Introduction to Cheesy Steak and Queso Rice
Prepare to embark on a flavor-packed adventure with our delectable Cheesy Steak and Queso Rice recipe! This dish is a harmonious fusion of tender, spice-rubbed steak, creamy and indulgent queso sauce, and fluffy, garlic-infused rice. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting family dinner or a show-stopping meal to impress your guests, this Cheesy Steak and Queso Rice is a must-try!
Table of Contents
Ingredients Needed
For the Steak
- 1 pound flank or sirloin steak
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Queso Sauce
- 1 and 1/2 cups whole milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
For the Rice
- 2 cups broth or water
- Salt, as needed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices
- Sliced jalapeños
Preparation Steps
How to Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and toast for 2–3 minutes. Stir in broth (or water), garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
Seasoning and Cooking the Steak
Rub the steak with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4–5 minutes per side or until it reaches your desired doneness. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
Making the Queso Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the milk, then add the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Heat the mixture until it’s steaming (do not boil). Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until they’re melted and the sauce is smooth. Keep the queso sauce warm.
Assembling the Dish
Fluff the cooked rice and divide it into bowls. Top the rice with the sliced steak and generously ladle the warm queso sauce over the top.

Serving Suggestions
Plating the Dish
For a visually appealing presentation, consider garnishing the Cheesy Steak and Queso Rice with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, or sliced jalapeños. The contrasting colors and textures will make this dish a true showstopper on your table.
Best Side Dishes to Pair With Cheesy Steak and Queso Rice
While this Cheesy Steak and Queso Rice dish is a complete meal in itself, you can enhance the experience by serving it alongside complementary side dishes. Some tasty options include roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or warm, buttery dinner rolls.
Nutritional Information
Caloric Breakdown
This hearty Cheesy Steak and Queso Rice dish provides a satisfying balance of macronutrients. Each serving contains a moderate amount of calories, with a focus on quality protein from the steak and healthy fats from the cheese and olive oil.
Macronutrients Overview
The combination of tender steak, creamy queso sauce, and flavorful rice makes this dish a nutritious and filling meal. It’s a great source of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients to keep you energized and satisfied.
FAQs about Cheesy Steak and Queso Rice
What kind of rice is good with steak?
Long-grain white rice, such as basmati or jasmine, works exceptionally well with the flavors of steak in this Cheesy Steak and Queso Rice recipe. The light and fluffy texture of the rice complements the tender steak and rich queso sauce beautifully.
Is cheese and rice a good combo?
Absolutely! The combination of cheese and rice is a classic that never disappoints. The creamy, melty queso sauce in this dish takes the rice to new heights, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal.
Can you melt cheese on rice?
Yes, you can absolutely melt cheese on top of rice! The key is to create a smooth, velvety queso sauce that can be easily poured over the fluffy rice. In this recipe, the blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melts seamlessly, creating a luxurious and cheesy topping for the rice.
Is queso good on rice?
Yes, queso is an excellent topping for rice! The creamy, slightly spicy queso sauce pairs incredibly well with the neutral flavor and fluffy texture of the rice. In this Cheesy Steak and Queso Rice dish, the queso sauce takes the rice to the next level, adding a delightful cheesy element that complements the savory steak perfectly.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Steak Quesadillas
- Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp
- Cheesy Garlic Chicken Bites with Buttered Rotini
Conclusion
The Cheesy Steak and Queso Rice dish is a captivating fusion of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress your taste buds. With its tender steak, creamy queso sauce, and fluffy, garlic-infused rice, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, comforting meals. Gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and prepare to embark on a delicious culinary adventure. Bon appétit!
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Indulge in Cheesy Steak and Queso Rice for a Flavorful Feast
- Total Time: 23
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Prepare to embark on a flavor-packed adventure with our delectable “Cheesy Steak and Queso Rice” recipe! This dish is a harmonious fusion of tender, spice-rubbed steak, creamy and indulgent queso sauce, and fluffy, garlic-infused rice.
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank or sirloin steak
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 and 1/2 cups whole milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups broth or water
- Salt, as needed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
- Avocado slices (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and toast for 2–3 minutes. Stir in broth (or water), garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Rub the steak with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4–5 minutes per side or until it reaches your desired doneness. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the milk, then add the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Heat the mixture until it’s steaming (do not boil). Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until they’re melted and the sauce is smooth. Keep the queso sauce warm.
4. Fluff the cooked rice and divide it into bowls. Top the rice with the sliced steak and generously ladle the warm queso sauce over the top.
Notes
For a visually appealing presentation, consider garnishing the “Cheesy Steak and Queso Rice” with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, or sliced jalapeños. The contrasting colors and textures will make this dish a true showstopper on your table.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 18
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 600
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 800
- Sodium: 35
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 80
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 50
- Protein: undefined
- Cholesterol: 50