Name: Steak Queso Rice Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 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

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Introduction

Steak Queso Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender, seasoned steak with creamy queso sauce served over flavorful rice. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

A close-up top view of a single-layer dish in a silver pan filled with orange-red cooked rice mixed with small bits of red and white, topped with many pieces of dark brown cooked beef strips scattered unevenly across the surface. Light beige creamy sauce is drizzled over both the rice and beef in thin lines. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled lightly on top. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with three whole ripe red tomatoes placed near the pan, a small bunch of fresh green herbs on the right, and a cloth with blue and yellow colors in the corners. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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!

Tips & Variations

Use leftover steak or grilled steak for convenience.
Substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
Add diced onions or bell peppers to the steak for extra texture and flavor.
Use pepper jack cheese in the queso sauce for a spicier kick.
Serve with a side of guacamole or salsa for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftover steak queso rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. Prepare the queso sauce fresh for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with bright orange rice forms the base layer, topped with scattered pieces of dark brown grilled meat. On top of the meat, small dollops of white sauce are drizzled unevenly across the dish, alongside chopped fresh green herbs and a few slices of red chili. A wooden spoon held by a woman's hand is lifting some of the rice and meat mixture. The scene is set against a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute jasmine or basmati rice with long grain white rice or even brown rice, though cooking times may vary.

Is the queso sauce spicy?

The queso sauce has a mild kick from the optional cayenne pepper. You can omit it if you prefer a milder sauce or add more for extra heat.