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Steak and queso rice is one of those weeknight meals that brings everyone running to the table even on the busiest days. There is something so comforting about juicy steak layered with fluffy rice and then drenched in a creamy, melty cheese sauce. This dish always disappears quickly in my house and tastes like something you would order from your favorite Tex-Mex spot but cozier and more personal.
This was the very first queso dish I made for my kids and they begged for second helpings. It is now our go-to fakeaway for movie nights or casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
- Flank or sirloin steak: Select the freshest cut you can find for best flavor and tenderness. These cuts work well with quick searing and soak up the seasonings.
- Paprika: Adds both color and mild warmth. A smoked variety gives even more depth if you have it.
- Salt and pepper: These let you control the overall seasoning. Kosher salt brings out the steak’s flavor best.
- Ground cumin: Brings classic Tex-Mex aroma and earthiness. Look for freshly ground in the spice aisle for louder flavor.
- Olive oil: This is your base for both steak and rice lending a fruity taste and keeping everything juicy.
- Garlic powder: For the steak and the rice. It adds mellow, rounded garlic flavor without burning.
- Whole milk: Full fat makes your queso ultra creamy. Use the freshest milk for smoothest sauce.
- Cheddar cheese: Go for a sharp block and grate it fresh yourself. Fresh grated melts better and packs way more punch.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Adds extra gooeyness and gentle milky flavor. Again, shredding your own yields the best melt.
- Butter: Unsalted lets you control the richness in the cheese sauce.
- Chili powder: For depth and mild heat in the queso. Look for a blend without too much added salt.
- Fresh garlic: Cloves that are plump and firm will be easiest to chop and won’t turn bitter.
- Long-grain white rice: Jasmine or basmati are both good choices and turn out fluffy every time.
- Broth: Chicken or veggie broth gives the rice more perfume but water will work in a pinch.
- Cilantro: Bright, fresh leaves liven up the finished plate. Choose bunches without yellowing stems.
- Lime wedges: For a final zippy kick. Pick limes that give a little when pressed.
- Avocado slices: Creamy and cooling alongside the rich queso. Ripe avocados should yield slightly to gentle touch.
- Jalapeños: Optional for extra heat. Fresh peppers that look glossy and firm are the best for slicing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Rice:
- Wash the grains under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch that could make the rice gummy.
- Toast and Simmer:
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium. Add rice and a pinch of garlic powder stirring so every grain is glossy and lightly coated. Let it toast for one to two minutes for nuttiness before adding broth. Bring to a boil cover tightly and lower heat to a simmer. Leave it for eighteen to twenty minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Season the Steak:
- Pat steak dry with paper towels so it sears not steams. Drizzle with olive oil and evenly sprinkle paprika cumin garlic powder salt and pepper. Rub the spices in on both sides.
- Sear the Steak:
- Get your skillet very hot. Sear steak for four to five minutes per side turning it once. Four minutes will give you a juicy medium-rare while five gives you medium. Let it rest on a board for five to ten minutes so juices absorb.
- Slice the Steak:
- Always cut against the grain. This means slicing perpendicular to the natural lines you see in the meat. It will make each piece tender and easy to chew.
- Start the Queso:
- Right in the same skillet melt butter over medium. Add chopped garlic and stir until you smell the aroma about a minute.
- Make the Sauce:
- Pour in whole milk and let it come up to a gentle simmer. Drop in cheddar and Monterey Jack a handful at a time stirring with each addition. Only add more cheese once the last batch has fully melted to keep things velvety. Sprinkle in cumin chili powder and a pinch of salt and pepper for extra zip.
- Assemble and Garnish:
- Spoon hot rice onto every plate. Lay out steak strips and ladle queso sauce all over. Top with fresh cilantro sprigs creamy avocado tangy lime wedges and jalapeño slices for color and spice.
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You Must Know
One of my favorite things about this recipe is the way the queso turns everyday rice into something crave-worthy. I still remember making this for my best friend’s birthday and everyone ended up eating straight from the pan because nobody wanted to miss a bite.
Storage Tips
Let any leftovers cool fully before placing in airtight containers. Store the steak rice and queso separately if possible to prevent sogginess. Everything will keep fresh in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat gently warm the cheese sauce over low stirring until smooth again and heat rice and steak individually in the microwave or on the stove before assembling.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find flank or sirloin steak try thinly sliced skirt steak or even chicken breast for a lighter version. For the cheese swap in pepper jack for extra heat or use a Mexican blend to mix things up. Oat milk works in the queso for dairy-free diets just be sure to use a cheese that melts well if choosing vegan versions.
Serving Suggestions
Pile the steak and queso rice into warm tortillas for easy handheld tacos or add a bowl of black beans on the side for extra heartiness. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh tomato salsa or a chilled cucumber salad to lighten all that richness. My family also loves scooping leftovers with crunchy tortilla chips for a quick snack.
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Cultural Context
Steak and queso rice brings together the Tex-Mex tradition of creamy cheese sauces with simple grilled meats and rice. Queso itself is a staple at family gatherings throughout the Southwest and I love that this recipe fuses it into the main event rather than a side or dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep steak tender?
Slice the steak against the grain after resting; this keeps each bite juicy and tender.
- → Can I make this spicier?
Add minced jalapeños or extra chili powder to the queso for an extra kick of heat.
- → Is chicken broth better than water for rice?
Low-sodium chicken broth adds deeper flavor, making the rice more savory and complementing the steak.
- → Which cheese works best for queso?
Using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives you a smooth, creamy texture and rich taste.
- → What are some garnish ideas?
Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced avocado, and jalapeños add flavor and a vibrant finish.
- → How can I prepare this ahead?
You can cook the steak and rice in advance; warm them and prepare the queso sauce just before serving.