Steak and Queso with Rice
Steak and Queso with Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender, juicy steak seasoned with warm spices, creamy melty queso sauce made from a blend of cheeses, and fluffy long-grain or jasmine rice. This meal offers a perfect harmony of savory, cheesy, and hearty elements that satisfy every craving, ideal for quick weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Steak
- 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak, trimmed and sliced thinly
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
Queso Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white or jasmine rice
- 2 cups water or broth
- Pinch of salt
Garnishes
- Chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions, for garnish
- Optional: lime wedges for serving
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice according to package instructions, adding a pinch of salt to enhance flavor. Set aside once fluffy and cooked through.
- Season and Cook the Steak: While the rice cooks, season the steak generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Heat oil in a skillet over high heat and sear the steak on both sides to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak and let it rest before slicing thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
- Make the Queso Sauce: In a saucepan, sauté minced garlic and chopped onions over medium heat until fragrant and translucent. Add milk or cream and lower the heat. Gradually add shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, stirring gently until melted and smooth. Season with smoked paprika and salt to taste. Keep warm on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble the Dish: Place a generous scoop of the cooked rice on a plate. Top with sliced steak and drizzle with warm queso sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions. Optionally, serve with lime wedges for a fresh tang.
Notes
- Choose fresh, quality steak and cheeses for best flavor and texture.
- Rest the steak after cooking to retain juiciness when slicing.
- Adjust the cream or milk quantity in the queso for desired sauce thickness.
- Cook queso on low heat to prevent cheese from becoming grainy or separating.
- Season rice, steak, and queso individually for well-balanced flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: steak, queso, rice, comfort food, Tex-Mex, creamy cheese sauce, easy dinner, quick recipe, gluten free