Introduction

Steak Queso Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, seasoned steak with creamy queso sauce over perfectly cooked rice. This recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that feels a bit special without extra effort.

A white plate holds a colorful dish with two main parts: on the left side, there is orange rice with visible grains and some small bits that add texture; on the right side, several pieces of grilled beef strips sit on top of the rice, showing a brown color with grill marks and a slightly crispy texture. In the middle, spreading slightly over both rice and beef, there is a light-colored sauce drizzled in a zigzag pattern with a smooth and creamy look. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb steak strips (sirloin, flank, or ribeye)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
¾ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons cream cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
Optional toppings: 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped), 1 jalapeño (sliced), 1 tablespoon sour cream, ½ cup diced tomatoes

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the rice by bringing beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Season the steak strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin in a bowl. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the queso sauce by warming heavy cream over low heat in a small saucepan. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Gradually add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until smooth. Mix in garlic powder and cayenne pepper if using. Keep warm on low heat.
Step 4: Assemble the dish by dividing the cooked rice into bowls. Top with steak strips and drizzle generously with queso sauce.
Step 5: Garnish with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Swap beef broth for chicken or vegetable broth if preferred, or water with added spices for a lighter flavor.
Use any tender cut of steak you like—flank or ribeye both work well.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and chopped green onions as extra toppings for a bright finish.
For a vegetarian version, replace steak with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables and use vegetable broth.
Keep the queso sauce smooth by stirring constantly and using low heat to prevent cheese from separating.

Storage

Store leftover steak queso rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the queso sauce if needed. Avoid overheating to keep the steak tender and the sauce creamy.

How to Serve

A white bowl on a white marbled surface contains a dish with three main parts. One side has orange rice with a slightly rough texture, filling about half the bowl. On top of the rice, there are several strips of grilled brown meat arranged neatly in a line, showing grill marks and a juicy texture. In the middle of the bowl, a creamy white sauce is drizzled in a thin, uneven line crossing over both the rice and meat. The colors contrast well, with the bright orange rice, dark brown meat, and white sauce all clear and vivid. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked steak strips. Simply warm them briefly in the skillet before assembling the bowl to avoid overcooking.

Is it possible to make the queso sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the queso sauce in advance and reheat it gently on low heat while stirring to maintain smoothness. Add a splash of cream or milk if it thickens too much.