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Steak Queso with Rice

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This comforting dish is a fusion of tender steak, creamy queso sauce, and perfectly cooked fluffy rice. The steak is seasoned with bold spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder, seared to perfection, and served atop the rice. A rich queso sauce made from cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses enhances the flavors, complemented by a hint of chili powder and garlic. The dish is finished with optional garnishes of fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, and jalapeños, creating a meal that's both satisfying and full of depth. It's perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, bursting with delectable tastes and textures.

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Casey
Updated on Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:26:26 GMT
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Cheesy Steak and Rice Bowl | cookrisp.com

This cheesy steak queso with fluffy rice combines perfectly seasoned steak strips with a rich, creamy queso sauce poured over aromatic rice for a restaurant-quality meal at home. The contrasting textures and bold flavors make this dish an instant family favorite that's impressive enough for guests but simple enough for weeknight dinners.

I first made this dish when looking for a way to elevate leftover steak, and it's since become our family's go-to dinner when we want something that feels indulgent without much fuss. My kids now request it whenever they have friends over, and the pan is always scraped clean.

Ingredients

  • Flank or sirloin steak these cuts are perfect for this dish as they cook quickly and remain tender when sliced thin against the grain
  • Paprika and cumin the combination creates a smoky depth that complements the rich cheese sauce
  • Cheddar and Monterey Jack using two cheeses creates the perfect balance of sharp flavor and melty texture for an authentic queso
  • Long grain white rice the perfect neutral base that soaks up the delicious sauce while maintaining its fluffy texture
  • Fresh garnishes cilantro, lime, avocado, and jalapeños add brightness, acidity, and texture that cuts through the richness of the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare and Season the Steak
Pat the steak completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Massage with olive oil then apply a generous coating of spices, pressing them firmly into both sides. The dry rub creates a flavorful crust that seals in juices.
Sear the Perfect Steak
Heat your skillet until it's smoking hot before adding the meat. This high heat creates a beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy. For best results, resist the urge to move the steak during cooking. Allow it to rest fully before slicing to retain all those flavorful juices.
Cook Fluffy Rice
Rinsing removes excess starch that can make rice sticky. Toasting the grains in oil before adding liquid is the secret to distinct, separate grains and nutty flavor. Keep the lid on during cooking and avoid stirring to achieve perfect texture.
Create Silky Queso Sauce
Using the same skillet as the steak incorporates all those wonderful browned bits into your sauce. The key is adding cheese gradually while maintaining a gentle heat to prevent separation. If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk.
Assemble and Serve
Layer components with rice on the bottom to absorb the flavors from above. Slice steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve immediately while the queso is hot and pourable.
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Cheesy Steak and Rice Bowl | cookingwithcasey.com

The queso sauce is the heart of this recipe for me. I discovered that using the same pan that cooked the steak adds incredible depth to the cheese sauce. One memorable evening, my neighbor stopped by as I was making this, and the aroma alone convinced her she needed the recipe before even tasting it!

Make-Ahead Options

This dish works beautifully for meal planning. You can season the steak and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, which actually intensifies the flavor. The rice can be cooked a day ahead and gently reheated with a splash of water. The queso sauce is best made fresh, but any leftovers can be stored separately and reheated slowly over low heat with a bit of additional milk to restore its creamy consistency.

Customization Ideas

Think of this recipe as a delicious foundation that you can adapt to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Substitute chicken or shrimp for the steak, or create a vegetarian version with roasted portobello mushrooms. Brown rice or quinoa can replace white rice for added nutrition. For the cheese sauce, pepper jack adds a pleasant kick, while white cheddar creates a milder flavor profile. You could even transform this into a Tex-Mex-inspired bowl by adding black beans, corn, or pico de gallo.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish family-style by placing all components in separate bowls at the table, allowing everyone to build their own perfect plate. For a complete meal, pair with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or charred vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. If you're hosting a casual gathering, set up a topping bar with additional options like pickled red onions, crushed tortilla chips for crunch, different hot sauces, or crumbled cotija cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the steak is tender?

Use a good cut like flank or sirloin, season generously, and avoid overcooking. Let the steak rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.

→ Can I make the queso sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain its smooth texture.

→ What type of rice works best for this dish?

Long-grain white rice is recommended for its fluffy texture, but you could substitute basmati or jasmine rice if preferred.

→ Can I substitute the cheeses in the queso?

Absolutely. While cheddar and Monterey Jack are ideal, you can experiment with others like Gouda or American cheese for a creamier result.

→ What are some alternative garnishes?

Aside from cilantro, lime, avocado, and jalapeños, you could add diced tomatoes, sour cream, or green onions for extra flavor.

→ Can I make this dish spicy?

For extra heat, increase the chili powder in the queso sauce or add cayenne pepper while seasoning the steak.

Steak Queso Fluffy Rice

Steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice combine for a hearty, flavor-packed dish topped with fresh garnishes.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Steak

01 450g flank or sirloin steak
02 1 teaspoon paprika
03 Salt and pepper, to taste
04 2 teaspoons ground cumin
05 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 1 teaspoon garlic powder

→ For the Queso Sauce

07 1½ cups whole milk
08 Salt and pepper, to taste
09 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
10 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
11 2 tablespoons butter
12 1 teaspoon chili powder
13 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
14 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

→ For the Rice

15 2 cups broth (or water)
16 Salt, as needed
17 1 tablespoon olive oil
18 1 cup long-grain white rice
19 1 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Optional Garnishes

20 Fresh cilantro, chopped
21 Wedges of lime
22 Slices of avocado
23 Cut jalapeños

Instructions

Step 01

Dry the steak with paper towels and rub it with olive oil. Sprinkle both sides with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, pressing the seasoning into the meat.

Step 02

Heat a large skillet until very hot. Cook the seasoned steak for 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. For medium-rare, cook for 4 minutes per side; for medium, cook 5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into thin strips across the grain.

Step 03

Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat, then stir in the rice and garlic powder to coat. Toast the grains lightly for 2 minutes. Add broth or water, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 18-20 minutes until soft.

Step 04

Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in milk and bring to a light simmer. Slowly add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, one handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 05

Place a serving of cooked rice on each plate. Top with steak strips and drizzle warm queso sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, avocado slices, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 675
  • Total Fat: 36 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 42 g