why make this recipe

Steak and queso rice is a delicious and satisfying meal that brings together tender pieces of steak, cheesy goodness, and flavorful rice. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you have friends over. It’s easy to make and full of flavors that everyone will love. The combination of beef broth, spices, and creamy cheese makes every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup for you!

how to make steak and queso rice

Ingredients:

1.5 pounds sirloin steak (cut bite-size, Ribeye works too)
2 cups white rice (uncooked)
3 cups beef broth (adds rich flavor)
1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
salt & pepper (to taste)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (fresh shredded melts best)
1 cup heavy cream or milk (heavy cream = thicker queso)
4 oz cream cheese (softened, helps queso stay smooth)
1/2 cup salsa OR diced tomatoes with green chiles (adds flavor + color)
1 tsp garlic powder

Directions:

Mix cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; season the steak pieces.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear the steak for 2–3 minutes, just until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in oil and seasonings.
Pour in the beef broth (and salsa if you are using it for cooking). Bring everything to a boil, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes.
In a separate saucepan, heat the cream and melt in the cream cheese. Gradually add the cheddar cheese, stirring in salsa and garlic powder. Keep this warm.
Add the cooked steak back to the rice mixture and pour the queso over everything. Stir gently to combine.
Cover the dish for 5 minutes so the queso thickens and soaks into the rice. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

how to serve steak and queso rice

Serve the steak and queso rice hot from the skillet. It makes a great main dish on its own, but you can also add some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice on top for extra flavor. Pair it with a simple salad or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

how to store steak and queso rice

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the queso seems too thick after storing, add a little milk or broth to loosen it up while reheating.

tips to make steak and queso rice

For more flavor, marinate the steak for a few hours in your favorite marinade before cooking.
Feel free to add more vegetables, like corn or black beans, to the rice mixture for extra nutrition.
Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or using a spicy salsa.

variation

You can modify this recipe by using ground beef instead of steak, or you can make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more veggies and beans.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time and the amount of liquid used.

2. Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or even milk if you want a lighter version.

3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and then warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.