Steak Queso Rice Bowl Recipe

Introduction

Steak Queso Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, seasoned steak with creamy, cheesy queso sauce over fragrant rice. It’s an easy meal that brings together bold spices and rich textures, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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)
• Optional toppings: 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped), 1 jalapeño (sliced), 1 tablespoon sour cream, ½ cup diced tomatoes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the rice by bringing beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Step 2: Season the steak strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin in a bowl. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak strips for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Prepare the queso sauce by heating heavy cream over low heat in a small saucepan. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until smooth. Mix in garlic powder and cayenne pepper if using. Keep warm on low heat.
4. Step 4: Assemble the bowls by dividing the cooked rice into serving dishes. Top with steak strips and drizzle generously with queso sauce.
5. Step 5: Garnish with optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeño, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use ribeye for extra tenderness or flank steak for a leaner option.
• Add a squeeze of lime juice or chopped green onions for a fresh twist.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute steak with grilled mushrooms or sautéed vegetables.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the queso sauce to control the heat level.
• Use leftover cooked steak to make this dish quicker on busy nights.

Storage

Store leftovers 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 beef broth or cream to loosen the queso sauce if it thickens. Avoid overheating to keep steak tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

Yes, jasmine or basmati rice works best for their aroma and texture, but you can also use long grain white rice or brown rice. Adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed for different rice varieties.

How do I know when the steak is cooked properly?

Cook steak strips for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium rare to medium, depending on thickness. You can adjust cooking time if you prefer it more well done. Letting the steak rest after cooking helps retain juices and tenderness.

Steak Queso Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.5 from 111 reviews

Steak Queso Rice is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender, seasoned steak strips served over savory, buttery beef broth-infused rice, all topped with a creamy, rich queso sauce. This meal is enhanced with optional fresh toppings like cilantro, jalapeños, and sour cream, making it a perfect fusion of comfort and spice that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the 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 all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
2. Season and Cook the Steak: In a bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin, then season the steak strips thoroughly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
3. Prepare the Queso Sauce: In a small saucepan, warm the heavy cream over low heat. Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and smooth. Gradually add the shredded white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses while stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. Mix in garlic powder and cayenne pepper for extra flavor if desired. Keep the sauce warm on low heat until ready to serve.
4. Assemble the Steak Queso Rice Bowl: Divide the cooked rice evenly into serving bowls. Top each bowl with the rested steak strips and then generously drizzle the warm queso sauce over the top.
5. Garnish and Serve: Add optional toppings such as chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeño, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance flavor and presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and comforting meal!

Notes

• Use your preferred cut of steak—sirloin, flank, or ribeye all work well for tender, flavorful strips.
• For spicier queso, increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh diced jalapeños.
• Allow the steak to rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
• Leftover steak queso rice can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter or different flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free meal, ensure your beef broth and spices are gluten-free certified.

Keywords: steak queso rice, steak rice bowl, creamy queso sauce, Tex-Mex rice bowl, cheesy steak dish