Flavor-Packed Sizzling Steak & Queso Rice Recipe for Dinner Joy

When hunger strikes and comfort calls, this mouthwatering steak & queso rice recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Weeknight dinners demand bold flavors that satisfy every craving.

Home cooks discover an effortless blend of tender, juicy steak nestled in creamy, cheesy rice that elevates a simple meal.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Melted cheese and perfectly seasoned beef create a harmonious combination that feels both indulgent and comforting.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it an ideal solution for busy evenings when time is short.

Prepare to experience a dinner that will become an instant favorite at your table.

Tools That Help Make Steak And Queso Rice Easily

• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for cooking rice evenly and absorbing broth.
• Large Skillet: Essential for searing steak and achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting steak pieces and chopping cilantro.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring rice and mixing cheese.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately adding spices and seasonings.
• Plates or Bowls: Used for serving the final dish.

Steps To Cook Steak And Queso Rice From Scratch

• Boil the Base

Grab a saucepan and bring broth to a rolling boil. Drop in rice, lower the heat, and cover the pot. Let it simmer until rice becomes tender and liquid vanishes, roughly 15-20 minutes.

• Sizzle the Protein

While rice cooks, dust steak pieces with a blend of spices. Fire up a skillet with olive oil, then toss in the seasoned meat. Sear each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and meat reaches your desired doneness.

• Transform Rice to Creamy Delight

Once rice is cooked, stir in butter, dairy, and cheeses. Mix until a luxurious, velvety texture emerges. Enhance with garlic powder and a hint of cayenne for extra kick. Taste and adjust seasonings.

• Create the Masterpiece

Spread the cheesy rice onto serving plates. Crown the rice with your perfectly cooked steak slices.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the dish. Add a pop of color and freshness with diced tomatoes. Serve with zesty lime wedges for a bright, tangy finish.

Ideas To Enhance Steak And Queso Rice Seasoning

• Speedy Steak & Queso Rice Pro Tips
• Steak Temperature Hack: Let steak rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even searing and prevent tough meat.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use room temperature cheese for smoother, faster melting and creamier queso rice texture.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version that keeps all the delicious flavors intact.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper and chili powder to match your personal heat tolerance – start small and build up gradually.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Cook rice and steak separately in advance, then quickly reheat and combine for a super quick weeknight dinner.

Presentation Tips For Steak And Queso Rice Bowls

• Fiesta Plate Presentation: Create a colorful plate with the creamy queso rice as a base, arranging steak slices artfully on top for a restaurant-style look.
• Tex-Mex Sidekick Style: Serve alongside warm flour tortillas, black beans, or a crisp side salad to complement the rich, cheesy flavors of the dish.
• Spice Up Your Meal: Add extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, sour cream, or fresh avocado chunks to enhance the overall taste and texture experience.
• Crowd-Pleaser Approach: Prepare this dish in a large serving platter for family-style dining, letting everyone scoop their own portion and customize with additional garnishes.

Storage Instructions For Steak And Queso Rice

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare extra steak and queso rice to create quick lunch bowls or dinner shortcuts during busy weekdays. Store components separately to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep cooked steak and rice in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Store cheese and meat separately to prevent soggy rice and maintain individual ingredient quality.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze queso rice in portioned containers for future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated steak and rice in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between cycles. Add a small amount of broth or milk to rice to prevent drying and refresh creamy texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 670 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need For Steak And Queso Rice

• Long Grain White Rice: Provides a fluffy foundation that absorbs flavors beautifully and creates a creamy base for the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice with rich, savory depth and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Smoked Paprika: Delivers a smoky, slightly sweet warmth that elevates the meat's natural flavors.
• Garlic Powder: Adds robust, aromatic complexity to the steak's seasoning blend.
• Chili Powder: Introduces a gentle heat and earthy undertone to the meat.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall seasoning, drawing out the steak's natural richness.
• Black Pepper: Provides a sharp, subtle kick that complements the other spices.
• Olive Oil: Creates a perfect searing environment for developing a beautiful golden crust on the steak.

• Butter: Adds luxurious creaminess and rounds out the cheese's tangy notes.
• Milk or Cream: Creates a silky, smooth texture that helps melt the cheese evenly.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts into a gooey, stretchy layer that binds the rice together.
• Queso Dip: Introduces a bold, spicy Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional ingredient that brings an optional intense heat kick.
• Cilantro: Offers a fresh, bright garnish with a distinctive herbal note.
• Tomatoes or Pico de Gallo: Provides a cool, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy rice.

Sizzling Steak & Queso Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent steak & queso rice brings Mexican-inspired comfort to dinner tables. Crispy beef and melted cheese blend perfectly with seasoned rice, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup uncooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• 2 cups (480ml) chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• ¼ cup (60g) queso dip or prepared queso sauce
• ½ cup (120ml) milk or heavy cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• ¼ cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Bring broth to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan, add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until liquid is fully absorbed and rice reaches tender perfection, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Steak Seasoning and Searing: Generously coat steak pieces with a dynamic spice blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear steak for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown crust while maintaining desired doneness.
3. Queso Rice Transformation: Once rice is cooked, metamorphose it into a creamy queso delight by incorporating butter, milk, shredded cheese, queso dip, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Continuously stir until cheese melts completely, creating a velvety, indulgent texture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Plating and Garnishing: Artfully arrange the seared steak atop the luscious queso rice. Enhance the dish’s visual and flavor complexity by sprinkling fresh chopped cilantro and vibrant diced tomatoes or pico de gallo. Serve with zesty lime wedges to allow personalized citrusy brightness.

Notes

• Choose the Right Steak Cut: Select tender cuts like ribeye or sirloin for optimal texture and quick cooking, ensuring juicy and flavorful results.
• Master Steak Searing Technique: Pat steak dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust, using high heat and avoiding overcrowding the pan for ideal caramelization.
• Control Cheese Melting: Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping, maintaining a smooth and creamy queso rice consistency.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper and chili powder to personal heat preference, balancing flavors without overwhelming the dish’s delicate taste profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 100mg