Steak & Queso Rice is the ultimate fusion dish, combining tender steak with creamy queso cheese and fluffy rice. This dish is perfect for those who love rich, savory flavors with a touch of indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal or something to impress at a family dinner, Steak & Queso Rice is sure to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Loaded with Flavor

The combination of savory steak, melty queso, and seasoned rice creates a flavor explosion in every bite. The queso adds richness, while the steak brings a satisfying heartiness.

2. Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together quickly, with just a few simple ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.

3. One-Pan Wonder

You can make this entire dish in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The rice and steak cook together, infusing the flavors into the rice and making it a delicious one-pan meal.

4. Versatile

You can easily customize this dish to suit your preferences. Add vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor, or make it spicier with jalapeños or hot sauce.

5. Comforting

There’s something so comforting about rice and cheese together. Add steak, and you’ve got a hearty and filling meal that’s perfect for any time of the year.

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup queso dip or queso blanco
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Variations

Add Vegetables: You can add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even corn to the rice for extra flavor and texture.
Spicy: For a spicier version, add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix.
Use Different Proteins: While steak is the star here, you can swap it for grilled chicken, shrimp, or ground beef for variety.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Steak

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak slices with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Once the pan is hot, add the steak and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

In the same skillet, add the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to toast it lightly. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 3: Combine Steak and Queso

Once the rice is cooked, return the steak to the skillet. Pour in the queso dip, stirring to combine. Allow the queso to melt and mix thoroughly into the rice and steak. If you’d like, sprinkle in some shredded cheddar cheese for extra cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Serve the Steak & Queso Rice in bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Cut the Steak Thinly: Thinly slicing the steak helps it cook quickly and evenly. It also allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more effectively.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you like things spicy, you can always add more chili powder or include jalapeños in the mix.
Use Leftover Steak: If you have leftover steak, this recipe is a great way to repurpose it into a delicious meal.

How to Serve

Steak & Queso Rice is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with:

Sautéed Vegetables: A side of sautéed veggies like bell peppers, onions, or spinach complements the rich flavors of the dish.
Tortilla Chips: Serve with crispy tortilla chips on the side for a fun crunch.
Guacamole and Salsa: For an added touch, serve with guacamole and salsa for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Steak & Queso Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The queso may thicken as it cools, so you can add a little extra broth or water when reheating to bring it back to a creamy consistency.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove, adding extra beef broth if needed.

Reheating

Reheat the leftover steak and queso rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little beef broth or water to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid to cook properly.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can skip the steak and use a plant-based protein or beans to make a vegetarian version. You can also add more vegetables to boost the flavor.

3. Can I make this with chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken works great in this recipe. Simply substitute the steak for diced chicken breast or thighs and cook it through before adding the broth and rice.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese for the queso?

Yes, feel free to use any cheese you like! A sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack would work well if you don’t have queso dip on hand.

5. Can I add more spices to this recipe?

Definitely! You can adjust the spices to your preference, adding more chili powder, cumin, or even cayenne pepper for some heat.

6. Can I cook the rice separately?

While this recipe combines everything in one pan, you can cook the rice separately if you prefer. Just combine the cooked rice with the steak and queso in the skillet when both are ready.

7. How do I make this dish spicier?

To increase the spice level, add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the dish. You can also top it with hot sauce.

8. How do I make the queso sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker queso sauce, you can add a little more cheese or let the mixture simmer longer to thicken up.

9. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice and steak in advance, then assemble and heat everything together when ready to serve.

10. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

You can! Brown the steak and prepare the rice, then combine them in the slow cooker with the queso and beef broth. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.

Conclusion

Steak & Queso Rice is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s easy to make and will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. With its savory steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice, it’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress your guests, this dish is sure to be a hit!