Let’s talk about a dish that’s equal parts comforting and indulgent. Imagine juicy, tender steak paired with the creaminess of melty queso, all served over a bed of perfectly seasoned rice. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel like you’re dining out at your favorite restaurant, but it’s quick, easy, and totally doable at home.
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Trust me, this Steak & Queso Rice is about to become your new weeknight favorite. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with so much flavor that every bite feels like a little celebration. Ready to dig in? Let’s go!
Why You’ll Love Steak & Queso Rice
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re whipping this up for a cozy dinner for one, a meal prep win, or a gathering with friends, this dish is versatile enough for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: You can easily adjust this to suit your preferences. Want more veggies? Add some sautéed bell peppers or onions. Prefer chicken over steak? Go for it!
Budget-Friendly: A delicious meal doesn’t have to break the bank. With just a few pantry essentials and a bit of steak, you can create something that feels a little fancy without the fancy price tag.
Quick and Easy: Steak? Queso? Rice? All of it comes together quickly, making this the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or even a lazy weekend lunch.
Customizable: Feel free to add some heat with jalapeños or spice it up with chili powder. You can tweak the flavors to match your mood!
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s hard to go wrong when you’ve got steak and queso on your side. This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients in Steak & Queso Rice
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life. It’s a simple but bold combination of flavors that makes this meal so irresistible.
Steak: The star of the show. Whether you’re using flank, sirloin, or ribeye, a well-cooked steak adds that satisfying, savory flavor to the dish.
Rice: A fluffy base that soaks up all that delicious queso and juices from the steak. You can go with white, brown, or even cauliflower rice if you’re in the mood for a lighter option.
Queso: Creamy, cheesy goodness that binds everything together. A store-bought version works perfectly, or you can make your own homemade queso if you’re feeling adventurous.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: For that extra layer of savory depth.
Cumin & Paprika: These spices add warmth and earthiness to the dish.
Olive Oil: For cooking the steak and keeping everything nice and juicy.
Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens everything up and adds a pop of color.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s walk through the steps to make this hearty and comforting dish:
Cook the Rice: Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions. This will be the base for your dish, so make sure it’s nice and fluffy.
Prepare the Steak: While the rice cooks, season your steak with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the steak to your desired doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
Make the Queso: In a separate saucepan, heat your queso over medium heat until it’s creamy and warm. You can add a bit of milk or cream to get the perfect consistency if needed.
Assemble the Dish: On a plate or in a bowl, layer the cooked rice, top with the sliced steak, and drizzle generously with queso. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: This dish is best served warm, straight from the kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that’s both comforting and a little indulgent—perfect for satisfying all your cravings.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 480
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Steak & Queso Rice
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a light, crisp salad to balance the richness of the dish. A simple mixed green salad or a zesty cucumber salad works wonders.
Roasted Vegetables: Try some roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to complement the savory steak and cheesy rice.
Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative—add some salsa, guacamole, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
As a Standalone: Honestly, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but feel free to make it even more indulgent with extra queso or avocado slices.
Presentation Tip: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of extra queso for that restaurant-quality look!
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Cook the rice and steak in advance for an even quicker meal later. Store separately and reheat as needed.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños to the steak or sprinkle some chili powder on top for a spicy kick.
Dietary Adjustments: You can use a plant-based steak or tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk to keep the queso creamy.
Double the Batch: This dish makes great leftovers, so double it up if you’re cooking for a crowd or want extra for meal prep!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use ground beef instead of steak?
A1: Absolutely! Ground beef would work great, just cook it through and crumble it for a similar effect.
Q2: Can I make the queso ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make queso in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving!
Q3: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A3: Of course! Brown rice will add a bit more texture and a nutty flavor. Just be sure to cook it a little longer.
Q4: How can I make this dish spicier?
A4: You can add chopped jalapeños to the steak while it cooks, or drizzle a spicy salsa or hot sauce on top when serving.
Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese for the queso?
A5: Yes! You can mix and match cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of pepper jack for an extra kick.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the queso smooth.
Q7: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A7: Yes! Try using a plant-based steak or marinated tofu instead of the regular steak.
Q8: How do I reheat this dish?
A8: Reheat the rice and steak separately, then drizzle with warmed queso. You can also reheat in the microwave with a little extra cheese or milk to keep things creamy.
Q9: Can I freeze this dish?
A9: It’s best to freeze the rice and steak separately. Queso doesn’t freeze well, so it’s better to make it fresh when ready to eat.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! If you’ve got a crowd to feed or want leftovers, just double the ingredients and enjoy!
Conclusion
There you have it—Steak & Queso Rice, the perfect blend of savory steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice. It’s simple to make, customizable, and downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to satisfy. Go ahead, dig in, and treat yourself to something amazing!
Print
Steak & Queso Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and comforting dish featuring tender steak, creamy queso, and seasoned rice. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup queso cheese sauce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the sliced steak with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add steak to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
- Lower heat to medium and stir in cooked rice, mixing well with the steak and pan drippings.
- Pour in the queso sauce and stir until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Add diced tomatoes and green onions, stirring to combine.
- Remove from heat, garnish with cilantro if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked rice for a quicker meal.
- Substitute chicken or ground beef for steak if preferred.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Great for meal prep—store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg