Description

This Steak Queso Rice recipe combines tender, seared steak with a creamy, cheesy queso sauce over fluffy rice. Perfectly seasoned and full of bold Tex-Mex flavors, this dish is ideal for a quick and comforting dinner. It’s easy to make, gluten-free, and sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

For the Steak:

450g (1 lb) flank or sirloin steak

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Queso Sauce:

1 ½ cups whole milk

Salt and pepper, to taste

½ teaspoon ground cumin

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon chili powder

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For the Rice:

2 cups broth or water

Salt, as needed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup long-grain white rice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh cilantro, chopped

Lime wedges

Avocado slices

Sliced jalapeños

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Rub it with olive oil and season both sides with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Sear the Steak: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Sear the steak for 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and preferred doneness. For medium-rare, 4 minutes per side is ideal. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.

Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water. Heat olive oil in a pot, add rice and garlic powder, and toast lightly. Add broth or water and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.

Make the Queso Sauce: In the same skillet used for the steak, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until smooth. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Dish: Spoon rice onto plates. Top with sliced steak and ladle warm queso sauce over the top.

Garnish and Serve: Add optional garnishes such as fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, and sliced jalapeños. Serve immediately.

Notes

Steak Tenderness: Always slice the steak against the grain for optimal tenderness.

Flavorful Rice: Use low-sodium chicken broth for a richer rice flavor.

Adjust Heat: Add cayenne or minced jalapeños to the queso for extra heat, if desired.

Steak Doneness: For medium-rare steak, cook 4 minutes per side. For medium, cook 5 minutes per side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main course