Cheesy Cowboy Comfort: Steak & Queso Rice Recipe

Melted cheese cascades over a perfectly seared steak and queso rice, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

Tender slices of beef rest atop a creamy, golden bed of rice infused with rich, spicy queso.

Every bite promises a delightful blend of textures and robust southwestern-inspired tastes.

The recipe brings together simple ingredients with restaurant-quality results that will impress even the most discerning food enthusiasts.

Comfort meets gourmet in this easy-to-prepare dish that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Dive into this delectable recipe and elevate your home cooking game with a meal that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Steak & Queso Rice

• Rice: Fluffy foundation that absorbs rich flavors and creates creamy texture.
• Broth: Enhances rice's depth and provides subtle savory undertones.

• Steak: Delivers hearty protein with robust meaty character, choose tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky complexity and vibrant reddish color to meat seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Provides warm, aromatic background notes to steak.
• Chili Powder: Introduces gentle heat and southwestern charm.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that amplify natural meat flavors.

• Butter: Creates luxurious smoothness and rich undertone.
• Milk or Cream: Adds silky consistency and helps cheese blend seamlessly.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully, offering gooey texture and tangy flavor.
• Queso Dip: Introduces authentic mexican-style creaminess.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional spicy kick for adventurous palates.

• Cilantro: Bright, herbaceous garnish with zesty green notes.
• Tomatoes or Pico de Gallo: Adds fresh, juicy contrast.
• Lime Wedges: Provides sharp, citrusy brightness to cut through richness.

Gear Required For Steak & Queso Rice

• Large Skillet: Essential for searing steak to golden brown perfection.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for cooking rice with broth until tender and fluffy.
• Cutting Board: Needed for seasoning steak and chopping cilantro or tomatoes.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise cutting of steak and garnishes.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring rice and mixing cheese into creamy queso goodness.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings for balanced flavor.
• Plate or Serving Bowl: Allows beautiful plating of your delicious steak and queso rice.

How To Cook Steak & Queso Rice

• Steak and Queso Base

Create a fluffy rice foundation infused with creamy cheese goodness. Simmer rice in broth until tender and perfectly cooked.

• Sizzling Meat Preparation

Transform your meat into a flavor-packed centerpiece. Season generously with bold spices and quickly sear in a hot skillet until beautifully caramelized and juicy.

• Cheesy Rice Magic

Turn plain rice into a decadent canvas by stirring in luscious dairy and melted cheese. Blend until smooth and irresistibly creamy with a hint of spice.

• Delicious Plating

Arrange the spicy cheese rice as a delectable bed for your seared meat. Ensure each portion is generously covered with the rich, melted cheese mixture.

• Final Flourish

Elevate the dish with fresh herb sprinkles and bright, zesty accents. Add a citrus squeeze to awaken all the complex flavors and bring the entire creation to life.

Tips To Get Steak & Queso Rice Just Right

• Meat Temperature Mastery: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the perfect doneness – 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium. Let the meat rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
• Cheese Melt Magic: Choose melty cheeses like monterey jack, pepper jack, or sharp cheddar for maximum creaminess. Grate the cheese fresh for smoother melting and richer flavor in your queso rice.
• Dietary Swap Options: Make this dish gluten-free by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. For a low-carb version, substitute rice with riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper. Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra kick. For milder preferences, use mild green chiles or skip spicy elements completely.
• Protein Alternatives: Replace beef with grilled chicken, shrimp, or plant-based protein like seasoned tofu or black beans. Vegetarian guests can enjoy the queso rice with roasted vegetables as a delicious main course.

Serving Steak & Queso Rice The Easy Way

• Fiesta Flavor Boosters: Elevate your Steak & Queso Rice with these mouthwatering suggestions!
• Salsa Splash: Top with fresh homemade salsa or store-bought restaurant-style salsa for a vibrant, tangy kick that complements the creamy queso rice.
• Crispy Crunch: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or crispy onion strings over the dish to add a delightful textural contrast and extra flavor dimension.
• Fresh Green Touch: Layer sliced avocado, chopped green onions, or fresh jalapeños on top to bring brightness, heat, and a pop of color to your meal.
• Side Companion: Serve alongside grilled corn, black beans, or a light Mexican-style coleslaw to create a complete and satisfying dinner experience.

Storage Advice For Steak & Queso Rice

• Meal Prep Magic: Divide cooked rice and steak into airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover queso rice and steak separately in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, lasting up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to prevent drying out.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm rice with a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency. Reheat steak in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep it tender and prevent overcooking.

Creamy Steak & Queso Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Hearty Tex-Mex steak & queso rice delivers explosive southwestern flavors in one skillet. Bold ingredients merge for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Bring broth to a boil in a medium saucepan, add rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Steak Seasoning and Cooking: Coat steak pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Sear in hot olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden-brown and cooked to desired doneness.
3. Queso Rice Fusion: Fold butter, milk, shredded cheese, queso dip, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper into cooked rice. Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Plating and Garnishing: Spread queso rice on serving plates, top with seared steak pieces. Embellish with fresh chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, and serve with lime wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Notes

• Optimize Rice Texture: Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separate grains that absorb flavors perfectly.
• Control Steak Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to achieve precise internal temperature – 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, preventing overcooking and maintaining tenderness.
• Elevate Cheese Melt: Remove rice from heat before adding cheese to prevent scorching, creating smooth and creamy queso without grainy or separated texture.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne and chili powder incrementally, tasting as you go to customize heat intensity without overwhelming the dish’s delicate flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg