Imagine a dish that brings together the rich flavors of carefully seasoned steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice. Steak Queso Rice combines the best elements of classic Tex-Mex cuisine, creating a satisfying and comforting meal that you will crave time and time again. This dish is not just about flavor; it’s about the delightful experience of eating something that feels both cozy and indulgent, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Why We Love This Steak Queso Rice
This recipe has something for everyone. The tender steak offers a satisfying bite, while the creamy queso adds a luscious layer of richness that elevates each mouthful. The combination of spices brings warmth and depth to the dish, making it a perfect comfort food. One of the best parts? It’s customizable! Whether you prefer it spicy with jalapeños or loaded with fresh cilantro, every plate can be made uniquely yours. With its balance of flavors and textures, Steak Queso Rice is sure to become a staple in your weekly meal lineup.
Ingredients about Steak Queso Rice
To prepare Steak Queso Rice, you’ll need to gather a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, ensuring your dish bursts with taste.
- 1 lb Flank or sirloin steak (Choose flank for tenderness or sirloin for flavor.)
- 1 tsp Paprika (Adds a subtle smokiness.)
- 1 tsp Ground cumin (Infuses warm, earthy flavor.)
- to taste Salt (Essential seasoning to enhance flavor.)
- to taste Pepper (Essential seasoning to enhance flavor.)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (Used for searing the steak.)
- 1 cup Long-grain white rice (The fluffy base of this dish.)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder (Infuses the rice with savory goodness.)
- 2 cups Broth or water (Cooking liquid for the rice.)
- 2 tbsp Butter (Creates a creamy texture in the queso.)
- 1 cup Whole milk (Essential for a smooth queso sauce.)
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese (Main cheese offering rich flavor.)
- 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (Adds smoothness to the queso.)
- 1 tsp Chili powder (Provides mild spice.)
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves (Enhances the flavor of the queso.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro (Offers a refreshing touch.)
- 1 Lime (Wedges add acidity and freshness.)
- 1 Avocado (Slices pair perfectly with Tex-Mex flavors.)
- to taste Sliced jalapeños (For a spicy kick.)
How to Make Steak Queso Rice Directions
Creating Steak Queso Rice is straightforward and fun. You’ll start by preparing the steak, followed by cooking the rice and the queso sauce. Here’s how you do it:
- Season the Steak: Begin by sprinkling the flank or sirloin steak with salt, pepper, paprika, and ground cumin on both sides. These spices will help build a flavorful base.
- Sear the Steak: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the seasoned steak in the pan. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Cook the Rice: While the steak rests, you can prepare the rice. Rinse the long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, combine the washed rice, garlic powder, salt, and broth or water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is fluffy and fully cooked.
- Make the Queso: In the same skillet used for the steak, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the whole milk, stirring continuously until it starts to thicken slightly. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Mix in the chili powder for flavor.
- Combine Everything: Once your queso sauce is ready, add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring well to ensure each grain is coated in cheesy goodness. Finally, fold in the sliced steak, incorporating all the elements together.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve your Steak Queso Rice warm, topped with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and jalapeños if you like a bit of heat.
How to Serve Steak Queso Rice
Serving Steak Queso Rice is all about presentation and personalization. Load your dish with a generous scoop of the cheesy, meaty goodness. Here are some serving suggestions for an elevated experience:
- On a Plate: Serves the Steak Queso Rice on a large plate, letting the layers of rice, steak, and queso shine. Top with fresh cilantro and diced avocado for a vibrant pop of color.
- In a Bowl: Alternatively, serve it in a shallow bowl. This format allows for easy mixing and gives a comforting, homey vibe that encourages sharing.
- Accompaniments: Offer lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the top for a touch of brightness. Nachos, tortilla strips, or freshly made tortilla chips can complement your dish nicely for added crunch.
- Garnish Wisely: Consider garnishing with sliced jalapeños for heat, or diced tomatoes for freshness. A dollop of sour cream can serve as a cool counterbalance to the spicy elements.
Expert Tips: Steak Queso Rice
To get the most out of your Steak Queso Rice, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Choosing the Right Steak: Flank steak offers tenderness, while sirloin provides a robust flavor. Both work well, so choose based on your preference.
- Rest the Steak: Always let the steak rest after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: Keep an eye on your rice! Cooking it to just the right softness will create a better texture for your dish.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in your queso. Pepper Jack can add an extra kick, or you could use Gouda for a smoky twist.
- Spice Level: Adjust the level of spiciness in your dish by varying the amount of jalapeños or chili powder used. You can always start with less and add more if desired.
How to Store Steak Queso Rice
If you have leftovers, storing Steak Queso Rice properly ensures you can enjoy it another day. Here’s how you can store this tasty dish:
- Cool Down: Before storing, let the dish cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming, which can lead to sogginess.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the Steak Queso Rice into airtight containers. This will help preserve its freshness and flavor.
- Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date for reference.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry, stirring well to combine the ingredients.
Variation of Steak Queso Rice
Steak Queso Rice is versatile, allowing for delicious variations to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the steak with black beans or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. This keeps the hearty feel while making it meat-free.
- Spicy Option: Amp up the heat by adding diced green chilies or poblano peppers to the queso. More jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can help too.
- Different Grains: Swap out white rice for quinoa or brown rice for a healthier alternative. These options bring a nutty flavor and additional texture.
- Taco Style: Turn your dish into a taco bowl! Serve it on a bed of lettuce instead of rice and top with salsa, sour cream, and cheese.
- Add Fresh Veggies: Roast or sauté corn, mushrooms, or bell peppers and mix them into your dish for added color and nutrition.
FAQ
What is Steak Queso Rice?
Steak Queso Rice is a comforting Tex-Mex dish that combines seasoned steak, creamy queso cheese sauce, and fluffy rice, creating a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor.
How do I make Steak Queso Rice from scratch?
To make Steak Queso Rice, season and sear the steak, prepare the rice, make the queso sauce, and combine everything together. It’s a straightforward process requiring basic ingredients.
Can I customize my Steak Queso Rice?
Yes! You can adjust flavors and ingredients to your liking. Add more spices, substitute the steak with veggies or beans, or try different cheeses in the queso.
How should I store leftover Steak Queso Rice?
Let the dish cool to room temperature, then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Is Steak Queso Rice suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish works great for meal prep. Cook a batch and divide it into portions for easy lunch or dinner options throughout the week.
Steak Queso Rice
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 1 lb Flank or sirloin steak Choose flank for tenderness or sirloin for flavor.
- 1 tsp Paprika Adds a subtle smokiness.
- 1 tsp Ground cumin Infuses warm, earthy flavor.
- to taste Salt Essential seasoning to enhance flavor.
- to taste Pepper Essential seasoning to enhance flavor.
- 2 tbsp Olive oil Used for searing the steak.
For the Rice
- 1 cup Long-grain white rice The fluffy base of this dish.
- 1 tsp Garlic powder Infuses the rice with savory goodness.
- 2 cups Broth or water Cooking liquid for the rice.
For the Queso
- 2 tbsp Butter Creates a creamy texture in the queso.
- 1 cup Whole milk Essential for a smooth queso sauce.
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese Main cheese offering rich flavor.
- 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack cheese Adds smoothness to the queso.
- 1 tsp Chili powder Provides mild spice.
- 2 cloves Garlic Enhances the flavor of the queso.
For Serving
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro Offers a refreshing touch.
- 1 Lime Wedges add acidity and freshness.
- 1 Avocado Slices pair perfectly with Tex-Mex flavors.
- to taste Sliced jalapeños For a spicy kick.
Instructions
Preparation
- Sprinkle the steak with salt, pepper, paprika, and ground cumin on both sides.
- Sear the steak in heated olive oil over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until desired doneness.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Rinse the rice under cold water until clear; combine with garlic powder, salt, and broth in a pot.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fluffy.
Making the Queso
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in whole milk and stir until slightly thickened, then add cheeses gradually until melted.
- Stir in chili powder for flavor.
Combining
- Add cooked rice to cheese sauce, stir to coat.
- Fold in sliced steak to incorporate everything.
Serving
- Serve warm topped with cilantro, avocado, and jalapeños if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!