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🥩🧀🍚 Steak & Queso Rice – Creamy, Cheesy & Loaded with Flavor!

Craving a hearty, restaurant-style meal you can make at home in under 30 minutes? This Steak & Queso Rice is the ultimate comfort dish — a fusion of juicy, seared steak strips nestled on top of creamy, cheesy rice infused with a rich queso sauce. Think sizzling fajita-style steak meets the creaminess of a Tex-Mex dip, all brought together in one satisfying skillet. It’s quick, filling, and guaranteed to impress everyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers bold flavor in every bite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

For 4 Servings:
Steak:
  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Juice of ½ lime
Queso Rice:
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • ¾ cup milk or half-and-half
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • ¼ cup queso dip or Velveeta for extra creaminess
  • 1 small jalapeño finely diced (optional for spice)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
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Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Saucepan (for rice)
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

Cook the Rice
  1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add rice and stir for 1 minute to toast lightly.
  2. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until tender.
Prepare the Steak
  1. While rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season steak strips with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add steak to the hot pan and cook 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Squeeze lime juice over the steak and remove from heat.
Make the Queso Sauce
  1. Once rice is cooked, stir in milk, shredded cheese, and queso dip.
  2. Mix until melted and creamy. Add jalapeño for spice, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Combine & Serve
  1. Spoon queso rice into bowls and top with sizzling steak strips.
  2. Garnish with chopped cilantro or extra cheese. Serve immediately!

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months (reheat gently to prevent cheese from separating).
Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of milk to revive creaminess, or microwave 1–2 minutes.
🥄 Variations
Tex-Mex Style: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn for extra flavor and color.
Spicy Kick: Stir in hot sauce or diced green chilies into the queso.
Loaded Version: Top with pico de gallo, avocado, or a drizzle of sour cream.
Chicken & Queso Rice: Swap steak for grilled chicken breast slices.
Vegetarian Option: Replace steak with black beans or grilled mushrooms.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use leftover steak?
Absolutely! Just slice and heat it before serving.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase cook time by 10–15 minutes.
What kind of cheese works best?
A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the best melt and flavor.
Can I use store-bought queso?
Definitely—it saves time and adds creaminess.
Is it spicy?
It’s mildly spicy; you can adjust heat by adding or omitting jalapeños.
Can I use cauliflower rice?
Yes—just cook it separately and stir in queso for a low-carb version.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and oat milk for a creamy alternative.
Can I meal prep this?
It reheats beautifully—just add a splash of milk before reheating.
Can I grill the steak instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely—it adds a smoky, charred flavor.
What can I serve with it?
Try a side of roasted vegetables, salad, or warm tortillas.
🏁 Conclusion
This Steak & Queso Rice is the ultimate comfort meal for cheese and steak lovers alike. It’s creamy, flavorful, and satisfying — with perfectly seasoned steak strips on top of luscious, cheesy rice that melts in your mouth. Whether for a quick dinner or a weekend indulgence, this one-pan wonder will easily become a family favorite. 🥩🧀🍚🔥