Simple Steak Queso Rice With Homemade Queso Sauce

Steak Queso Rice is a flavorful Tex-Mex fusion dish that combines tender, seasoned steak with fluffy rice and creamy homemade queso sauce. This easy comfort meal delivers bold, cheesy goodness in every bite — perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or anyone craving a restaurant-quality meal at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this hearty dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

Why You’ll Love This Steak Queso Rice

• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 45 minutes — ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavor-Packed: Juicy steak, melty queso, and perfectly seasoned rice come together beautifully.
• Customizable: Add toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or cilantro for a personal touch.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cheesy rice bowls!
• Restaurant Taste at Home: Tastes like your favorite Tex-Mex restaurant without leaving your kitchen.

Ingredients for Steak Queso Rice

For the Steak

• 1 lb (450 g) flank or sirloin steak
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt

For the Homemade Queso Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1½ cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced avocado
• Jalapeño slices
• Lime wedges

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Steak: Flank, sirloin, or even ribeye works well. For a lighter version, substitute grilled chicken, tofu, or portobello mushrooms.
• Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack create the perfect creamy blend. You can substitute with pepper jack for extra heat or use a low-fat version for a lighter queso.
• Broth: Use chicken broth for richer flavor, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives — coconut milk also makes a great base for vegan queso.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Steak

1. Pat the steak dry and rub it with olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the steak for 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches your desired doneness.
4. Remove from heat, cover lightly with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

Step 2 – Cook the Rice

1. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add rice and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Pour in the broth, garlic powder, and salt.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 3 – Make the Homemade Queso Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Pour in milk and warm it gently — do not boil.
4. Gradually whisk in the cheeses until melted and smooth.
5. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your preferred consistency.

Step 4 – Assemble the Dish

1. Spoon a serving of warm rice into each bowl.
2. Top with sliced steak.
3. Pour generous spoonfuls of queso sauce over the steak and rice.
4. Garnish with cilantro, avocado slices, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime juice.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, spicy, and savory flavors!

Pro Tips for Success

1. Rest the Steak: Always let the steak rest before slicing to retain juices.
2. Smooth Queso: Add cheese gradually over low heat to prevent clumping.
3. Double the Sauce: Queso is the star — make extra for dipping chips or drizzling on veggies!
4. Make It Spicy: Add diced green chilies or a splash of hot sauce for a bold kick.
5. Meal Prep Tip: Store rice and steak separately for easier reheating.

Flavor Variations

1. Southwest Style: Add black beans, corn, and bell peppers for extra texture.
2. Chipotle Twist: Mix chipotle powder into the queso for smoky flavor.
3. Breakfast Version: Top with a fried egg and fresh pico de gallo.
4. Loaded Bowl: Add guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for an indulgent bowl meal.
5. Vegetarian Option: Replace steak with grilled mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm tortillas or tortilla chips for dipping.
• Pair with a simple green salad or Mexican street corn on the side.
• Add a refreshing lime agua fresca or sparkling lemonade for a full meal.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm steak and rice separately in the microwave or on the stove; reheat queso gently to keep it smooth.
• Freeze: Freeze rice and steak (without queso) for up to 2 months. Prepare fresh queso when serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

FAQ About Steak Queso Rice

1. Can I make Steak Queso Rice ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the rice and steak up to a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge and prepare the queso sauce fresh before serving to maintain the creamy texture.

2. What kind of cheese is best for queso?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt beautifully and give a balanced flavor. You can mix in pepper jack for spice or Velveeta-style cheese for extra smoothness.

3. Can I make it without meat?

Absolutely! Replace the steak with grilled mushrooms, tofu, or beans for a vegetarian-friendly version that’s still rich and hearty.

4. How do I prevent the queso from becoming grainy?

Avoid overheating the milk and always add cheese slowly over low heat. Stir constantly for a silky, restaurant-quality queso.

5. What sides go well with this dish?

Great options include a fresh tomato salad, roasted corn, chips and salsa, or a light cucumber-lime slaw to balance the richness of the queso.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Steak Queso Rice With Homemade Queso Sauce is everything a cozy dinner should be — easy to make, packed with flavor, and irresistibly cheesy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this meal delivers bold Tex-Mex vibes that everyone will love. Enjoy it fresh off the stove and savor each creamy, cheesy, savory bite!

Simple Steak Queso Rice With Homemade Queso Sauce

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• Author: Jessica
• Total Time: 45 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A hearty Tex-Mex meal featuring seasoned steak, fluffy rice, and creamy homemade queso sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb flank or sirloin steak

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp paprika

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper

1 cup long-grain rice

2 cups broth

2 tbsp butter

2 garlic cloves

1½ cups milk

2 cups cheddar cheese

1 cup Monterey Jack

1 tsp chili powder

1 lime

Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, jalapeños

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Instructions

1. Rub steak with oil and spices.

2. Sear 4–5 minutes per side, then rest and slice.

3. Toast rice, add broth, and cook until fluffy.

4. Make queso by melting butter, adding garlic, milk, and cheese.

5. Assemble rice bowls, top with steak and queso, and garnish.

Notes

Use chicken or vegetable broth. Substitute tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Store separately and reheat gently.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 95mg