Description
This Steak & Queso Rice is a delicious, satisfying dish that combines tender steak, cheesy queso, and perfectly seasoned rice. Itโs a hearty meal that can be served as a main course or a side dish for a Tex-Mex feast. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe brings restaurant-style flavor right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or flank), thinly sliced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup queso cheese (or any melty cheese like Monterey Jack)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rice:ย In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the steak:ย While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak slices with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the steak in the hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sautรฉ the aromatics:ย In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion and garlic. Sautรฉ for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Make the queso sauce:ย Stir in the milk and queso cheese. Cook, stirring continuously, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine:ย Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated in the queso sauce. Add the steak slices back into the skillet and gently toss to combine.
- Serve:ย Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute the steak with chicken or shrimp for variation.
- You can use store-bought queso or make a homemade version with shredded cheese, cream, and spices.