Steak & Queso Rice

Steak & Queso Rice is a delightful dish that brings together tender steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice for a comforting meal. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, Steak & Queso Rice will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for those busy evenings.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of spices and cheeses creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Versatile Meal: Great for serving at dinner parties or cozy family meals; it suits any occasion.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything comes together in one skillet.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite garnishes like cilantro, jalapeños, and avocado for extra flair.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious Steak & Queso Rice, have the right tools on hand. Using the right equipment ensures that your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: Perfect for searing steak and creating a flavorful cheese sauce in one pan.
• Pot: Helps cook the rice to fluffy perfection while keeping it separate from the meat.

Ingredients

Tender steak slices, flavorful rice, and rich queso all come together for a hearty, no-fuss meal ready in under an hour.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb (450g) of either flank or sirloin steak
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and black pepper as you like
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
– Salt and black pepper to suit your taste
– ½ teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 ½ cups regular whole milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 2 cups of cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt as needed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth (or just water if you prefer)
– Freshly chopped cilantro
– Thin slices of jalapeños
– Tangy lime wedges
– Creamy avocado slices

For Garnish

• Freshly chopped cilantro
• Thin slices of jalapeños
• Tangy lime wedges
• Creamy avocado slices

How to Make Steak & Queso Rice

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Rinse your rice under running cold water to wash off the extra starch. Warm up a splash of olive oil in a pot, toss in the rice along with garlic powder, and stir to coat the grains. Toast it lightly for a couple of minutes, then add your water or broth. Cover and let simmer on low heat for about 18–20 minutes until tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

While you wait on the rice, dry your steak with paper towels. Rub olive oil over it and season generously with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to press the seasoning into the meat for full flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Place a large skillet on high heat until hot. Add your steak and cook each side for about 4–5 minutes depending on thickness and desired doneness. Aim for about 4 minutes for medium-rare or closer to 5 minutes for medium.

Step 4: Rest the Steak

Take the steak off the pan and let it sit on a cutting board for about 5–10 minutes to retain its juices. Cut it into thin strips across the grain; this technique helps keep it tender.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

Using the same skillet you cooked the steak in (to capture all those delicious flavors), melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant. Slowly stir in milk and allow it to gently bubble.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Add handfuls of shredded cheeses one at a time, stirring well until each batch melts completely. Keep mixing continuously to maintain a smooth sauce. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Assemble Your Dish

Spoon cooked rice onto plates, arrange sliced steak on top, then pour gooey cheese sauce over everything. The rice absorbs all those wonderful flavors!

Step 8: Garnish & Serve

Top everything off with fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeño slices, creamy avocado pieces, and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. Enjoy while still warm!

How to Serve Steak & Queso Rice

Steak & Queso Rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it classic or add a twist, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Classic Tex-Mex Style

• Tortillas: Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas on the side for a complete Tex-Mex experience.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices in the dish.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños adds a refreshing crunch.

Garnish It Up

• Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for an added burst of flavor.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze lime juice on top to brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the cheese.
• Avocado Slices: Add creamy avocado slices for extra richness and texture.

Make It a Bowl

• Layered Bowl: Create a layered bowl with rice at the bottom, topped with steak, queso, and all your favorite toppings.
• Salad Base: Serve over a bed of greens for a lighter version that still packs all those great flavors.

How to Perfect Steak & Queso Rice

Perfecting Steak & Queso Rice is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Bold seasoning: Season your steak well with spices before cooking; this enhances its flavor and makes it more enjoyable.
• Rest the steak: Always let your steak rest after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist and tender.
• Use quality cheese: Opt for high-quality cheese for the queso sauce; it melts better and improves overall taste.
• Don’t rush the rice: Allow your rice to simmer gently; this ensures it cooks evenly without becoming mushy.
• Customize toppings: Feel free to add or substitute toppings based on what you like; this makes every serving unique.
• Serve hot: Enjoy your dish while it’s warm; melted queso is best when freshly made and gooey.

Best Side Dishes for Steak & Queso Rice

Pairing side dishes with Steak & Queso Rice can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Refried Beans: Creamy and savory beans that complement the flavors of steak beautifully.
2. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime offers a delicious contrast.
3. Guacamole: A fresh avocado dip that adds creaminess and balances out the rich queso sauce.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for an excellent appetizer or side snack.
5. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables grilled until tender provides a healthy balance to your meal.
6. Cilantro Lime Rice: Lightly flavored rice accented with lime juice and cilantro makes for a refreshing side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Steak & Queso Rice can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect your dish. Here are some things to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your steak properly will result in bland meat. Make sure to rub the spices well into the steak for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the rice: Cooking rice too long can lead to mushiness. Keep an eye on the simmering time, and follow the recommended cooking duration for perfect texture.
• Not letting the steak rest: Cutting into the steak immediately after cooking releases juices. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing; this keeps it juicy and tender.
• Using cold cheese: Adding cheese straight from the fridge can cause clumping. Allow shredded cheese to come to room temperature before adding it to your queso sauce for smooth melting.
• Neglecting toppings: Skipping fresh toppings like cilantro or avocado takes away from the dish’s flavor profile. Always add garnishes for added freshness and taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Steak & Queso Rice in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure it cools down before sealing the container.

Freezing Steak & Queso Rice

• Portion out servings in freezer-safe containers.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Label each container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Steak & Queso Rice

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated evenly.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Steak & Queso Rice?

Steak & Queso Rice is a flavorful Tex-Mex dish that combines tender steak slices with cheesy, creamy rice. It’s a quick meal that’s hearty and satisfying.

How do I customize my Steak & Queso Rice?

You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables like bell peppers or corn. You can also swap cheeses or adjust spice levels according to your taste preferences.

Can I use other meats instead of steak?

Absolutely! Chicken or shrimp can be used as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on the type of meat you choose.

What should I serve with Steak & Queso Rice?

This dish pairs well with sides like refried beans, guacamole, or a fresh salad. You might also enjoy some tortilla chips on the side!

Final Thoughts

Steak & Queso Rice is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for any night of the week. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings and sides to make it your own!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Steak & Queso Rice

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Steak & Queso Rice is a mouthwatering Tex-Mex dish that seamlessly combines juicy steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice into one satisfying meal. This delightful recipe is quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The rich flavors and comforting textures create a dish that the whole family will adore. With customizable toppings like fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeños, and creamy avocado, you can personalize each serving to suit your taste. Whether served on its own or with warm tortillas, Steak & Queso Rice is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb flank or sirloin steak
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Thin slices of jalapeños for garnish
• Lime wedges for garnish
• Creamy avocado slices for garnish

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Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water; toast with garlic powder in olive oil for a few minutes before adding broth. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes until tender.
2. Season the steak with olive oil and spices; cook in a hot skillet for 4–5 minutes per side until desired doneness. Let rest before slicing.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic; stir in milk and gradually add cheeses until melted into a smooth sauce. Season to taste.
4. Serve by layering cooked rice on plates topped with sliced steak and cheese sauce; garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, avocado slices, and lime juice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg