The aroma of sizzling steak mingling with creamy, cheesy goodness is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Picture a hearty bowl of Steak and Queso Rice, where tender chunks of steak dance through a bed of fluffy rice, all drizzled in a rich queso sauce that’s so good, it could make you weep tears of joy. This dish is perfect for family dinners, game nights, or any occasion where comfort food reigns supreme. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were practically fighting over the last bite. It was one of those magical evenings filled with laughter and cheesy puns, all thanks to this delightful meal. Now, every time I whip up a batch of Steak and Queso Rice, it feels like inviting everyone back to that joyous night. Trust me when I say you’ll want to make this often!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The juicy steak paired with smooth queso creates an irresistible flavor explosion in every bite
- Preparation takes minimal effort while maximizing taste, making it ideal for busy weeknights
- The vibrant colors and textures make your plate pop, impressing any guest at your dinner table
- It’s versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side for tacos or burritos
I once served this dish at a potluck, and folks were asking for the recipe before they even finished their first helping!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Steak: Use cuts like ribeye or sirloin for tenderness and rich flavor; they grill beautifully!
Long-Grain Rice: Choose long-grain rice for its fluffy texture; it pairs perfectly with the queso.
Queso Cheese Sauce: Go for a good quality cheese sauce for that creamy consistency; homemade can elevate the dish!
Bell Peppers: Fresh bell peppers add crunch and color; I love using red and yellow ones for sweetness.
Onion: A sweet onion works best; caramelize it to bring out its natural sugars.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; don’t skimp on it if you love flavor!
Spices: Season with cumin and chili powder for warmth; these spices will enhance the overall flavor.
Cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro brings brightness; sprinkle some on top before serving for extra freshness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Steak and Queso Rice
First things first: let’s get that steak ready!
Sear the Steak: Start by seasoning your steak generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough to sizzle upon contact. Cook your steak for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned but still juicy inside.
Sauté the Vegetables: Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest while you toss in some diced onions and bell peppers into that same skillet. Cook them until they soften and become aromatic—about 5 minutes should do the trick.
Add Garlic & Rice: Toss in minced garlic with your veggies until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Then add rinsed long-grain rice to soak up those lovely flavors while stirring everything together well.
Pour in Broth & Simmer: Add chicken or beef broth to your mixture (about double the amount of rice). Bring it all to a boil then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes until rice is fluffy and has absorbed all liquid.
Create Queso Sauce: While your rice cooks away contentedly, prepare your queso cheese sauce separately if you’re not using store-bought. Combine shredded cheese with milk in a saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth—don’t forget to stir!
Combine It All Together!: Fluff that cooked rice with a fork before mixing in your chopped steak and luscious queso sauce. Stir everything together gently until well combined. You can garnish with fresh cilantro if desired!
And there you have it—a heavenly bowl of Steak and Queso Rice ready to be devoured!
You Must Know
- Cooking steak to the perfect doneness takes practice and patience
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy
- Nothing ruins a meal like overcooked steak, but trust me, it’s worth the effort
- The aroma of sizzling steak will have everyone flocking to the kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the steak in a hot pan for a nice crust, then reduce heat to cook through evenly. This method ensures you achieve that balance of crispy outside and juicy inside.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out seasonings or add your favorite veggies for extra flavor. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can transform the dish into something extraordinary!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain tenderness without drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When cooking steak, let it rest after searing; this keeps all those delicious juices inside
- Always use high-quality cheese for your queso for maximum creaminess and flavor
- Finally, don’t rush; allow flavors to meld together for the best result!
The first time I made Steak and Queso Rice, my friends devoured it before I even had a chance to grab a plate! Their delighted faces were priceless and made all the effort worthwhile.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese for queso?
Absolutely! Experiment with cheddar or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
What is the best steak cut for this recipe?
Ribeye or sirloin works beautifully as they are tender and flavorful.
How long should I let the steak rest before slicing?
Let your steak rest for at least five minutes after cooking for juicy results.
Steak and Queso Rice
Steak and Queso Rice is a mouthwatering fusion of tender steak, fluffy rice, and creamy queso sauce that elevates any meal. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights, this dish combines ease of preparation with unforgettable flavors. Enjoy the delightful aroma as you create a vibrant plate that will impress everyone at your table. Get ready for flavor explosions in every bite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 cup queso cheese sauce
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and yellow)
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Season steak with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Sear in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until browned but juicy. Remove and let rest.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Stir in rinsed rice, then add double the amount of broth (2 cups). Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is fluffy.
- Prepare queso sauce separately if not using store-bought by melting shredded cheese with milk over low heat until smooth.
- Fluff rice with a fork, combine with chopped steak and queso sauce. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Swap out vegetables or add smoked paprika for extra flavor. Let steak rest properly to lock in juices for maximum tenderness.