There are times when you crave a meal that is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying without being overly complicated. This steak and queso rice recipe is exactly that kind of dish. It brings together tender, juicy steak with seasoned rice and creamy melted cheese to create a bowl that is both comforting and full of bold flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to enjoy something filling and homemade, this recipe balances simplicity with a restaurant-worthy taste.
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Steak & Queso Rice – Bold, Cheesy & Comforting
Juicy steak served over seasoned rice and topped with melty queso cheese for a hearty, flavor-packed meal.
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp chili powder (optional, for spice)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso blend)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Rice – In a pot, add rice and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until fluffy. Stir in the diced tomatoes.
Prepare the Steak – Season steak pieces with paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Steak – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking.
Assemble – Place cooked rice on a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with seared steak. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, letting it melt from the heat of the steak and rice.
Finish & Serve – Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
Cut steak evenly for best results. Rest steak briefly before serving. Add a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
why make this recipe
This dish is a great way to turn everyday ingredients into a memorable meal. It highlights the natural flavor of steak while pairing it with fluffy rice and a rich layer of melted cheese. If you’re looking for something that feels indulgent but is quick enough for a weekday dinner, this recipe is a strong choice. It also works well for family-style meals since you can prepare everything in one go and let everyone build their own bowls.
how to make Steak & Queso Rice – Bold, Cheesy & Comforting!
Making this dish is straightforward and requires minimal prep time. The rice cooks with broth and tomatoes for extra flavor while the steak is quickly seared to achieve a beautiful golden crust. Once the two are combined and topped with shredded cheese, the heat melts everything together into a delicious, cheesy bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for spice)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso blend)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the Rice – In a pot, add rice and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until fluffy. Stir in the diced tomatoes.
- Prepare the Steak – Season steak pieces with paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Steak – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking.
- Assemble – Place cooked rice on a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with seared steak. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, letting it melt from the heat of the steak and rice.
- Finish & Serve – Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
how to serve Steak & Queso Rice – Bold, Cheesy & Comforting!
This recipe works beautifully as a main course. You can serve it in individual bowls topped with cheese and cilantro or set everything on the table for a family-style meal. It pairs nicely with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or warm tortillas for scooping up the cheesy steak and rice.
how to store Steak & Queso Rice – Bold, Cheesy & Comforting!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep the rice from drying out. The cheese will melt again as it warms, keeping the dish creamy and flavorful.
tips to make Steak & Queso Rice – Bold, Cheesy & Comforting!
- Cut the steak into evenly sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.
- Let the steak rest for a minute after searing to keep it juicy.
- For extra richness, sprinkle additional cheese on top just before serving.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice for a bright, tangy finish.
variation
You can switch the protein by using chicken or shrimp if you prefer. For a spicier version, add jalapeños or extra chili powder. You could also use brown rice instead of white rice for a heartier texture.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Yes, if you already have cooked steak, simply slice it and warm it through before adding to the rice.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a queso blend are excellent choices as they melt smoothly and add great flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice in advance and reheat it before serving. Add the steak and cheese right before eating for the best taste.