Steak and Queso Rice

Name: Steak and Queso Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye – thinly sliced or cubed); 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp chili powder; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 1 cup store-bought queso dip (or homemade); ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish); 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional); Optional: ½ cup sautéed bell peppers or onions; Optional: ½ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed; Optional: Diced jalapeños

Posted on May 16, 2025

Dinner

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Get ready to meet your new weeknight favorite: Steak and Queso Rice! This dish is everything we love in comfort food—tender steak bites, creamy queso, and fluffy rice all in one cozy, flavor-packed bowl. It’s a delicious fusion of bold flavors and creamy textures that feels indulgent, yet is surprisingly simple to whip up. Whether you’re feeding your family or just craving something extra satisfying, this one-pan meal checks all the boxes.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Steak and Queso Rice

If you’re a fan of cheesy, hearty, and flavor-loaded meals, Steak and Queso Rice is going to be your new obsession. It combines the rich, savory bite of seared steak with the creamy dreaminess of queso, all nestled into warm, perfectly cooked rice. What’s not to love? It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, customizable for picky eaters, and guaranteed to impress at your next casual get-together.

Ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients! One of the best things about Steak and Queso Rice is how easy it is to pull together with simple, flavorful components. You may already have most of these in your kitchen!

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye – thinly sliced or cubed)
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp chili powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 cup store-bought queso dip (or homemade, if you prefer!)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
1 lime, cut into wedges (optional, for serving)

Optional add-ins:

½ cup sautéed bell peppers or onions
½ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
Diced jalapeños, for extra heat

Instructions

This recipe is as easy as it is delicious! With just a few steps and one skillet, you’ll have a creamy, savory bowl of Steak and Queso Rice ready in no time.

Step-by-step instructions:

Prep the steak
Slice or cube your steak into bite-sized pieces. Season with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Sear the steak
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the steak and cook for 4–6 minutes, or until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Warm the queso
In the same skillet (no need to clean!), lower the heat to medium and add your queso dip. Stir until it’s warm and melty.
Mix in the rice
Add the cooked rice and shredded cheddar (if using) to the skillet. Stir until everything is creamy and well combined.
Add the steak back
Return the cooked steak to the pan. Stir everything together and heat for 1–2 minutes until everything is hot and coated in queso goodness.
Garnish & serve
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This dish is not only flavorful, but also super efficient—perfect for busy nights or when you’re feeding a hungry crowd. Here’s what to expect:

Servings: 4 generous portions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Whether you’re serving it fresh from the skillet or making it ahead for lunch the next day, Steak & Queso Rice is satisfying and filling with minimal time in the kitchen.

Tips and Variations

Want to make this dish your own? Here are a few fun twists and helpful tips to customize your Steak and Queso Rice:

Switch up the protein: Not a steak fan? Try grilled chicken, ground beef, or even shrimp for a tasty variation.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and bulk it up with black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or extra veggies like zucchini and corn.
Add crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions for added texture.
Spice it up: Mix in a spoonful of salsa, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
Queso swap: Use a white queso, spicy nacho cheese, or even a homemade cheese sauce to switch things up.
Meal prep magic: Portion into containers for quick weekday lunches—just reheat and eat!

Storage

Leftovers? No problem—Steak and Queso Rice stores like a dream and reheats beautifully!

Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or broth if the queso thickens too much.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the queso may separate when thawed. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked steak or leftover steak?
Absolutely! Just slice it thin and add it toward the end to warm it through without overcooking.

What kind of queso works best?
A jarred queso dip (like white queso or nacho cheese) works great, but feel free to use homemade if you prefer!

Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Add diced jalapeños, hot salsa, or a dash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be—just make sure your queso and seasonings are labeled gluten-free.

What rice should I use?
White or brown rice both work well. You can also try cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats well for up to 3–4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.

What sides go well with this dish?
Try it with a side of tortilla chips, a simple salad, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a cozy, crave-worthy dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss, Steak and Queso Rice is calling your name. It’s rich, cheesy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or just treating yourself to something delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

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