This Steak Queso Rice combines rich, tender steak with creamy, melty queso and perfectly cooked rice, making for a mouthwatering dinner that hits all the right notes. Whether served on a weeknight or at a casual gathering, this dish brings the right mix of comfort and indulgence.
The creamy queso adds the perfect balance to the savory steak, while the fresh cilantro, lime, and a touch of heat from jalapeños elevate the flavors. This is the kind of dish that you can customize to suit your taste – add more spice, more cheese, or extra toppings like avocado or salsa. It’s a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare but full of flavor.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup white rice
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2 cups beef broth
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1 cup shredded queso fresco
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1/4 cup diced red onion
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1/4 cup chopped cilantro
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1 lime, cut into wedges
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1 tablespoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon cumin
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 jalapeño (optional, for spice)
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Directions:
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Start by cooking the rice. In a medium pot, combine 2 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of white rice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
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While the rice is cooking, season the steak with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook to your desired level of doneness (about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare). Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
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Once the rice is done, stir in the butter and shredded queso fresco until melted and combined.
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Serve the cheesy rice on plates, top with sliced steak, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
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Optionally, drizzle with sour cream, hot sauce, and top with jalapeños for extra flavor and spice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 560 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Steak Queso Rice is a Great Meal Option
One of the biggest draws of Steak Queso Rice is its simplicity and flexibility. Despite its rich flavors, it’s a surprisingly quick and easy meal to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The steak provides protein, the rice offers a filling base, and the queso ties everything together with creamy goodness. Additionally, the dish allows you to easily adjust flavors to suit your preferences. If you like a little more heat, you can add extra jalapeños or hot sauce. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to throw in extra queso or even some shredded cheddar.
Another reason this dish is so fantastic is that it’s highly customizable. Whether you’re serving it as a standalone dish or as part of a larger Mexican-inspired spread, you can tweak it in countless ways. Add your favorite garnishes, like avocado, salsa, or sour cream, or even switch up the type of cheese to change the overall flavor profile. This recipe can also be made with different cuts of steak, from ribeye to sirloin, depending on your taste and budget. The ability to make this dish your own is part of what makes it so enjoyable to prepare and eat.
The Role of Steak in the Dish
Steak is the star of this dish. Choosing the right cut of steak is essential to getting the perfect texture and flavor. Sirloin or ribeye steaks are commonly used in this recipe due to their tenderness and rich beef flavor, but you can also use flank steak or even skirt steak if you prefer. The key to a great steak in this dish is ensuring it’s cooked to your liking—whether that’s medium-rare, medium, or well-done. The sear on the steak creates a beautiful, flavorful crust that locks in the juices, while the inside remains tender and juicy.
Once the steak is cooked and rested, slicing it thinly ensures that each bite is flavorful and easy to enjoy. The steak pairs perfectly with the cheesy rice, as the savory beef balances the richness of the queso. The steak’s natural juices also infuse the rice, making each bite even more flavorful.
The Creamy Queso Component
Queso is one of the defining ingredients of this dish, and it’s what makes Steak Queso Rice so indulgent. The creamy, melty cheese coats the rice and complements the tender steak, adding a layer of richness that is simply irresistible. Queso fresco, a mild, crumbly cheese that is often used in Mexican cuisine, is the ideal choice for this dish, but you can also use a more melted option like Monterey Jack or even cheddar for a bolder flavor. The queso not only adds flavor but also helps to bind the rice together, making it a cohesive dish that’s full of creamy, cheesy goodness.
One of the great things about Steak Queso Rice is how you can control the level of cheese. If you prefer a lighter touch, a sprinkle of queso fresco or a small dollop of sour cream will be enough. On the other hand, if you want a cheesy, indulgent experience, you can load up on the queso and even drizzle extra cheese over the steak. The versatility of the cheese element allows you to experiment and make the dish as cheesy as you like.
The Flavorful Rice Base
Rice serves as the perfect base for this dish. It’s filling, neutral, and absorbs all the flavors around it, making it the ideal canvas for the steak and queso. The rice itself is cooked with beef broth, which adds an extra layer of savory flavor and depth, making it more than just a simple side dish. This flavor-packed rice complements the steak perfectly and ensures that every bite is rich and satisfying.
You can use either white rice or brown rice for this dish, depending on your preference. White rice tends to have a softer texture and is quicker to cook, while brown rice has a nuttier flavor and more fiber, making it a healthier option. Either variety works well in this recipe, so you can adjust based on your dietary needs or personal tastes.
Garnishes and Variations
One of the fun parts of Steak Queso Rice is the ability to garnish and add additional toppings. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor, cutting through the richness of the cheese and steak, while a squeeze of lime juice brightens the dish. If you want a bit more spice, you can add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. Avocado slices or guacamole also make for great additions, offering creaminess and a cooling effect against the heat.
For those who like extra flavor, you can also experiment with different spices in the rice or on the steak. Adding chili powder, cumin, or paprika can elevate the flavor and bring a smoky element to the dish. If you want to make the dish even heartier, consider serving it with a side of black beans or a small salad. The possibilities are endless, and you can easily adjust the dish to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Why This Dish is Perfect for Meal Prep
Steak Queso Rice is not only delicious but also practical for meal prep. The rice and steak can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a few days, allowing you to enjoy a quick and tasty meal throughout the week. If you’re preparing this dish for meal prep, be sure to store the steak and rice separately so that the steak doesn’t get soggy. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the rice and steak, add fresh queso, and top with your favorite garnishes.
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Steak Queso Rice for Special Occasions
While Steak Queso Rice is perfect for casual weeknight dinners, it can also be served at special occasions. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress guests, whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a small gathering, or a casual taco night. The dish is versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides, and you can easily double or triple the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd. Whether it’s a celebration or a weekend treat, this dish will leave everyone satisfied.
Conclusion: A Flavorful, Versatile Dish
Steak Queso Rice is a dish that combines simplicity with incredible flavor, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. From the tender, juicy steak to the creamy, cheesy rice, every bite is packed with savory goodness. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking, and it’s a fantastic option for meal prep or entertaining. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, Steak Queso Rice will quickly become a go-to dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty and flavorful.
The richness of the queso, the savory steak, and the fluffy rice make this dish a winner in every category. Plus, the endless possibilities for garnishes and variations mean that you can enjoy a different version of this meal every time you make it. If you haven’t tried Steak Queso Rice yet, now is the perfect time to do so. It’s a dish that everyone will love, and it’s easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation.