Name: Steak Queso Rice
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 4 cups cooked white rice; 1 cup queso cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional); 1/4 cup diced green chilies or jalapeños (optional); 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

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Steak Queso Rice is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender seared steak, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly seasoned rice. It’s a comforting meal that comes together easily and is sure to satisfy even the biggest appetites. I love making this dish when I’m craving something rich, cheesy, and protein-packed. Steak Queso Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe for its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The steak is juicy and savory, the rice is soft and flavorful, and the queso brings it all together with its creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s a great recipe for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even to serve guests. Plus, it’s totally customizable—I can add my favorite toppings or switch out ingredients based on what I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cooked white rice
Queso cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Diced tomatoes (optional)
Diced green chilies or jalapeños (optional)
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions

I start by seasoning the steak slices with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the steak until browned and cooked to my preferred doneness, usually 2-3 minutes per side.
While the steak cooks, I warm the queso sauce in a separate saucepan or the microwave until smooth and pourable.
I reheat or freshly cook white rice and divide it among serving bowls or plates.
Once the steak is done, I layer it over the rice and then drizzle the hot queso sauce generously on top.
For extra flavor, I like to top with diced tomatoes, chilies, or jalapeños, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 30 minutes from start to finish—20 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking.

Variations

I sometimes swap the steak for grilled chicken or shrimp for a lighter twist.
For a spicier kick, I use pepper jack cheese or stir in hot sauce to the queso.
To add more veggies, I toss in sautéed peppers, onions, or corn.
Brown rice or cauliflower rice works well if I want to keep things a bit healthier.
I also like turning it into a burrito bowl by adding black beans, avocado, and shredded lettuce.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, I microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until it’s hot all the way through. If the queso thickens too much, I stir in a splash of milk or water to bring it back to a creamy texture. I avoid freezing it, as the cheese sauce can separate when thawed.

FAQs

How do I make homemade queso for this recipe?

I usually melt together shredded cheese, milk, butter, and a bit of cornstarch. Adding diced chilies or jalapeños gives it an extra kick. It’s easy to adjust the thickness and flavor to match the dish.

What kind of steak works best?

Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye all work great. I like using flank steak for its lean texture, but I slice it thin against the grain to keep it tender.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the steak and rice ahead and store them separately. I reheat everything and assemble just before serving to keep the texture fresh.

Is this dish spicy?

The base dish isn’t too spicy unless I add jalapeños or a spicy queso. I usually keep it mild and let each person customize the heat to their liking.

What sides go well with steak queso rice?

I like serving it with a simple side salad, tortilla chips and salsa, or roasted vegetables. A squeeze of lime on top adds a fresh touch, too.

Conclusion

Steak Queso Rice is one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always satisfying. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.