Why make this recipe
Heavenly Steak Queso Rice is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a delicious mix of juicy steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice that satisfies your cravings. This dish brings together bold flavors and textures, making it perfect for dinner gatherings or a cozy night in. With its rich cheesy sauce and tender steak, it will quickly become a favorite in your home.
How to make Heavenly Steak Queso Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank or sirloin steak
- 1 tsp paprika
- To taste salt and pepper
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups broth or water (use vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
- Avocado slices (for garnish)
- Sliced jalapeños (for garnish)
Directions:
- Pat the flank or sirloin steak dry with paper towels. Rub it with olive oil, then coat both sides with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Sear the seasoned steak for 4–5 minutes on each side, creating a golden brown crust based on your desired doneness.
- Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This step is crucial for keeping the steak juicy and tender.
- Rinse the long-grain white rice under cold water. In a pot, heat olive oil and toast the rice with garlic powder for about 2 minutes, then stir in the broth or water.
- Bring the rice mixture to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
- In the same skillet used for the steak, melt butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in the whole milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Taste the queso and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust to your preference for a kick of flavor.
- Spoon fluffy rice onto plates, top with sliced steak, and generously ladle the warm queso sauce over it all. Garnish with cilantro, lime, avocado, and jalapeños as desired.
How to serve Heavenly Steak Queso Rice
Serve Heavenly Steak Queso Rice hot, with all the toppings on the side. Let everyone customize their plate with cilantro, lime, avocado, and sliced jalapeños. This way, everyone gets their preferred levels of flavor and spice. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
How to store Heavenly Steak Queso Rice
To store leftover Heavenly Steak Queso Rice, let it cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk if the queso feels thick.
Tips to make Heavenly Steak Queso Rice
- Make sure to let the steak rest after cooking to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- If you like a little heat, add more chili powder or some hot sauce to the queso.
- You can substitute the steak with grilled chicken or vegetables for a different protein option.
- Feel free to customize your toppings based on your tastes!
Variation
For a vegetarian version, you can skip the steak and add extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or black beans. Use vegetable broth for the rice, and keep the creamy queso sauce the same for a hearty vegetarian dish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes! You can substitute with your favorite cheese like pepper jack or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble them just before serving. The steak can be cooked, sliced, and refrigerated, and the queso can be kept warm or gently reheated.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: The spice level is adjustable. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder and omit the jalapeños. You can always add more spice when serving!
Heavenly Steak Queso Rice
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 1 lb flank or sirloin steak Choose your preferred cut.
- 1 tsp paprika
- To taste salt and pepper
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 2 tsp garlic powder
For the Queso Sauce
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to use a blend.
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp chili powder Adjust for heat preference.
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For the Rice
- 2 cups broth or water Use vegetable broth for vegetarian version.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice Rinse before cooking.
For Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro Optional garnish.
- Lime wedges Optional garnish.
- Avocado slices Optional garnish.
- Sliced jalapeños Optional garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the flank or sirloin steak dry with paper towels. Rub it with olive oil, then coat both sides with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Sear the seasoned steak for 4–5 minutes on each side, creating a golden brown crust based on your desired doneness.
- Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
Cooking the Rice
- Rinse the long-grain white rice under cold water.
- In a pot, heat olive oil and toast the rice with garlic powder for about 2 minutes, then stir in the broth or water.
- Bring the rice mixture to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
Making the Queso Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the steak, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in the whole milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Taste the queso and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust to your preference.
Assembly
- Spoon fluffy rice onto plates, top with sliced steak, and generously ladle the warm queso sauce over it all.
- Garnish with cilantro, lime, avocado, and jalapeños as desired.
