Zesty Steak & Queso Rice Recipe: A Cheesy Dinner Triumph

Craving a mind-blowing steak & queso rice that explodes with flavor?

Culinary magic happens when tender beef meets creamy, melted cheese over perfectly seasoned grains.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this unexpected combination.

Regional influences blend seamlessly in every delectable bite.

Southwest-inspired ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality dish without complex techniques.

Each forkful promises a delicious adventure that will leave you wanting more.

Steak & QueRice That’s Bold and Filling

• Perfect for busy families needing a delicious dinner solution in under 30 minutes.
• Combines rich, creamy queso rice with perfectly seasoned steak, creating a mouthwatering combo that satisfies serious comfort food cravings.
• Elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet-style dish without requiring professional cooking skills or expensive equipment.
• Easily adaptable for different spice levels, protein preferences, and dietary needs, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients That Power Up Your Steak & QueRice

• Rice: The base of the dish, provides a creamy and cheesy foundation that complements the steak.
• Steak: Protein-rich centerpiece with bold, seasoned flavor that adds depth to the meal.

• Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend that creates a robust and savory coating for the steak, adding complexity and warmth.
• Butter, Milk or Cream: Creamy ingredients that help create a rich and smooth texture for the rice.

• Shredded Cheese, Queso Dip: Melty components that transform the rice into a luxurious, creamy side dish with tangy cheese flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional spicy element that adds a gentle heat to the queso rice.

• Cilantro, Tomatoes or Pico de Gallo, Lime Wedges: Fresh toppings that provide brightness, acidity, and additional color to the final dish.

• Broth: Cooking liquid that infuses the rice with additional flavor and helps achieve perfect rice texture.

How to Make Cheesy, Satisfying Steak & QueRice

Step 1: Kickstart the Rice

Grab your saucepan and pour in the broth. Bring it to a rolling boil, then gently drop in the rice. Reduce the heat to low, pop on the lid, and let it simmer. Cook until the rice turns tender and absorbs all the liquid.

Step 2: Spice Up the Steak

• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Fire up a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the seasoned steak and sear each side until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. Once cooked to your liking, set the steak aside.

Step 3: Transform Rice into Creamy Queso Magic

• Butter
• Milk or cream
• Shredded cheese
• Queso dip
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper

Stir these ingredients into the rice until the cheese melts and creates a luxurious, creamy texture. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Create the Perfect Plate

Scoop the queso rice into serving dishes. Crown each portion with the seared steak pieces.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle with fresh cilantro. If you’re feeling extra, add some diced tomatoes or pico de gallo. Serve with lime wedges to brighten up the entire dish.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Steak and Velvety Cheese Sauce

• Optimize Rice Texture: Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and perfectly separated grains that absorb the creamy queso sauce beautifully.
• Control Steak Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to achieve precise cooking temperatures- 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, and 145°F for medium, guaranteeing juicy and tender steak every time.
• Enhance Cheese Melting: Allow cheese to come to room temperature before stirring into rice, which helps create a smoother, more even queso sauce without clumping or separating.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper and chili powder quantities to match personal heat preferences, making the dish mild for sensitive palates or extra spicy for heat lovers.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast spices briefly in the skillet before seasoning steak to unlock deeper, more complex flavor profiles that elevate the overall dish's taste experience.

Store Steak & QueRice Without Drying or Clumping

• Transfer leftover steak and queso rice to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water or additional milk to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of broth or milk to prevent sticking. Stir gently and consistently to redistribute cheese and maintain creamy texture.
• Freeze individual portions in sealed freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve rice and steak quality.

What Pairs Best with This Hearty Rice Dish

• Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complements the rich, meaty steak and complements the creamy queso rice's intense flavors.
• Create a zesty cocktail using fresh lime juice, tequila, and a cilantro-infused simple syrup to mirror the dish's herbal and citrus notes while cutting through the richness.
• Prepare a bright avocado salsa with diced red onions, jalapeños, and extra cilantro to add a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy rice and spiced steak.
• Choose a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Dos Equis to cleanse the palate and provide a light, refreshing balance against the heavy, savory main dish.

Flavor Upgrades for Your Next Steak & QueBowl

Vegetarian Delight: Replace steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu cubes, seasoned with the same spices for a protein-packed meat-free version.

Gluten-Free Option: Ensure broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free, and use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a low-carb alternative.

Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and incorporate chipotle powder for an extra heat kick that elevates the flavor profile.

Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast, use coconut milk instead of cream, and select a dairy-free queso alternative to maintain creamy texture.

Steak and Rice FAQs

• What type of steak works best for this recipe?

Flank, skirt, or sirloin steak are ideal. They’re tender, flavorful, and cook quickly in a skillet. Choose a cut that’s about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking and best results.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, adjust the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or including diced jalapeños. You can also use a spicy queso dip to increase the heat level. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.

• Do I need special cheese for the queso rice?

No, use any good melting cheese like cheddar, monterey jack, or a mexican cheese blend. Pre-shredded cheese works fine, but freshly grated cheese tends to melt more smoothly.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, if you use gluten-free broth and check that your queso dip is gluten-free. Always verify ingredient labels if you have dietary restrictions.

Steak & Queso Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican-inspired “Steak & Queso Rice” blends succulent grilled beef with creamy cheese-infused rice. Spicy, savory flavors dance together, creating a hearty meal you’ll crave from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Other Ingredients:

• 1 cup uncooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• 2 cups (480ml) chicken or beef broth
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup (120ml) milk or heavy cream
• 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• ¼ cup (60g) queso dip or prepared queso sauce
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• ¼ cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo (optional)
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Prepare a medium saucepan and bring the broth to a vigorous boil, then gently introduce the rice. Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover the pan, and allow the rice to cook until tender and liquid is completely absorbed, approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. During rice preparation, liberally coat the steak pieces with a robust blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and expertly sear the seasoned steak for 2-3 minutes per side, achieving a rich golden-brown exterior while maintaining desired internal temperature.
3. Once rice reaches perfect consistency, transform it into a creamy queso masterpiece by folding in butter, milk, shredded cheese, queso dip, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and rice develops a luxurious, smooth texture. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
4. Elegantly plate the decadent queso rice, creating a welcoming base for the expertly prepared steak pieces. Arrange the seared meat atop the creamy rice with artistic precision.
5. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by generously scattering fresh chopped cilantro and vibrant diced tomatoes or pico de gallo across the surface. Accompany the creation with zesty lime wedges, allowing diners to personalize their culinary experience with a bright, citrusy accent.

Notes

• Choose long-grain white rice for the best texture and fluffiness in this recipe.
• Pat the steak dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and develop a delicious golden-brown crust.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for maximum heat retention and an even, crispy steak exterior.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or a sharp cheddar to customize the queso rice’s flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 90mg