This hearty and indulgent dish combines tender, juicy steak with creamy queso cheese and flavorful rice, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings. The steak is seasoned to perfection and seared for a smoky, caramelized crust, then paired with a rich and cheesy queso sauce that coats every grain of rice. Add in a few spices and optional toppings like diced tomatoes, cilantro, or jalapeños to give the dish a Tex-Mex twist. It’s a comforting meal that’s quick to make yet loaded with bold flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
- 1 lb sirloin steak (or your preferred cut)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Queso Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for richer flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
Instructions:
- Cook the Steak:
- Pat the steak dry and season with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness.
- Remove the steak from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Prepare the Rice:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes until slightly golden.
- Add the chicken or beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until the rice is tender (follow the package instructions for timing).
- Make the Queso Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, then add cumin, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Combine the cooked rice with the queso sauce and stir until well coated.
- Serve the queso rice topped with sliced steak and your favorite optional toppings like tomatoes, jalapeños, or cilantro.
Enjoy your Steak & Queso Rice warm, and let the creamy, cheesy goodness satisfy your cravings!
