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Steak Queso Rice Bowl Recipe

4.6 from 222 reviews

Steak Queso Rice is a flavorful and comforting bowl featuring tender, seasoned steak strips atop savory, spiced rice, all generously drizzled with a creamy, rich queso sauce. Enhanced with optional fresh toppings like cilantro, jalapeño, and sour cream, this easy-to-make dish combines bold flavors and creamy textures for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak:

  • 1 lb steak strips (sirloin, flank, or ribeye)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin

For the Flavorful Rice:

  • 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Queso Sauce:

  • 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

Optional Toppings:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  2. Season and Cook the Steak: In a bowl, season the steak strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from heat and let the steak rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Queso Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Gradually add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until smooth. Mix in garlic powder and cayenne pepper for extra flavor. Keep warm on low heat.
  4. Assemble the Steak Queso Rice Bowl: Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with steak strips, then drizzle generously with queso sauce.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Add optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use any cut of steak you prefer; sirloin, flank, or ribeye work best for tenderness and flavor.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper in the queso sauce to control the spiciness.
  • For a richer rice, use beef broth instead of water.
  • Letting the steak rest after cooking helps retain its juices.
  • Try topping with avocado or green onions for extra freshness.

Keywords: steak queso rice, queso rice bowl, steak recipe, Tex-Mex rice bowl, creamy queso sauce, skillet steak, spiced rice recipe