Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you ready for a recipe that’s about to become your new weeknight dinner obsession? Today, I’m thrilled to share with you how to make Steak Queso Rice in just 30 minutes. This dish is a perfect blend of tender steak, creamy queso, and flavorful rice, all coming together in a quick and delicious meal that your whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for quick family dinners or easy pasta recipes (yes, this one’s a game-changer!), this Steak Queso Rice is here to save your meal prep game. So, let’s dive in and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Combines the richness of steak with the creaminess of queso for a indulgent yet balanced meal.
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients that you might already have on hand.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings for added flavor.
- Goes perfectly with a variety of sides, making it a versatile dinner option.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Steak Queso Rice. Don’t worry, most of these are probably already in your pantry or fridge!
- 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)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, bring beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Steak
In a bowl, season the steak strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from heat and let the steak rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Queso Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Gradually add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until smooth. Mix in garlic powder and cayenne pepper for extra flavor. Keep warm on low heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Steak Queso Rice Bowl
Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with steak strips, then drizzle generously with queso sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Add optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to make your Steak Queso Rice even better:
- Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor in your queso sauce.
- Let the steak rest before slicing to ensure it stays juicy.
- Customize the dish with your favorite toppings—get creative!
- For an extra creamy rice, add a splash of heavy cream when fluffing the rice.
How to Serve
Steak Queso Rice is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add some extra sides, here are a few ideas:
- A fresh green salad for a lighter contrast.
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
- A side of warm tortillas or crusty bread.
Looking for more delicious dinner ideas? Check out my recipes for Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice, Smothered Chicken and Rice, and Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken—all perfect for quick family dinners!
Make Ahead and Storage
Steak Queso Rice is best served fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time:
- Cook the rice and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Season the steak and store it in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.
- Make the queso sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently when ready to serve.
There you have it—a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re a fan of healthy dinner ideas beef or just looking for what to eat with steak, this Steak Queso Rice is sure to become a favorite. Let me know in the comments how you customize yours, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on social media!
Happy cooking, and see you in the next recipe!
Steak Queso Rice: A Flavorful Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the rice in beef broth with butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Season steak strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Cook in olive oil over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, then rest for 5 minutes.
- Prepare queso sauce by heating heavy cream, melting cream cheese, and gradually adding cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir in garlic powder and cayenne pepper.
- Assemble the bowls by dividing cooked rice, topping with steak, and drizzling with queso sauce.
- Garnish with optional toppings like cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately.