Cheesy Steak Queso Rice (Printable Version)
Seared steak and queso over rice—flavor-packed comfort with Tex-Mex flair.
# Everything You’ll Need:
→ For the Steak
01 -
1 pound flank or sirloin steak
02 -
1 teaspoon paprika
03 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
04 -
2 teaspoons ground cumin
05 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
06 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
→ For the Queso Sauce
07 -
1.5 cups whole milk
08 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 -
0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
10 -
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
11 -
2 tablespoons butter
12 -
1 teaspoon chili powder
13 -
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
14 -
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
→ For the Rice
15 -
2 cups broth or water
16 -
Salt, as needed
17 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
18 -
1 cup long-grain white rice
19 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
→ Optional Garnishes
20 -
Chopped fresh cilantro
21 -
Lime wedges
22 -
Avocado slices
23 -
Sliced jalapeños
# Steps to Cook:
01 -
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
02 -
Rinse rice thoroughly. In a pot, heat olive oil, add rinsed rice and garlic powder, and toast for 2 minutes. Add broth or water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 18–20 minutes until tender.
03 -
Pat steak dry. Rub with olive oil and coat with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, pressing seasoning into the meat.
04 -
Gradually stir shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into the warm milk mixture until melted and smooth. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
05 -
Slice cilantro, cut lime wedges, slice avocado, and jalapeños if using.
06 -
Heat a large skillet until very hot. Add seasoned steak and sear 4–5 minutes per side until desired doneness is reached. Rest 5–10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
07 -
Divide rice on plates, top with sliced steak, and spoon over warm queso sauce. Add garnishes as desired and serve immediately.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Slice steak across the grain to maximize tenderness.
02 -
Using broth instead of water enhances flavor in the rice.
03 -
To increase heat, add minced jalapeños or cayenne to the queso.
04 -
Allow steak to rest before slicing to retain juiciness.