Easy Dinner Steak Queso Rice Recipe
This Easy Dinner Steak Queso Rice combines perfectly seared flank or sirloin steak with creamy, cheesy queso sauce served over fluffy seasoned rice. The dish is a flavorful and satisfying weeknight meal that brings together tender steak, spicy and savory queso, and fresh garnishes like cilantro, lime, avocado, and jalapeños for a complete Tex-Mex inspired dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Seasoning
- 450g (1 lb) flank or sirloin steak
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Rice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups broth or water
- Salt, as needed
Queso Sauce
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Season and Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak dry using paper towels. Rub it evenly with olive oil, then coat both sides thoroughly with paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to build a flavorful crust.
- Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet over high heat until very hot. Place the steak in the skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, adjusting the time slightly depending on thickness and desired doneness.
- Rest and Slice the Steak: Transfer the cooked steak onto a cutting board. Allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes, which helps retain juices. Then slice it thinly across the grain to keep the meat tender.
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the rice and garlic powder to evenly coat and toast lightly. Add broth or water, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until cooked through and fluffy. Add salt to taste.
- Start the Queso Base: Using the same skillet from cooking the steak, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Slowly pour in whole milk and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Finish the Queso Sauce: Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, allowing each addition to melt smoothly into the milk. Season with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the sauce is creamy and well incorporated.
- Assemble the Dish: Plate the prepared rice first. Layer the thinly sliced steak on top, then ladle the warm queso sauce generously over the steak and rice. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, and sliced jalapeños to taste for freshness and a spicy kick.
Notes
- Letting the steak rest after cooking is key for juicy slices.
- Rinsing the rice before cooking ensures fluffier texture.
- You can substitute broth with water, but broth adds more flavor.
- Adjust the chili powder and jalapeño quantity to control spiciness.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or black beans for a complete meal.
Keywords: steak queso rice, easy dinner, Tex-Mex recipe, cheesy rice with steak, quick steak dinner, creamy queso sauce, flank steak recipe, sirloin steak recipe
Find it online: https://familyfavplates.com/easy-dinner-steak-queso-rice-recipe/
