Zesty Steak Queso Rice

This hearty steak queso rice bowl combines juicy seasoned steak strips with flavorful rice and a creamy homemade queso sauce for a restaurant-quality meal right at home. The combination of textures and flavors creates a satisfying dinner that looks as impressive as it tastes.

I first created this recipe when trying to recreate my favorite Tex-Mex restaurant bowl at home. It quickly became my go-to impressive dinner for both family meals and when entertaining friends who always ask for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Steak strips use sirloin flank or ribeye for the best texture and flavor. Look for well-marbled cuts for maximum tenderness.
• Jasmine or basmati rice provides the perfect fluffy texture that soaks up the beef broth flavors beautifully.
• Beef broth adds depth to the rice that complements the steak perfectly. Choose low sodium if watching salt intake.
• White cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese create the ideal meltable blend for a smooth queso sauce with great flavor.
• Heavy cream ensures a luxuriously smooth queso texture that coats every bite.
• Fresh cilantro brings brightness that balances the rich flavors. Always choose bunches with vibrant green leaves.
• Spices like cumin paprika and garlic powder create layers of flavor in both the steak and rice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the rice

Bring beef broth butter salt garlic powder and smoked paprika to a boil in a medium saucepan. This flavored liquid is key to creating rice with depth instead of bland grains. Add rice reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Let simmer undisturbed for 15-18 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. The rice should be tender but not mushy with distinct grains. Fluff gently with a fork to separate the grains and set aside.

Season and cook the steak

In a bowl combine steak strips with salt pepper garlic powder paprika and cumin ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This dry rub creates a flavorful crust when seared. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add steak in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure proper browning. Cook 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness when the outside is deeply caramelized and the inside remains juicy. Allow meat to rest for 5 minutes before cutting to keep juices locked in.

Create the queso sauce

Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat until it begins to steam but not boil. Add cream cheese and whisk continuously until completely incorporated and smooth. Gradually add shredded cheeses in small handfuls stirring constantly in a figure-eight motion to prevent clumping. Once cheese is fully melted add garlic powder and cayenne if using. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon with a silky texture. Keep warm on lowest heat setting stirring occasionally.

Assemble your bowls

Start with a generous base of the flavored rice in each bowl creating a bed for the other components. Arrange steak strips attractively over rice distributing evenly among servings. Drizzle the warm queso sauce generously over the steak allowing it to flow into the rice for maximum flavor integration.

Add finishing touches

Top with fresh cilantro diced tomatoes jalapeño slices and a dollop of sour cream if desired. These bright fresh garnishes balance the richness of the dish and add visual appeal. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the queso sauce is at its creamiest.

Bookmark

The secret to this dish is the layering of flavors at each stage. I discovered that seasoning both the rice and the steak creates depth that makes this simple meal taste like it took hours to prepare. My husband who typically requests plain steak and potatoes now asks for this rice bowl at least twice a month.

Make-Ahead Options

You can prepare the components of this meal in advance for even quicker weeknight assembly. Cook the rice and steak up to two days ahead and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The queso sauce is best made fresh but can be prepared a day ahead and gently reheated with a splash of additional cream to restore its smooth consistency. Reheat rice with a tablespoon of water in the microwave covered and warm steak gently to avoid overcooking.

Customization Ideas

This versatile recipe welcomes many variations based on what you have available. Try ground beef or chicken instead of steak for a more economical option. Vegetarians can substitute black beans and roasted vegetables for the steak. The queso sauce works wonderfully with pepper jack cheese for added spice or a Mexican cheese blend for authentic flavor. For a lighter version use brown rice and reduce the amount of cheese while adding Greek yogurt for creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this rice bowl family style by placing all components in separate dishes allowing everyone to build their own perfect bowl. For a complete meal add a simple side salad with lime vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. This dish pairs beautifully with a cold Mexican beer or a fruity sangria. For a fun dinner party idea create a rice bowl bar with various protein options toppings and sauces for a customizable experience your guests will love.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of steak works best for this dish?

Sirloin, flank, or ribeye steak all work well for this dish. Look for cuts that can be easily sliced into strips and have good marbling for flavor. Sirloin offers a good balance of tenderness and price, while ribeye provides more richness due to higher fat content. Flank steak works well when sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness.

→ Can I make the queso sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the queso sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, reheat it gently over low heat, stirring frequently. You may need to add a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy consistency as it will thicken when chilled.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat level, you can add more cayenne pepper to the queso sauce, use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack, incorporate diced green chilies into the rice while cooking, or add hot sauce to the finished dish. Fresh serrano peppers make a spicier garnish alternative to jalapeños.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream in the queso sauce?

If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well. Just be aware that each substitution will slightly alter the flavor profile and thickness of the final sauce.

→ Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by replacing the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms, roasted cauliflower, or plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the rice, and verify that your cheese selections use vegetarian rennet if that's a concern.

→ What sides pair well with Steak Queso Rice?

This dish is quite complete on its own, but it pairs well with simple sides like a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, guacamole and tortilla chips, or Mexican street corn. A light side helps balance the richness of the queso sauce and steak.