Steak and Queso Rice
Steak and Queso Rice is a delicious, comforting one-pot meal combining tender, flavorful steak with creamy melted queso cheese and fluffy rice. Ready in under 30 minutes, it blends bold spices, fresh vegetables, and rich broth to create a satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Customize to your taste with various protein alternatives, spice levels, and add-ins for a versatile family favorite.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Steak
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, trimmed and thinly sliced
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup jasmine or long grain rice
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
Cheese
- 1 cup queso cheese or your favorite queso dip (can substitute with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cheese blend)
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
Spices
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Chopped green onions
- Prepare and Season the Steak: Trim any excess fat from the steak and cut into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika to infuse bold, smoky flavors.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Cook the Steak: Push the veggies to the side of the pan and add the steak pieces. Cook until browned on all sides and just cooked through, about 4 to 6 minutes depending on thickness.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir the rice into the steak and vegetable mixture, coating the grains with flavors. Pour in chicken or beef broth, bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook according to rice package instructions, about 15 to 20 minutes, until rice is tender and absorbed the broth.
- Stir in Queso Cheese: Reduce heat to low once the rice is cooked. Gently fold in the queso cheese until melted and creamy throughout the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or chopped green onions on top for freshness. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Choose flank or sirloin steak for optimal tenderness and flavor when sliced thin.
- Let the cooked steak rest for a few minutes to retain juiciness and tenderness.
- Toast the rice briefly in the pan before adding broth to enhance nuttiness.
- DIY queso dip can elevate the flavor and be tailored to your cheese preference.
- Season steak, vegetables, and rice separately to build complex, layered flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: steak recipe, queso rice, one pot meal, quick dinner, cheesy steak rice, comfort food, easy weeknight recipe, gluten free