Dinner

Steak Queso Rice Recipe

Byluca Carter January 27, 2026January 27, 2026

Introduction

Steak Queso Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender, seasoned steak with creamy cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked rice. This easy meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings when you want something satisfying and delicious.

A close-up view of a dish showing three layers: the bottom layer is white rice with a soft, fluffy texture; the middle layer consists of browned beef chunks that have a slightly crispy outer texture, scattered evenly across the rice; the top layer is a creamy, beige sauce generously poured over the beef and rice, with fresh green parsley leaves sprinkled on top for color contrast. The dish is served in a white bowl resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

450g (1 lb) flank or sirloin steak
1 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tsp ground cumin

1 tbsp olive oil, plus 1 tbsp for rice
1 tsp garlic powder, plus 1 tsp for rice

1½ cups whole milk
½ tsp ground cumin
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 tbsp butter
1 tsp chili powder
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups broth or water
1 cup long-grain white rice

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for garnish)
Avocado slices (for garnish)

Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, then season with paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over high heat until very hot. Sear the steak for 4–5 minutes per side, adjusting time based on thickness and preferred doneness.

Step 3: Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Then slice thinly across the grain to preserve tenderness.
Step 4: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, add the rice and garlic powder, and toast lightly for about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Add the broth or water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is cooked.

Step 6: In the same skillet used for the steak, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the milk and gently simmer.
Step 7: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until the sauce is smooth. Season with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 8: To serve, spoon the cooked rice onto plates, top with sliced steak, and ladle the warm queso sauce over everything. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, and sliced jalapeños if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier queso, use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
Try substituting pepper jack cheese for a spicier twist.
Use chicken broth for richer rice flavor or water for a neutral base.

Resting the steak before slicing helps retain juices and ensures tender bites.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk to the queso sauce to restore creaminess if it thickens.

How to Serve

A close-up of a dish with three visible layers: a bottom layer of soft, fluffy white rice with large grains, a middle layer made of dark brown, thick chunks of cooked beef scattered evenly across the rice, and a top layer of creamy, light beige sauce covering the beef and rice partially, with small green parsley leaves sprinkled on top for color contrast. The dish is inside a white bowl, sitting on a white marbled surface. The focus is sharp on the beef and sauce's texture, showing gooey sauce and tender meat details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?

Yes, flank or sirloin steak works best for tenderness and flavor, but ribeye or skirt steak can also be used depending on your preference.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Skip the steak and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead. You can also enhance the queso sauce by adding extra cheese or spices.

luca Carter