Steak and Queso Rice Recipe

Introduction

Steak and Queso Rice is a flavorful, comforting dish that brings together tender sirloin steak with creamy melted cheese and seasoned rice. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb sirloin steak
• 1 cup queso cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by dicing the onion and bell pepper and mincing the garlic.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Let it rest before slicing.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in cooked rice along with paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until heated through.
5. Step 5: Gradually add queso cheese, stirring until melted into a creamy mixture.
6. Step 6: Combine sliced steak with the queso rice and serve hot topped with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and avocado slices.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover cooked rice to save time and prevent mushiness in the dish.
• Swap sirloin with flank or ribeye steak for a different texture and flavor.
• Add a splash of lime juice or hot sauce for a zesty, spicy kick.
• For a vegetarian option, replace steak with sautéed mushrooms or black beans.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the creamy texture of the queso.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked steak for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cooked steak can be added at the end of the cooking process to warm through. Just be careful not to overcook it to keep the steak tender.

What type of queso cheese works best?

Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese melts well and creates a creamy texture, making either an excellent choice for this recipe.

Steak and Queso Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 787 reviews

This hearty Steak and Queso Rice recipe combines tender seared sirloin steak with creamy melted queso cheese mixed into flavorful spiced rice and sautéed vegetables. Perfect as a satisfying one-pan meal, it features a blend of cumin, paprika, and chili powder for a mild southwestern flair.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southwestern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Steak and Meat

• 1 lb sirloin steak

Rice and Cheese

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (cooked)
• 1 cup queso cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar)

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasoning

• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Oils

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Have all your ingredients ready for cooking.
2. Sear the Steak: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sirloin steak and sear it for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until well browned. Remove the steak and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. Add Rice and Spices: Stir in the cooked long-grain white rice along with minced garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and the spices are well combined.
5. Melt the Queso: Gradually add the queso cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and combines with the rice to form a creamy mixture.
6. Combine Steak and Serve: Add the sliced steak back into the skillet and gently fold it into the cheesy rice mixture. Serve immediately, optionally topped with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and sliced avocado.

Notes

• Ensure the rice is cooked before starting this recipe; leftover rice works great.
• Feel free to substitute the sirloin steak with other cuts like flank or ribeye.
• Adjust the chili powder amount to taste if you prefer less or more heat.
• For a lower fat option, use reduced-fat cheese or less olive oil.
• This dish pairs well with a fresh side salad or black beans.

Keywords: Steak and queso rice, queso cheese rice, sirloin steak recipe, southwestern rice dish, one-pan steak meal