corn, or sautéed peppers to create a Tex-Mex style burrito bowl.

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Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

Approximate values for 1 serving (out of 6 servings):

• Calories: 620 kcal

• Protein: 38 g

• Carbohydrates: 52 g

• Fat: 28 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sodium: 820 mg

• Calcium: 240 mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

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Variations of Steak Queso Rice

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some fun variations:

• Spicy Steak Queso Rice: Add extra jalapeños or hot sauce to the queso.

• Veggie Version: Replace steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted cauliflower.

• Tex-Mex Bowl: Add black beans, corn, and guacamole for a Chipotle-style meal.

• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice while keeping the queso and steak the same.

• Loaded Nacho Style: Use the steak and queso rice as a topping for tortilla chips.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Meal Prep: Cook rice and steak ahead of time. Store separately and assemble with queso when ready to eat.

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze cooked steak and rice (without queso) for up to 2 months. Reheat and add fresh queso.

• Reheating: Warm rice and steak in the microwave or skillet. Heat queso on the stove, stirring often to prevent separation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! Brown rice works well, but it requires a longer cooking time (about 40–45 minutes).

2. What’s the best cheese for queso sauce?

A combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar melts smoothly and gives the best flavor. You can also add a bit of Velveeta for extra creaminess.

3. Can I grill the steak instead of pan-searing?

Absolutely. Grilling gives the steak a smoky char that complements the queso beautifully.

4. How do I prevent the queso from becoming grainy?

Use freshly shredded cheese and add it gradually over low heat. Avoid overheating once the cheese is melted.

5. Is Steak Queso Rice spicy?

It can be mild or spicy depending on how much chili powder, cayenne, and diced chilies you use. Adjust to taste.

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Why Steak  Is the Perfect Dinner Idea

This dish is not just delicious—it’s practical. With steak for protein, rice for carbs, and queso for indulgence, you’ve got a complete meal in one bowl. It’s hearty enough for dinner yet flexible enough for lunch leftovers.

If you’re someone who loves Tex-Mex, comfort food, or simply wants to try something new, Steak Rice is a guaranteed winner.

Conclusion

Steak Queso Rice is the perfect marriage of tender, juicy steak, creamy queso sauce, and fluffy rice—all brought together in one bowl of comfort. It’s rich, flavorful, customizable, and sure to impress both family and guests.

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