Steak & Queso Rice

Steak & Queso Rice is a delicious and hearty meal that brings together the savory flavors of seared steak, creamy queso sauce, and perfectly seasoned rice. This dish is the perfect balance of rich, cheesy goodness and tender, flavorful steak, making it an ideal dinner for any occasion. Whether you’re craving something indulgent for a weeknight meal or looking to impress guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Savory and Rich Flavors

The combination of well-seasoned steak and creamy queso sauce creates a flavor-packed dish that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The smoky paprika, cumin, and garlic elevate the steak’s flavor, while the queso sauce adds the perfect creamy texture.

2. Comforting and Hearty

This dish is a comforting, filling meal, with the rice acting as a perfect base to absorb the creamy queso and the savory steak juices. It’s a satisfying meal that will keep you full for hours.

3. Quick and Easy

Steak & Queso Rice comes together quickly, with most of the work involving prepping the steak, cooking the rice, and making the queso sauce. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require hours of cooking but still delivers on flavor.

4. Customizable to Your Taste

Feel free to adjust the seasoning, spice level, and toppings to match your preferences. Add extra jalapeños for heat, or top with fresh avocado for creaminess—this dish is easily adaptable.

5. Great for Meal Prep

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare everything in advance and store the components separately, then assemble when you’re ready to enjoy it. Reheats beautifully, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin steak
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Queso Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Avocado slices
• Lime wedges

Variations

• Add Veggies: You can stir in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn to the rice for added flavor and texture.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the chili powder or add diced fresh jalapeños into the queso sauce to make it spicier.
• Grilled Steak: For extra flavor, you can grill the steak instead of searing it, adding smoky charred notes to the dish.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a lower-carb version, substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice, which pairs well with the queso and steak.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by cooking the rice. In a medium pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the grains. Add the water or chicken broth, garlic powder, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

While the rice cooks, season the steak with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sear it for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove from heat and let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

Step 3: Make the Queso Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the milk, and then gradually whisk in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Once the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, add chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

To assemble, place a scoop of the cooked rice onto plates. Top with the sliced steak and pour a generous amount of queso sauce over the top.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Rest the Steak: Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to ensure it remains juicy and tender when sliced.
• Use Full-Fat Dairy: For a creamier queso sauce, use whole milk and full-fat cheeses.
• Season the Rice: Make sure to season the rice well with garlic powder and salt to enhance its flavor before serving.
• Control the Spice: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeños to match your preferred spice level.

How to Serve

Serve Steak & Queso Rice as a standalone meal, or pair it with a fresh side salad or grilled vegetables for added freshness. The creamy queso and savory steak make this dish filling enough to enjoy on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with some crispy tortilla chips or a side of guacamole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover steak and queso rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk to the queso sauce to keep it creamy.

Freezing

While the rice and steak freeze well, the queso sauce may change texture upon freezing. To freeze, store the components separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Reheating

Reheat the rice and steak in a microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating the queso sauce, gently heat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little milk if needed to bring back its creamy consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, you can use sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and desired doneness of the steak.

2. Can I use non-dairy cheese for the queso sauce?

Yes, there are non-dairy cheeses available that you can substitute in the queso sauce, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

3. Can I make the queso sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the queso sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just reheat it gently before serving, adding a little milk to restore its creamy consistency.

4. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice typically takes longer to cook than white rice.

5. Can I add more vegetables to the rice?

Yes, sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini can be added to the rice for extra flavor and nutrients.

6. Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild level of spice due to the chili powder and optional jalapeños. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder and peppers.

7. Can I use chicken instead of steak?

Yes, you can substitute grilled or shredded chicken for the steak if you prefer. The flavors will still work beautifully with the queso sauce.

8. Can I make this dish without the queso sauce?

While the queso adds creaminess, you could skip it and simply serve the steak over the rice with a drizzle of olive oil or a simple tomato salsa for a lighter version.

9. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the seasoning and the queso sauce ingredients are checked for gluten. Be sure to use gluten-free seasonings and ensure that your broth is gluten-free.

10. Can I add more cheese to the dish?

Absolutely! If you love cheese, feel free to sprinkle some additional shredded cheese over the top before serving for extra melty goodness.

Conclusion

Steak & Queso Rice is a savory, cheesy, and satisfying dish that combines tender steak, creamy queso sauce, and perfectly seasoned rice. It’s quick, customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will bring a deliciously indulgent twist to your meal. Try it today and enjoy a flavorful, comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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