If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with flavor and comfort, look no further than Steak & Queso Rice. Imagine tender strips of steak, perfectly seasoned and seared, nestled atop a bed of fluffy rice, all smothered in a creamy, gooey queso sauce. This is a one-bowl wonder that’s hearty enough for a satisfying meal but still light enough to feel like a treat. It’s got everything you need: savory steak, cheesy goodness, and a little spice to kick things up. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked it’s the kind of dish that makes you say, “Why haven’t I made this sooner?”

Why You’ll Love Steak & Queso Rice

This dish is an absolute game-changer, and here’s why:

Versatile: You can swap the steak for chicken or even shrimp, depending on your mood. You can also adjust the level of spice in the queso to suit your taste.

Budget-Friendly: With just a few simple ingredients, this dish brings a lot of bang for your buck. It’s filling, flavorful, and won’t break the bank.

Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, like sliced avocado, jalapeños, or cilantro, to take it to the next level.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. The combination of steak, rice, and cheesy goodness is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Steak & Queso Rice

This is a super simple yet incredibly flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

Steak: Choose a tender cut like flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye for the best texture. The steak is the star of the dish, so make sure it’s well-seasoned and cooked just right.

Rice: A fluffy base of white or brown rice provides the perfect foundation for all the delicious toppings.

Queso Sauce: A creamy, cheesy sauce made with a mix of melted cheese, cream, and a bit of spice. This is what gives the dish its rich, indulgent flavor.

Bell Peppers: Add some color and sweetness to the dish with bell peppers, which complement the savory steak and creamy queso.

Onion: A little sautéed onion adds depth of flavor to the dish and helps round out the savory profile.

Garlic: Aromatic garlic is a must for building flavor in the steak and the queso sauce.

Olive Oil: Used for cooking the steak and veggies to perfection.

Spices: A blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika adds just the right amount of warmth and depth to the dish.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this savory, cheesy masterpiece:

Cook the Rice: Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Once done, set it aside and keep it warm.

Cook the Steak: Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the steak for 3-5 minutes per side until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the bell peppers and onions for 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and slightly caramelized. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Make the Queso Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream, and once heated through, slowly add the shredded cheese, stirring until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a bit of cayenne if you want some extra heat.

Assemble the Dish: To assemble, place a generous scoop of rice on each plate. Top with the sautéed bell peppers and onions, then layer on the sliced steak. Drizzle with the creamy queso sauce and garnish with any extras you like – avocado, cilantro, or jalapeños.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve this dish warm and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness in every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 servings

Calories per serving: 550

(put them as notes)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Steak & Queso Rice

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even better:

Pair with a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the queso sauce. A simple side of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette would work perfectly.

Serve with tortilla chips on the side for extra crunch, and maybe even dip them in the leftover queso sauce for an extra cheesy bite.

Top with a dollop of sour cream or some sliced avocado to add richness and creaminess.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make your Steak & Queso Rice even more delicious:

If you prefer a spicier queso sauce, add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix.

For extra flavor, try marinating the steak in lime juice, garlic, and a bit of cumin for an hour before cooking.

Use pre-cooked rice to save time if you’re in a rush.

You can make this dish a little healthier by using brown rice instead of white rice or by using leaner cuts of steak.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use chicken instead of steak?

Yes, you can easily swap the steak for chicken breast or thighs for a lighter option.

2. Can I use store-bought queso sauce?

Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, store-bought queso works just fine.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can skip the steak and use black beans or tofu instead, and still have a delicious, filling dish.

4. How can I make the sauce spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper or throw in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to spice things up.

5. Can I use a different kind of rice?

Yes, brown rice or even cauliflower rice would work great in this dish.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the steak and veggies ahead of time, but the queso sauce is best made fresh for the creamiest texture.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

8. Can I use a different cheese for the queso?

Yes, you can use a combination of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for extra flavor.

9. Can I make this dish spicier?

Definitely! Add some chopped green chilies, jalapeños, or a bit of chili powder to ramp up the heat.

10. Can I freeze this?

It’s best to eat this fresh, but you can freeze the steak and rice (separately from the queso) for up to 2 months. Reheat and add fresh queso when serving.

Conclusion

Steak & Queso Rice is the ultimate comfort food with just the right balance of savory steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice. It’s easy, quick, and loaded with flavor, making it the perfect dish for any night of the week. Whether you’re looking for a filling dinner or a meal that will please a crowd, this one is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try you’ll be glad you did!

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