Steak & Queso Rice

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Steak & Queso Rice

There are nights when all you want is a no-fuss dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite Tex-Mex spot—and this Steak & Queso Rice is exactly that. I still remember the first time I threw this together on a chaotic Wednesday evening, with laundry piling up, homework to check, and a toddler glued to my leg. I had some leftover steak, a cup of rice, and a craving for something cheesy and comforting. The result was this glorious plate of cheesy, saucy, flavor-packed goodness that got everyone at the table asking for seconds.

My husband actually stopped mid-bite and said, “You have to write this one down,” and let me tell you—when he says that, I know it’s a keeper. The kids loved it too, which is saying something when you’re dealing with picky eaters who side-eye anything green. The cilantro, though? Somehow, it just worked. Since that night, this has become part of our regular rotation. It’s hearty, fast, and doesn’t leave me with a mountain of dishes to tackle after.

What makes this dish shine is the combination of tender, seasoned steak and melty queso over a bed of spiced rice—simple ingredients, big flavor, and a dinner that brings everyone to the table without complaints. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself coming back to this one week after week.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Flank steak, skirt steak, or even sirloin work well. Just slice thin against the grain for tenderness.

Is there a shortcut for the queso?
Yes! You can use store-bought queso blanco or melt shredded Monterey Jack with a splash of milk in the microwave for a quick fix.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can. Cook the rice and steak ahead, store separately, then reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

What if I don’t like cilantro?
No problem—just skip it or substitute with chopped green onions for a milder flavor.

Can I make this spicy?
Of course! Add a chopped jalapeño to the rice or use a spicy queso blend to kick it up a notch.

What You Need to Make Steak & Queso Rice

Ingredients:

1 lb flank steak (or sirloin), sliced thin

2 cups cooked white rice

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup queso blanco (store-bought or homemade)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt & pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Optional Add-ins:

Diced jalapeños

Lime wedges

Salsa or hot sauce for serving

Tools You’ll Need:

Large skillet or grill pan

Medium saucepan (for queso if making homemade)

Mixing spoon and tongs

Cutting board and sharp knife

How to Make Steak & Queso Rice

Cook the Steak:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season sliced steak with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Rice:
If not already cooked, prepare your rice according to package instructions. For extra flavor, stir in a pinch of cumin and a splash of lime juice.

Make the Queso (if homemade):
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the shredded cheeses with a splash of milk, stirring until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Dish:
Scoop the warm rice onto a serving plate. Top with steak slices, then drizzle generously with queso. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Serve Immediately:
Serve hot with extra queso on the side and any desired toppings like jalapeños, salsa, or lime.

Tips for Making the Best Steak & Queso Rice

Slice Steak Thinly: Always cut against the grain for a more tender bite.

Use Leftover Steak: This is a great way to use up steak from another meal—just reheat gently.

Customize the Queso: Add green chilies or a dash of hot sauce to your cheese sauce if you like it spicy.

Rice Options: Swap white rice for brown rice, Mexican rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re low-carb.

One-Pan Shortcut: If short on time, stir cooked steak and queso directly into the rice for a skillet-style meal.

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This recipe saved my weeknight dinner! It came together so quickly, and everyone cleaned their plates. Definitely going into the weekly rotation.” — Karen B.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great flavor and super filling. I added jalapeños to the queso for a little kick. Next time, I’ll double the cheese sauce!” — Michelle T.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “My husband said it tasted like something from a restaurant. I’m impressed with how easy it was. Five stars from me!” — Jenna R.

⭐⭐⭐ “Good base recipe, but I found the steak a bit chewy. Might try marinating it next time or using a more tender cut.” — Laura S.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect for busy nights! I used leftover steak and jarred queso and it still turned out delicious.” — Amanda C.

Printable Recipe

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