Cheesy Steak Queso Rice

Olivia Morgan

June 30, 2025

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Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy Steak Queso Rice is a delicious and hearty dish that combines flavorful steak, creamy cheese sauce, and fluffy rice. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends. The mix of textures and flavors makes this dish a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to prepare. You can customize it with your favorite garnishes, making it a fun meal that everyone will enjoy.

How to Make Cheesy Steak Queso Rice

Ingredients:

1 pound flank or sirloin steak
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt, to taste
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, to taste
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
Lime wedges
Avocado slices
Sliced jalapeños

Directions:

Prepare Queso Base: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté chopped garlic until fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Stir in whole milk and allow to come to a gentle simmer.
Cook Rice: Rinse long-grain white rice under cold water. Heat olive oil in a pot, add rinsed rice and garlic powder, and toast for 2 minutes. Pour in broth or water and a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then cover, lower heat, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until tender.
Season and Rest Steak: Pat steak dry with paper towels and rub with olive oil on all sides. Evenly coat with paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, pressing spices into the meat. Allow steak to rest at room temperature while preparing additional steps.
Finish Queso Sauce: While milk is simmering, gradually incorporate shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in small batches, stirring to melt completely until sauce is smooth. Season sauce with chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat.
Prepare Garnishes: Chop cilantro, cut lime into wedges, slice avocado, and cut jalapeños if using as garnishes.
Sear and Slice Steak: Heat a large skillet over high heat until nearly smoking. Sear seasoned steak for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on desired doneness—approximately 4 minutes for medium-rare or 5 minutes for medium. Transfer steak to a cutting board and let rest 5 to 10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Assemble and Serve: Divide cooked rice among plates. Arrange steak slices atop the rice and generously ladle warm queso sauce over both. Finish with prepared garnishes including cilantro, jalapeños, avocado, and lime as desired. Serve immediately.

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How to Serve Cheesy Steak Queso Rice

Serve Cheesy Steak Queso Rice hot, right after assembling. You can place extra garnishes on the table so everyone can customize their portion. This adds a personal touch and makes the meal even more enjoyable.

How to Store Cheesy Steak Queso Rice

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed to refresh the cheese sauce.

Tips to Make Cheesy Steak Queso Rice

Make sure the steak is at room temperature before cooking for the best sear.
Feel free to add other toppings like sour cream or diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
Adjust the spices according to your taste to make it milder or spicier.

Variation

You can use chicken instead of steak, or make it vegetarian by replacing the meat with black beans or grilled vegetables. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to suit your protein.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can mix different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy kick or use gouda for a smokier flavor.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more chili powder or fresh sliced jalapeños to the queso sauce. You can also use hot sauce as a garnish.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the steak and cheese sauce ahead of time and store them separately. When you are ready to serve, cook the rice and reheat the other components.