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Steak and Queso with Rice

Steak and Queso with Rice

Steak and Queso with Rice combines perfectly grilled, juicy steak with creamy, melted queso cheese over fluffy rice, creating a bold, savory, and comforting dish ideal for cozy dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak

  • 1 lb flank, skirt, or ribeye steak
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder

Queso Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 ½ cups shredded queso blanco or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Pinch of salt
  • Dash of ground cumin or smoked paprika

Rice

  • 1 cup long-grain white or jasmine rice
  • Water or broth for cooking rice according to package instructions

Additional Ingredients & Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro or sliced green onions, for garnish
  • Optional: diced bell peppers or onions
  • Optional: squeeze of fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice according to package instructions, being careful not to overcook to keep it fluffy and tender.
  2. Marinate and Cook the Steak: Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. Grill or sear the steak in a hot pan to your desired doneness, ideally medium-rare to medium for the best tenderness. Let the steak rest for a few minutes afterward.
  3. Make the Queso Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and gooey. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of cumin or smoked paprika. Heat gently to avoid burning.
  4. Combine and Assemble: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. Plate a bed of warm rice, layer the sliced steak on top, and drizzle generously with the creamy queso sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Notes

  • Letting the steak rest after cooking locks in juices for tenderness.
  • Slicing steak thinly against the grain ensures tenderness in every bite.
  • Use high-fat cheeses for a smoother queso sauce.
  • Rinsing rice prevents it from becoming clumpy and helps keep it fluffy.
  • Melt queso gently over low heat to avoid separating or burning the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: steak, queso, rice, Tex-Mex, cheesy, grilled steak, dinner, comfort food