If you’re craving something that hits every comfort-food craving in one glorious bite, this Steak & Queso Rice has your name all over it. Picture a mound of tender basmati rice, bathed in spiced tomato broth, crowned with juicy sirloin and a gooey drizzle of creamy white queso—this is the weeknight hero your tastebuds deserve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Steak & Queso Rice is loaded with hearty steak, velvety queso, and aromatic rice for a deeply satisfying meal any night of the week.
- Customizable for Every Palate: You can easily swap the steak, adjust the spices, or toss in extra veggies—there’s something for everyone in this one-pan wonder.
- Quick & Fuss-Free: Simple steps and familiar pantry staples mean you get maximum flavor with minimum effort (yes, even on a hectic Monday!).
- Leftover Magic: The flavors keep improving overnight, making Steak & Queso Rice just as crave-worthy for lunch the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling off Steak & Queso Rice is easier than you think, and every ingredient brings something special to the pot. From the fluffy rice to the luscious cheese and boldly seasoned steak, each bite is a festival of flavors and textures.
- Basmati Rice: The secret to the best texture—extra fluffy, never mushy. Don’t forget to rinse before cooking!
- Chicken Broth & Bouillon: Double up for serious savory flavor in every bite of rice.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet depth; swap for diced tomatoes or sauce for a twist.
- Garlic & Onion: Fragrant aromatics that infuse the rice with warmth and complexity.
- Paprika & Cumin: For a whisper of smokiness and earthy richness—don’t skip these!
- Olive Oil & Butter: The duo that brings richness to both rice and steak.
- Sirloin Steak: Tender, juicy, and quick to cook—slice thin for the best texture.
- Montreal Steak Seasoning: A shortcut to flavor-packed steak (but any seasoning you love works).
- White Queso: The crowning glory; creamy and melty, perfect for drizzling.
- Fresh Cilantro: For a pop of color and vibrant finish right before serving.
- Flour Tortillas (optional): Scoop up those dreamy rice and steak bites, or serve on the side.
- Salt and Pepper: To help all the flavors shine through.
Variations
This Steak & Queso Rice recipe is endlessly adaptable, so don’t fret if you’re missing an ingredient or want to make it your own! With a few simple swaps or additions, you can tailor it to suit your mood, spice tolerance, or what you already have in the fridge.
- Vegetarian Vibes: Leave out the steak and add fajita-style bell peppers, mushrooms, or grilled tofu for a delicious plant-based dinner.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in diced jalapeños, green chiles, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat and boldness.
- Cheese Switch-Up: Substitute Monterey Jack or shredded cheddar if you can’t find white queso—still ooey-gooey and irresistible!
- Different Grains: Substitute jasmine or long-grain white rice (just adjust liquid slightly as needed).
How to Make Steak & Queso Rice
Step 1: Rinse and Prep the Rice
Start by rinsing your basmati rice under cold running water until it runs clear. This little step is essential for fluffy, separate grains—no mushy rice here! Set the rice aside to drain while you get everything else prepped.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion
In a large skillet or saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add your garlic and onion (if using) and sauté until the onion turns translucent and the garlic smells amazing—about 2–3 minutes. This builds the aromatic base that makes Steak & Queso Rice taste restaurant-worthy from the start.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Add the rinsed rice right into the skillet. Stir for about 2 minutes to toast the grains and help them absorb all the garlicky, oniony goodness. This extra step gives the finished rice a touch more depth and nuttiness.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Spices
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then crumble in the bouillon cube. Sprinkle in your paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir, making sure the rice is evenly coated and submerged in all that deliciousness.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
Bring the pan to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover tightly and let it simmer for 18–20 minutes—don’t be tempted to peek! The rice will soak up every drop of flavor, resulting in perfectly tender grains ready for steak and queso.
Step 6: Rest and Fluff
When the rice is done cooking, take it off the heat and let it sit (still covered) for 5 minutes. Then use a fork to fluff the rice—this keeps the grains nice and airy.
Step 7: Season and Sear the Steak
As your rice finishes, pat the sirloin steak dry and season generously with Montreal steak seasoning. In a separate skillet, heat butter and a splash of olive oil over medium-high. Once hot, sear the steak strips for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until your preferred doneness is reached. Let the steak rest for a minute before slicing into bite-sized pieces if needed.
Step 8: Assemble and Drizzle with Queso
Spoon the fluffy rice onto plates or into bowls, top generously with steak, and then pour over that dreamy white queso. Finish with chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness, and serve warm tortillas on the side if you’re feeling extra festive.
Pro Tips for Making Steak & Queso Rice
- Rinse for Fluffy Rice: Never skip rinsing your basmati rice—this washes away excess starch and keeps your Steak & Queso Rice wonderfully light and separated.
- Searing Secrets: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steak so you get a perfect, caramelized crust (it makes every bite irresistible!).
- Queso Consistency: Warm the queso gently before drizzling, so it flows smoothly and evenly over the steak and rice.
- Taste and Adjust: Don’t be shy about adjusting salt, heat, or even extra toppings—this recipe is all about customizing to your cravings.
How to Serve Steak & Queso Rice
Garnishes
Go big on the garnishes for Steak & Queso Rice! Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime over the top for brightness. Thinly sliced jalapeños or diced scallions are gorgeous and add a fun kick. Want extra flair? A dollop of sour cream or a handful of pico de gallo makes every plate pop.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, zesty roasted corn, or even black beans for extra substance. And don’t forget warm flour tortillas—perfect for scooping up every last drop of queso and rice!
Creative Ways to Present
Transform Steak & Queso Rice into next-level burrito bowls, top baked potatoes with rice and steak (trust me, it’s life-changing), or stuff the filling into bell peppers for a colorful twist. It also makes a fantastic filling for wraps or tacos if you’re after hand-held fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, pop any leftover Steak & Queso Rice into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days and, honestly, the flavors deepen overnight—so lunch the next day might even be better than dinner!
Freezing
Planning ahead? You can freeze Steak & Queso Rice for up to two months. Just scoop it into freezer-safe containers or sturdy zip-top bags, label, and you’re set for future cravings. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
When you’re ready, reheat Steak & Queso Rice in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist, stir gently, and top with fresh queso or extra cilantro for that just-made flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of beef for Steak & Queso Rice?
Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and cooks quickly, you can swap in flank steak, ribeye, or even pre-cooked grilled steak strips in a pinch. Just slice thinly to keep every bite tender and flavorful.
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What can I use instead of white queso?
If white queso isn’t handy, try Monterey Jack, cheddar cheese sauce, or even a quick homemade cheese sauce. The goal is melty, creamy, and easy to drizzle—use what you love!
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How do I make this recipe spicier?
For extra heat in your Steak & Queso Rice, add diced jalapeños, green chiles, or a pinch of cayenne to the rice base. You can also spice up your queso or sprinkle chili flakes on top before serving.
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Is Steak & Queso Rice gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free bouillon and make sure your queso is gluten-free, this dish is naturally gluten-free—just skip the flour tortillas or replace them with a gluten-free version.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this crowd-pleasing Steak & Queso Rice a try soon—you’re in for a cozy, delicious treat. Whether you’re serving family dinner or just want to satisfy a comfort-food craving, this recipe won’t let you down. Enjoy every cheesy, steak-studded spoonful!
Print
Steak & Queso Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
A delicious and hearty recipe for Steak & Queso Rice that combines tender sirloin steak strips with flavorful basmati rice, topped with creamy white queso and fresh cilantro, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 2 cups Basmati Rice
- 2 1/2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cube Chicken Bouillon
- 1 can (about 14 oz) Crushed Tomatoes (or diced/tomato sauce)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
For the Steak:
- 1 pound Sirloin Steak, cut into thin strips
- 2 tbsp Butter
- Montreal Steak Seasoning, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
For Serving:
- White Queso, for topping
- Fresh Cilantro, for garnish
- Flour Tortillas, optional for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic and onion until translucent.
- Toast the Rice: Add rice to the skillet, toast for 2 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in tomatoes, broth, bouillon, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Cook the Rice: Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 18-20 minutes.
- Rest and Fluff: Let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Prep Steak: Season steak with Montreal steak seasoning.
- Cook Steak: Cook seasoned steak in a skillet with olive oil and butter until done to your liking.
- Add Steak to Pan: Fluff cooked rice, top with steak, and drizzle with white queso.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro, serve with tortillas if desired.
Notes
- Storage and Reheating Instructions:
- How to Store Steak & Queso: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- How to Reheat Steak & Queso: Reheat in the microwave or skillet with a splash of broth or water.
- Helpful Tips & Substitutions:
- Freezing Instructions, Meal Prep Tips, and Substitution Ideas provided.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 629 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 78g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 87mg
