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Steak Queso Rice Recipe

Steak Queso Rice Recipe

4.7 from 16 reviews

Steak Queso Rice is a flavorful and comforting dish combining tender, seasoned steak slices with creamy cheddar and Monterey Jack queso sauce served over fragrant garlic rice. Garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado, and jalapeños, it delivers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh flavors ideal for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak Seasoning

  • 450g (1 lb) flank or sirloin steak
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Queso Sauce

  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Rice

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 cups broth or water
  • Salt, as needed

Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Avocado slices
  • Sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Season and Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Rub the steak with olive oil, then thoroughly coat both sides with paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to infuse bold flavors.
  2. Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet until it is very hot. Place the steak in the pan and sear it for 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness, to achieve a flavorful crust and tender interior.
  3. Rest and Slice the Steak: Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice the steak thinly across the grain to maximize tenderness.
  4. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the long-grain white rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Heat olive oil in a pot, then stir in the rice and garlic powder to lightly toast. Add broth or water and a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low heat for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy.
  5. Start the Queso Base: Using the same skillet used for the steak, melt butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the whole milk and bring to a gentle simmer to prepare the base for the queso sauce.
  6. Finish the Queso Sauce: Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheese melted smoothly into a creamy sauce. Season with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste for a rich, spicy flavor.
  7. Assemble the Dish: Spoon the cooked garlic rice onto serving plates. Top with the thinly sliced steak, then ladle warm queso sauce generously over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, lime wedges for squeezing, creamy avocado slices, and sliced jalapeños for heat and freshness.

Notes

  • Choose flank or sirloin steak for the best balance of tenderness and flavor.
  • Allowing the steak to rest after cooking helps retain juiciness.
  • Rinsing rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming sticky.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeños according to your preferred spice level.
  • This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: Steak Queso Rice, cheesy steak rice, mexican-inspired rice recipe, queso sauce, flank steak recipe, garlicky rice, creamy cheese sauce