Irresistible Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak Strips

Imagine sinking your spoon into a bowl of creamy queso rice with juicy steak strips that’s bubbling with cheesy goodness. The moment the rich, velvety cheese meets the tender, perfectly cooked steak, it’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth, making every bite both comforting and indulgent. The aroma wafts through the room, teasing your senses and promising an unforgettable culinary experience.

Now, picture this dish gracing your dinner table on a cozy weeknight or during a lively weekend gathering with friends. It’s the kind of meal that draws everyone in, sparking conversations and laughter as you all dig in. Trust me, once you make this creamy queso rice with juicy steak strips, it will go from just another recipe to a cherished family favorite.

I remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; my brother-in-law declared it the “best thing since sliced bread,” which I think is high praise considering he once tried to deep-fry a salad.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Long Grain Rice: I prefer long grain for its fluffy texture; it absorbs flavors beautifully without becoming mushy.

• Steak Strips: Use tender cuts like flank or sirloin. They cook quickly and are bursting with flavor when seasoned well.

• Queso Blanco: This creamy cheese adds richness; if unavailable, substitute with Velveeta or any mild cheddar.

• Bell Peppers: Any color works! They add sweetness and crunch to balance the creaminess of the queso.

• Onion: A sweet onion enhances flavor; sauté until translucent for that sweet aroma.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here; use minced or crushed cloves for maximum flavor impact.

• Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing the rice’s flavor.

• Cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness at the end—don’t skip it unless you’re one of those who thinks it tastes like soap!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make creamy queso rice with juicy steak strips

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping your veggies. Dice bell peppers and onions finely to ensure even cooking.

Cook the Rice: In a saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil over medium heat. Stir in long grain rice and let it simmer until cooked through, approximately 18-20 minutes.

Sauté Steak Strips: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak strips with salt and pepper before adding them to the hot pan; cook until browned but still juicy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Veggies: Toss in diced onions and bell peppers into the skillet with the steak strips and sauté until they soften and release their lovely aromas—about 5 minutes should do!

Melt Queso Cheese: Reduce heat to low; add queso blanco into your skillet mixture. Stir slowly until melted and creamy while ensuring everything is coated evenly.

Combine Rice: Finally, fold in your cooked rice gently into the skillet mixture so each grain gets enveloped by that cheesy goodness—cook another minute just to warm through!

And there you have it! A delicious creamy queso rice with juicy steak strips that will elevate any meal into something special. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve optimal results, cook the steak first for that perfect sear, then prepare the creamy queso rice while it rests. This sequence ensures the flavors meld beautifully and every component shines.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the steak for chicken or shrimp, and try different cheeses like pepper jack for an added kick. Customize spices to suit your palate and make this dish uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it creamy.

Cooking this dish reminds me of a lively family dinner where laughter was as abundant as the food. Everyone couldn’t get enough of the creamy queso rice with juicy steak strips, leaving no leftovers behind!

FAQ

Can I use different meats in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken or shrimp also work wonderfully in this creamy queso rice dish.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding jalapeños or chipotle peppers for a spicy twist that complements the dish.

How do I make it vegetarian-friendly?

Swap the steak for black beans or grilled vegetables, and use vegetable broth for cooking.

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Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak Strips

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Creamy queso rice with juicy steak strips is the ultimate comfort food that combines luxurious cheese, tender steak, and vibrant veggies for a meal that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s no wonder this recipe quickly becomes a family favorite!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet cooking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup long grain rice
• 1 lb steak strips (flank or sirloin)
• 1 cup queso blanco (or Velveeta)
• 1 cup bell peppers (diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients by dicing the bell peppers and onions.
2. In a saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in rice and simmer for about 18-20 minutes until cooked.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak strips with salt and pepper, then cook for 3-4 minutes until browned.
4. Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with steak and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
5. Reduce heat to low, add queso blanco, stirring until melted and creamy.
6. Gently fold in the cooked rice until well combined; warm through for another minute.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Experiment with different proteins like chicken or shrimp. Add jalapeños for extra spice or try using pepper jack cheese.