If you’re looking for a hearty and indulgent rice bowl recipe, this Steak Queso Rice is a perfect choice! Tender steak strips, creamy queso sauce, and perfectly seasoned flavorful rice come together to create a dish that is both comforting and packed with bold flavors.
This dish is ideal for busy weeknights, weekend indulgences, or when you’re craving a homemade steak rice bowl that rivals restaurant quality. Whether you’re a steak lover or a queso fanatic, this dish brings together a perfect marriage of flavors and textures in one satisfying meal.
Let’s dive into this delicious steak and rice dish that’s easy to make and full of rich, cheesy goodness!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Steak Queso Rice
✔ Loaded with Flavor – Juicy steak, cheesy queso, and seasoned rice in every bite.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep work.
✔ One-Pan Recipe – Less mess and easy cleanup.
✔ Customizable – Swap the protein, change up the cheese, or add veggies.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – A family-friendly meal or a great dish for meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious queso rice bowl, gather the following ingredients:
For the Steak:
- 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
For the Flavorful Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Queso Sauce:
- 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)
Optional Toppings:
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
Kitchen Equipment Needed
✔ Large skillet or grill pan – For cooking the steak.
✔ Medium saucepan – For making flavorful rice.
✔ Small saucepan – For melting the queso sauce.
✔ Mixing bowls – For seasoning and preparing ingredients.
✔ Spatula or tongs – To cook the steak evenly.
How to Make Steak Queso Rice
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!
Expert Tips for a Flavorful Rice Bowl
✔ Use High-Quality Steak – Ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak work best for tender slices.
✔ Let the Steak Rest – This locks in the juices for a flavorful bite.
✔ Warm Queso on Low Heat – Prevents it from becoming grainy or clumpy.
✔ Fluff the Rice – Prevents it from becoming sticky.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Overcooking the Steak – Medium-rare to medium is best for a juicy texture.
🚫 Using Low-Quality Cheese – Shred fresh cheese for the smoothest queso.
🚫 Skipping the Resting Step for Steak – This helps keep the steak tender and juicy.
Variations and Substitutions
✔ Use Chicken Instead – Swap steak for grilled or shredded chicken.
✔ Try Shrimp – Sautéed shrimp makes a delicious alternative.
✔ Spicy Queso – Add jalapeños or extra cayenne for a kick.
✔ Vegetarian Option – Use black beans and grilled veggies instead of steak.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring the queso in between.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
🥑 With Guacamole – A creamy, fresh contrast to the rich queso.
🌮 With Tortilla Chips – Use the queso rice as a dip for extra crunch.
🥗 With a Side Salad – A simple green salad balances the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Yes! Just warm it in a skillet before serving to retain flavor.
2. What’s the best rice for this dish?
Jasmine or basmati rice works best for a fluffy texture.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store the components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
4. Can I make this queso spicier?
Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños or extra cayenne.
Conclusion & Call to Action
This Steak Queso Rice is the ultimate steak rice bowl, combining tender beef, creamy queso, and perfectly seasoned rice. Whether you’re looking for rice bowl recipes for meal prep or an indulgent weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and subscribe for more steak and rice recipes!
PrintSteak Queso Rice : A Flavorful Rice Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty and indulgent rice bowl recipe, this Steak Queso Rice is a perfect choice!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 35
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 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
For the Flavorful Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Queso Sauce:
- 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)
Optional Toppings:
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with steak strips, then drizzle generously with queso sauce.
Add optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
✔ Use High-Quality Steak – Ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak work best for tender slices.
✔ Let the Steak Rest – This locks in the juices for a flavorful bite.
✔ Warm Queso on Low Heat – Prevents it from becoming grainy or clumpy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
Keywords: Steak Rice Bowl