Steak & Queso Rice Recipe

If you’re craving a one-pan masterpiece that balances juicy, flavorful steak, rich and cheesy sauce, and perfectly seasoned rice in every single bite, Steak & Queso Rice is your answer. This dish brings together bold Tex-Mex vibes with weeknight simplicity — heavenly steak strips, savory rice, and a luscious pour of white queso on top. It’s pure comfort food magic, and so easy you’ll want to make it again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a fancy pantry or hard-to-find ingredients to turn out Steak & Queso Rice — just a well-balanced lineup of essentials. Each ingredient brings something special, whether it’s deep flavor, creamy richness, or a pop of color for that restaurant-style wow factor.

• Basmati Rice: This long-grain rice cooks up fluffy and separate, making it perfect for soaking up all the bold flavors.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice with richness and seasons from the inside out.
• Chicken Bouillon Cube: Adds a savory punch and deepens the “simmered all day” taste.
• Crushed Tomatoes (or diced/tomato sauce): Lends body, tang, and color to the rice — use what you have!
• Garlic: Aromatic and essential for a base of earthy, irresistible flavor.
• Onion (optional): Keeps things classic, balancing the dish with sweetness and depth.
• Paprika & Cumin: These spices are non-negotiable — they deliver warmth and a hint of subtle smokiness.
• Salt & Pepper: Don’t forget to season for taste; tiny tweaks make a big difference.
• Olive Oil: For sautéeing and bringing a silky texture to the rice and steak.
• Sirloin Steak: Sliced thin for quick cooking, it’s juicy, beefy, and oh-so-tender.
• Butter: Adds richness and a hint of gloss to the steak, making it truly irresistible.
• Montreal Steak Seasoning: Your shortcut to steakhouse flavor — customizable, with tons of flavor notes.
• White Queso: That creamy, dreamy topping that brings everything together with cheesy magic.
• Fresh Cilantro: For that bright, herbal pop at the very end (skip it if you’re not a fan, but it’s a game-changer!).
• Flour Tortillas (optional): Soft and pliable, perfect for scooping or wrapping up bites of Steak & Queso Rice.

Variations

Steak & Queso Rice is the sort of recipe that practically begs for your twists! Swap, spice, or enhance it to make it your own — it’s so easy to adapt whether you’re cooking for dietary needs, weekly rotation boredom, or a little extra zing.

• Chicken Swap: Substitute thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh for the steak — quick, juicy, and kid-approved.
• Extra Veggie Boost: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, corn, or black beans during the last few minutes of rice cooking for added color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño with the onion and garlic, or finish with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
• Dairy-Free: Go for a dairy-free cheese sauce or simply skip the queso and finish with fresh avocado and salsa instead.

How to Make Steak & Queso Rice

Step 1: Rinse and Prep the Rice

Begin by rinsing your basmati rice under cold running water until the water is mostly clear. This step ensures your rice cooks up fluffy, not gummy, and soaks up all those delicious flavors later on. It takes just a minute, but truly makes a world of difference in the final dish!

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion (if using), and sauté for a couple of minutes until the onion goes translucent and the garlic smells nutty and fragrant. This sets the stage for a super-flavorful base.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add your rinsed rice right into the pan with the aromatics. Stir it around for about two minutes — this light toasting brings out a gently nutty flavor and helps the grains absorb the seasonings right from the start.

Step 4: Build the Flavor & Simmer

Stir in the crushed tomatoes (or whichever tomato option you have), pour in the chicken broth, and crumble in the bouillon cube. Sprinkle in your paprika, cumin, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Mix it all together, bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and let it simmer away for 18-20 minutes, until the rice has absorbed all those vivid flavors and the liquid is gone.

Step 5: Season and Sear the Steak

While the rice is working its magic, season your steak strips liberally with Montreal steak seasoning. In a separate skillet, heat a tablespoon each of olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. When the pan’s hot, add the steak strips and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side (medium-rare is my personal favorite, but you do you!). Let them rest on a plate when done.

Step 6: Finish, Top, & Serve

Once the rice is done, let it rest covered for five minutes — this makes it airy and oh-so fluffy. Fluff the rice with a fork, arrange your steak on top, and — the best part — pour on a generous amount of warm white queso. Finish with lots of fresh cilantro, then serve with warm flour tortillas to scoop up all that cheesy, steak-loaded goodness.

How to Serve Steak & Queso Rice

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro gives each plate of Steak & Queso Rice a burst of color and a little extra zing. For an extra pop, you can also add sliced green onions, a handful of diced tomatoes, or even a few jalapeño rounds for a little heat on top.

Side Dishes

This dish is filling on its own, but you can pair Steak & Queso Rice with a simple side salad tossed with lime vinaigrette, charred street corn, or a bowl of smoky black beans for a true Tex-Mex feast. Don’t forget those fluffy, warm flour tortillas to soak up every last bit of queso!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want a wow-worthy display, serve Steak & Queso Rice family-style on a large platter with the steak artfully fanned across the top. Or, try wrapping everything up in a large tortilla for steak and queso rice burritos — perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or a handheld dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Simply spoon cooled Steak & Queso Rice into an airtight container and refrigerate. Both the rice and the steak will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days — making for excellent lunches or quick dinners the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your leftovers, portion the cooled Steak & Queso Rice (without the queso, if possible) into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep well for up to two months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Add fresh queso and cilantro after reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat Steak & Queso Rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Add extra queso after reheating for that oozy, just-melted finish—because you can never have too much cheesy goodness!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I genuinely can’t wait for you to try Steak & Queso Rice in your own kitchen! With its lush combination of hearty steak, zesty tomato rice, and velvety cheese, it’s the kind of meal that brings friends and family running to the table. Give it a whirl this week—you’re going to fall in love with every cheesy, savory forkful.

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