Steak & Queso Rice Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that brings together sizzling steak, melty queso, and perfectly fluffy rice, this Steak & Queso Rice is about to become your new obsession. Every bite is a Tex-Mex celebration, loaded with tender steak slices, creamy cheese sauce, and a colorful medley of peppers, corn, and beans. Whether you cook it up for a quick weeknight dinner or serve it at a weekend get-together, this dish delivers bold flavors and irresistible comfort—with just the right amount of spice and plenty of satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are all it takes to create restaurant-quality Steak & Queso Rice at home. Each one plays its part, elevating the taste, texture, and visual appeal for a dish that never fails to impress.
- Flank steak or sirloin: Choose a tender cut and slice thinly for the most melt-in-your-mouth bites.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps you achieve that golden, savory sear on the steak.
- Chili powder: Delivers warm, smoky spice—just enough to wake up your taste buds.
- Cumin: Infuses the rice with earthy, slightly nutty undertones that define Tex-Mex comfort food.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a layer of smoky depth to both the steak and the rice mixture.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple essentials to balance flavors—you can’t skip these!
- Cooked rice: White, brown, or Mexican-style rice all work well; it’s the fluffy foundation for Steak & Queso Rice.
- Red bell pepper: Offers sweetness and vibrant color in every scoop.
- Onion: Provides aromatic savoriness and rounds out the base of your skillet.
- Canned corn kernels: Adds juicy pops of sweetness and golden color.
- Canned black beans: For heartiness, creaminess, and protein-packed bites.
- Prepared queso dip: The crown jewel—creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: The bright, herby finishing touch every bowl deserves.
How to Make Steak & Queso Rice
Step 1: Season the Steak
Start by tossing your thinly sliced steak with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. This flavorful rub isn’t just about taste—it helps tenderize the meat and creates a crave-worthy crust that makes Steak & Queso Rice so memorable.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the steak and let it sizzle undisturbed for 2–3 minutes per side. For medium-rare, take it out while it’s pink in the center; for well-done, give it another minute. Once done, remove the steak from the skillet and set aside—you’ll be bringing it back soon!
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Don’t worry about wiping the pan—those steak drippings are gold. Toss in your diced red bell pepper and onion, giving them a few minutes to soften. This quick sauté pulls up the browned bits and infuses everything with delicious flavor, setting the stage for your rice base.
Step 4: Add the Rice, Corn, and Black Beans
Stir in the corn, black beans, and cooked rice, tossing until everything is heated through and the vegetables are evenly distributed. This step is when Steak & Queso Rice really starts coming together; the skillet turns into a colorful, inviting mix with irresistible aromas.
Step 5: Pour on the Queso
Now for the magic: drizzle in the prepared queso dip and stir until the rice mixture is creamy and completely coated. The queso makes everything luxuriously cheesy, holding the ingredients together and uniting the flavors in the best possible way.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Finally, add your cooked steak back to the skillet and toss gently so every bite gets a little of that savory, cheesy goodness. Sprinkle with plenty of fresh cilantro and serve the Steak & Queso Rice warm—trust me, it’s almost impossible to wait!
How to Serve Steak & Queso Rice
Garnishes
Garnishing isn’t just for looks—it’s key to an amazing experience. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro generously for a fresh, herby pop, or add sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream for even more color and flavor. For extra heat, a scattering of diced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce makes every bite sing.
Side Dishes
Turn Steak & Queso Rice into a Tex-Mex feast by serving it with crunchy tortilla chips, a simple avocado salad, or a big bowl of pico de gallo. If you want to keep things extra cozy, warm flour or corn tortillas are perfect for scooping up all that cheesy deliciousness.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun crowd-pleasing flair, spoon Steak & Queso Rice into individual ramekins topped with a little extra queso, or pile it high onto a platter as the centerpiece of a build-your-own burrito bowl bar. You can even stuff it into peppers or roll it up into burritos for the ultimate comfort meal twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), just let the Steak & Queso Rice cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or a dinner encore.
Freezing
To freeze, simply portion Steak & Queso Rice into freezer-safe containers. It holds up well for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen up the queso. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring often to keep things creamy. Either way, your revived Steak & Queso Rice will taste just as satisfying as the day you made it.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are both tender and cook quickly, feel free to try ribeye, skirt steak, or even leftover grilled steak for extra flavor and convenience.
Is there a substitute for queso dip?
If queso dip isn’t handy, you can make your own by melting Monterey Jack or cheddar with a splash of milk and a canned green chile or two. Or, try a store-bought cheese sauce for a quick fix!
Can I make Steak & Queso Rice vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the steak and double up on the beans and corn, or swap in sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tempeh for a hearty plant-based alternative.
How can I add more spice to this dish?
For extra kick, stir diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the queso. You can also add sliced fresh chilies as a garnish if you love that fiery finish.
What’s the best rice to use?
Steak & Queso Rice is flexible—white rice gives a classic feel, brown rice adds nuttiness and fiber, and Mexican-style rice brings extra zest. Use whatever you have on hand or whichever flavor you love most!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving cozy comfort with irresistible Tex-Mex flavors, you simply have to put Steak & Queso Rice on your menu. It’s a dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something special, and I can’t wait for you to dig in and share it with those you love most!
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Steak & Queso Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a flavorful Tex-Mex delight with this Steak & Queso Rice recipe. Tender slices of seasoned steak are paired with a creamy queso-coated rice loaded with veggies, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, sliced thin against the grain
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Rice:
- 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or Mexican-style)
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup canned corn kernels, drained
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup prepared queso dip
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Toss the sliced steak with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Cook the Steak: Sear the seasoned steak in olive oil in a skillet until cooked to your liking. Set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté red bell pepper and onion until softened.
- Combine Ingredients: Add corn, black beans, and cooked rice to the skillet. Stir in queso dip until creamy.
- Finish Dish: Return the steak to the skillet, combine gently, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot.
Notes
- For added spiciness, mix in jalapeños or hot sauce with the queso.
- Leftover grilled steak can be a time-saving alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
