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Steak Queso Rice Bowl Recipe

4.6 from 132 reviews

Steak Queso Rice is a delicious, hearty bowl combining perfectly seasoned and pan-seared steak strips with flavorful jasmine rice and a rich, creamy queso sauce. Topped with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes, this recipe delivers a satisfying blend of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors in a comforting rice bowl.

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 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 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 like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use beef broth instead of water to add extra flavor to the rice.
  • Allow the steak to rest after cooking to retain juices and improve tenderness.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity in the queso sauce depending on your spice preference.
  • Use well-marbled steak cuts like ribeye for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but queso will be less creamy.

Keywords: Steak Queso Rice, steak rice bowl, queso sauce recipe, Tex-Mex rice bowl, creamy cheese sauce, skillet steak, quick dinner