Steak Queso Rice Bowl Recipe

Introduction

Steak Queso Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, seasoned steak with creamy queso sauce over fragrant rice. It’s an easy meal that feels special, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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: 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.
2. Step 2: 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.
3. Step 3: 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.
4. Step 4: Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with steak strips, then drizzle generously with queso sauce.
5. Step 5: 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

• For extra tenderness, marinate the steak strips in a little lime juice and garlic before cooking.
• Substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth to customize the flavor.
• Add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the queso sauce for a spicier kick.
• Use brown rice, but increase cooking time and liquid accordingly.
• Leftover steak can be replaced with cooked grilled chicken or sautéed vegetables for a different twist.

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 cream or broth to loosen the queso sauce if it thickens. For best flavor, enjoy within the first two days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, sirloin, flank, or ribeye all work well. Choose a cut you prefer or have on hand, just be mindful of cooking times to avoid overcooking.

Is there a dairy-free version of the queso sauce?

You can substitute the cheeses and cream with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cheese and coconut cream. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Steak Queso Rice Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 133 reviews

This Steak Queso Rice recipe combines tender, seasoned steak strips with flavorful, buttery rice and a rich, creamy queso sauce. Garnished with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and sour cream, it makes a comforting, hearty bowl perfect for any meal.

• Author: Marco
• 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 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.
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.
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.
4. Assemble the Steak Queso Rice Bowl: Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with steak strips, then drizzle generously with queso sauce.
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!

Notes

• Use your preferred cut of steak such as sirloin, flank, or ribeye for best results.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper in the queso sauce to control the spice level.
• Allow the steak to rest after cooking to retain juiciness.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk and reduce cheese.
• Optional toppings add freshness and a variety of textures.

Keywords: steak queso rice, steak rice bowl, cheesy steak rice, Tex-Mex rice bowl, creamy queso sauce, dinner, comfort food