STEAK & QUESO RICE

This Steak & Queso Rice Recipe is a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinneror a comforting meal prep option. Juicy seasoned steak, creamy melted queso, and fluffy rice come together in one irresistible dish. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality Tex-Mex meal at home!

🛒 Ingredients for Steak & Queso Rice

🥩 For the Steak

• 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak) (thinly sliced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin

🍚 For the Rice

• 1 cup long-grain rice (white or jasmine rice)
• 2 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon salt

🧀 For the Queso Sauce

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra heat!)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

🍽️ Substitutions for Steak & Queso Rice

• No steak? Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Dairy-free? Substitute with dairy-free cheese & coconut milk.
• Low-carb? Swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa.
• Extra creamy? Add cream cheese or sour cream to the queso sauce.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Steak & Queso Rice

1️⃣ Cook the Steak

1. Season steak with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cumin.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook steak for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness.
4. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

2️⃣ Cook the Rice

1. In a saucepan, bring beef broth, butter, and salt to a boil.
2. Stir in rice, cover, and reduce heat to low.
3. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

3️⃣ Make the Queso Sauce

1. In a saucepan over low heat, combine shredded cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt.
2. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

4️⃣ Assemble & Serve

1. Spoon fluffy rice onto plates.
2. Top with sliced steak.
3. Drizzle generously with queso sauce.
4. Garnish with chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes (optional).

✅ Recipe Tips for Steak & Queso Rice

• Use high heat when cooking steak for a perfect sear.
• Shred your own cheese—pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
• Let the steak rest before slicing to retain its juices.
• Thinly slice steak against the grain for the most tender bite.

🥶 Storage Instructions for Steak & Queso Rice

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between.
• Freeze: Store rice and steak separately in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. (Queso sauce may change texture when frozen.)

🔄 Recipe Variations for Steak & Queso Rice

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or extra chili powder to the queso.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in bell peppers, onions, or black beans.
• Southwest Twist: Top with avocado, salsa, or sour cream.
• One-Pan Meal: Cook steak, then add uncooked rice & broth to the same pan for easy cleanup.

❓ FAQs About Steak & Queso Rice

Can I use pre-cooked steak?

Yes! Just slice and warm it up in a skillet before serving.

What’s the best cheese for queso?

Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for the best melt.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook everything ahead and reheat before serving.

How do I make this dish healthier?

Use brown rice or quinoa, reduce cheese, or use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.