Best Steak and Queso Rice Recipe in 2025
Juicy, spiced steak meets creamy queso rice in this easy dish—a flavorful meal you’ll want to make again. Keep reading for the simple steps!
Table of Contents
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
Steak and Queso Rice is your next kitchen hit! It blends tender steak with cheesy rice for pure comfort. Perfect for busy nights or a cozy treat, it’s budget-friendly, customizable, and great for sharing or enjoying solo. Every bite delivers big taste—scroll on to see why it’s so irresistible!
The Only Ingredients You Need
For the steak:
- 1 lb flank steak (or ribeye for richness)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
For the queso rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine’s a great pick)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup queso fresco (crumbled)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 jalapeño (optional, diced)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
These staples turn into something delicious—keep going to learn how!
Kitchen Tools You Need
Grab these essentials to make Steak and Queso Rice
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Cast-iron skillet or grill pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
You’re likely ready to cook Steak and Queso Rice—let’s get started!
3 Simple Steps to Make Steak and Queso Rice
Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak
Pat the steak dry, coat with olive oil, and rub in garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet to medium-high, sear 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, then add lime juice. Rest 5 minutes, slice thin against the grain—your meal’s off to a tasty start!
Step 2: Cook the Queso Rice
Melt butter in a saucepan, toast the rice for a minute, then add chicken broth, chili powder, and onion powder. Simmer, covered, 12-15 minutes until fluffy. Off heat, stir in cheddar, queso fresco, and cream—add jalapeño for a kick. This cheesy rice is pure perfection!
Step 3: Plate and Enjoy
Scoop the rice onto a plate, top with steak slices, and sprinkle with cilantro. It’s a hearty combo ready to savor—more tips are just below!
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Fast and easy—perfect for a quick dinner!
Serving Size
Serves 4 (or 2 big portions)—about 1 ½ cups rice and 4 oz steak per person. Double it if you’re feeding more—details ahead!
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 630 kcal
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
A satisfying meal—keep scrolling for more!
4 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Steak: Aim for 135°F for medium-rare and rest it—don’t lose that juiciness!
- Skipping the Rice Toast: Toasting adds flavor—don’t miss out!
- Rushing the Cheese: Stir it in off heat for smooth queso—no clumps here!
- Under-Seasoning: Taste as you go—bold flavors make it shine!
Avoid these for the best results—full advice below!
How to Store & Reheat
Store steak and rice separately in airtight containers—fridge for 3 days. Reheat rice with a splash of water in the microwave, 1-2 minutes. Warm steak in a skillet on low, 2-3 minutes. Freeze rice for a month, steak up to 2—reheat tips are coming up!
FAQs
Can I use a different steak cut?
Yes, ribeye or skirt steak works—adjust cook time!
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Milk or half-and-half steps in—still delicious!
Can I prep this ahead?
Cook, store separately, and reheat—super easy!
How do I make it less spicy?
Skip jalapeño, reduce chili powder—mild and tasty!
No queso fresco?
Extra cheddar or feta does the trick!
More answers are just a scroll away!
Other Recipes You May Love
- Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes: Quick and zesty—perfect for fans of bold flavors!
- Taco Cheese Casserole: Beefy comfort in every bite.
- Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Creamy with a kick—a fun twist.
- Beef Enchiladas: Flavor-packed and shareable.
Why This Steak and Queso Rice Stands Out
This dish is all about bold simplicity. The steak’s smoky spices pair with creamy queso rice, making a meal that feels special yet takes just 35 minutes. Bayley, as a food lover, you’ll love how this Steak and Queso Rice balances ease with excitement. Swap cuts, tweak the heat, or add your twist—it’s your canvas.
Tips for Perfect Steak and Queso Rice
For the best results, use fresh lime juice to brighten the steak. Don’t skip toasting the rice—it adds a nutty depth. When melting cheese, go slow off the heat for that silky queso. Taste and season as you go—boldness is key to this Steak and Queso Rice.
Pairing Ideas
Serve this with crisp greens or tortilla chips for texture. A dollop of sour cream or salsa adds flair. Pair it with a cold beer or margarita for a complete Steak and Queso Rice experience.
