Steak & Queso Rice is a dish that brings together the bold flavors of perfectly seared steak and creamy, cheesy goodness in one hearty bowl. Imagine diving into a warm, comforting plate where tender steak meets luscious queso over fluffy rice, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds.
Growing up, family dinners were a lively affair filled with laughter and delicious aromas wafting through the kitchen. This dish became a staple, often served during game nights or when friends gathered to enjoy each other’s company. The promise of Steak & Queso Rice would make the entire family rush to the table, eager to dig in.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious Steak & Queso Rice is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich flavors of steak combined with creamy queso create a delightful harmony in every bite
- Visually appealing and vibrant, it makes any dinner table look inviting
- Versatile enough for lunch leftovers or meal prep, this dish keeps on giving all week long
My friends still rave about the time I whipped up this dish for our annual potluck, and I may have won “Best Dish” that night!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Steak: Choose flank or sirloin for perfect tenderness and flavor; season generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
Queso Blanco: A creamy cheese sauce that adds rich depth; opt for store-bought or homemade for better taste.
Rice: Use long-grain white rice; cook it until fluffy to soak up all the flavors from the steak and queso.
Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers provide crunch and sweetness; feel free to use red, yellow, or green varieties.
Onions: Yellow onions work best; they caramelize beautifully and add sweetness to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances flavor; always use fresh over powder for maximum aroma.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness at the end; chop it roughly before sprinkling over the top.
Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice brightens everything up; don’t skip it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Wash and chop bell peppers and onions while cooking your rice according to package instructions until light and fluffy.
Sear the Steak: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and sear your seasoned steak for 4-5 minutes per side until you achieve a nice crust. Let it rest afterward so juices redistribute.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet with residual steak juices, add chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they turn soft and fragrant. Toss in minced garlic for an additional minute until aromatic.
Add Queso Sauce: Lower heat slightly before pouring in queso blanco over the sautéed veggies. Stir continuously until everything is melted together into a creamy mixture that envelops those beautiful vegetables.
Combine Everything!: Slice your rested steak against the grain into thin strips. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice with sautéed veggies and layer on top your sliced steak followed by drizzling more queso if desired.
Garnish & Serve!: Finish off with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice on top for zing! Serve hot right away to enjoy its delectable nature while it’s still warm.
Enjoy every bite of this flavorful creation that combines all your favorite elements into one glorious bowl!
You Must Know
- Mastering Steak & Queso Rice adds a delightful twist to your meals
- The combination of flavors creates a savory explosion
- Pairing the steak with creamy queso elevates any weeknight dinner into a fiesta of taste and texture
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your steak for at least 30 minutes. While it marinates, prepare the rice and queso. Sear the steak in a hot pan for perfect caramelization before mixing everything together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the steak for chicken or shrimp if you prefer. You can spice things up with different toppings like jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or even avocado slices for added richness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly cooked steak, always let it rest after cooking
- This allows juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy
- Also, using day-old rice ensures better texture when mixed with other ingredients
Creating this dish reminds me of that unforgettable dinner party where my friends couldn’t stop raving about the flavor explosion they experienced with every bite.
FAQ
Can I use leftover steak for Steak & Queso Rice?
Absolutely! Leftover steak adds great flavor without requiring extra cooking time.
What type of cheese is best for queso?
Velveeta is classic, but you can mix cheddar and cream cheese for more depth.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap steak for grilled vegetables or black beans for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
Steak & Queso Rice
Steak & Queso Rice is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender seared steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice in one hearty bowl. Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, this recipe promises a delightful harmony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With minimal prep time and maximum satisfaction, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank or sirloin steak
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 cup queso blanco (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup bell peppers (chopped, any color)
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Wash and chop the bell peppers and onion. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper, then sear for 4-5 minutes per side until a crust forms. Let it rest before slicing.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers; sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Combine with queso: Lower the heat and stir in queso blanco until melted and well combined with the vegetables.
- Assemble: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. In a large bowl, mix cooked rice with sautéed vegetables, layer sliced steak on top, and drizzle more queso if desired.
- Garnish & serve: Finish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 400g)
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
