Heavenly Steak Queso Rice
Heavenly Steak Queso Rice is the ultimate comfort food, mixing juicy steak with creamy queso and fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.
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.
Notes
Make sure to let the steak rest after cooking for tenderness and juiciness. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. For a vegetarian version, skip the steak and add extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or black beans.