If you’re looking to bring flavor, comfort, and a festive Tex-Mex vibe to your dinner table, look no further than this irresistible Steak & Queso Rice Recipe. Picture tender strips of seasoned steak perched atop a fluffy bed of rice, dappled with sweet corn and hearty black beans, all blanketed in a generous pour of creamy queso blanco. It’s hearty enough to satisfy any appetite, quick enough for a weeknight, and vibrant enough to turn a simple meal into an occasion. Whether you whip this up for a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, the Steak & Queso Rice Recipe always delivers bold flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how wonderfully easy this dish is to pull together. The ingredients are straightforward, but each one brings something special — from color and zest to texture and richness, every bite of this Steak & Queso Rice Recipe is built on these key players.
- Flank steak or sirloin (1 pound, thinly sliced): Thin slices ensure quick, juicy cooking and soak up all those robust spices.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to sear the steak perfectly and lock in moisture.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the steak a gentle heat and signature Tex-Mex depth.
- Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Brings in that earthy, smoky backbone we all crave in Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the beef.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Perfectly seasons and brings out every flavor in the recipe.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For just a touch of sharp, peppery bite.
- Cooked white rice (2 cups): The fluffy foundation that holds it all together and soaks up that luscious queso.
- Queso blanco dip or cheese sauce (1 cup): Make or buy your favorite — this is the magic touch that gives the Steak & Queso Rice Recipe its signature gooey finish.
- Black beans (1/2 cup, drained and rinsed): Adds protein, color, and a creamy texture contrast.
- Corn kernels (1/2 cup, fresh, frozen, or canned): Sweet bursts of color and flavor that brighten every bite.
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup): Sprinkle on top for refreshing crunch and color.
- Chopped cilantro (1/4 cup): Adds an irresistible herbal freshness that ties the whole bowl together.
- Jalapeño (sliced, optional): For those who want to crank up the spice and enjoy a little fiery kick.
- Lime wedges: The finishing touch that lifts everything with a splash of zesty brightness.
How to Make Steak & Queso Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season the Steak
Start by tossing your thinly sliced steak into a bowl with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix with your hands or tongs, making sure every slice is coated — it’s this quick spice rub that infuses your steak with so much flavor in such little time.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the steak in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Let it sizzle for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring here and there, until browned and cooked to just how you like it. Take it off the heat immediately so it stays tender and juicy.
Step 3: Warm the Queso
While the steak rests, gently heat the queso blanco in a pot over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl. You’ll want it smooth, pourable, and piping hot — it’s the golden drizzle that brings together every layer of this Steak & Queso Rice Recipe.
Step 4: Layer the Bowls
To assemble, start with a foundation of warm rice in each serving bowl. Scatter over the black beans and corn to create pops of color and texture. Then pile on that beautifully seared steak, letting the slices tumble across the rice.
Step 5: Add Queso and Garnish
Now for the showstopper: Swoosh a generous amount of hot queso blanco across the top, letting it cascade and melt into all the nooks and crannies. Finish with green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño slices if you’re feeling bold. Just before serving, squeeze over some fresh lime for that perfect final flourish.
How to Serve Steak & Queso Rice Recipe
Garnishes
This dish shines with a burst of vibrant garnishes. I always pile on extra green onions and cilantro for that fresh look and flavor. For an extra dash of excitement, fan out a few jalapeño slices (they look beautiful and add spice), and don’t forget plenty of lime wedges for squeezing over just before eating.
Side Dishes
The Steak & Queso Rice Recipe makes a complete meal in a bowl, but if you’d like to serve it with sides, consider a crisp green salad, some homemade tortilla chips, or a little bowl of avocado salsa. These add cool, refreshing contrast to the dish’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this recipe as a rice bowl or scoop everything into warm flour tortillas for an epic burrito. If you’re entertaining, try arranging the components on a large platter so guests can assemble their own Steak & Queso Rice Recipe bowls — it’s interactive, fun, and always a hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Steak & Queso Rice Recipe is an absolute treat. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The individual flavors actually deepen and meld as they rest, making your next meal even more decadent.
Freezing
The cooked steak, rice, and beans freeze beautifully for up to two months. Pack them separately or combined, if you like. For best results, keep the queso in a separate container — this helps preserve its creamy texture when reheated.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the rice, beans, and steak in the microwave or on the stovetop until steaming hot. Warm the queso separately, and then drizzle it over just before serving. Add a fresh squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of herbs to revive the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! Flank steak and sirloin give you plenty of tenderness and flavor, but you can use skirt steak, ribeye, or even leftover roasted steak for the Steak & Queso Rice Recipe. Just be sure to slice it thinly against the grain for best results.
What’s the best way to make homemade queso?
If you’re feeling ambitious, melt together shredded white cheddar, Monterey Jack, a splash of milk, and a little cream cheese. Stir in some green chilies for extra flavor. Otherwise, store-bought queso works wonderfully, making this Steak & Queso Rice Recipe quick and easy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the steak for sautéed mushrooms or grilled peppers and zucchini. Every other component in the Steak & Queso Rice Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, so it’s easy to adjust for different preferences.
Is this recipe spicy?
That’s entirely up to you. As written, it’s mild with just a hint of warmth from chili powder. To spice things up, add jalapeño, chipotle peppers, or your favorite hot sauce to the queso or as a garnish.
How can I lighten up this recipe?
You can easily make the Steak & Queso Rice Recipe a bit lighter by swapping white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice, and choosing a reduced-fat cheese sauce or using a smaller drizzle of queso. The results are still totally satisfying!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a bowl loaded with steak, queso, rice, and all those Tex-Mex fixings. The Steak & Queso Rice Recipe is comforting enough for a night in, yet festive enough to share with friends. Give it a try — your taste buds will definitely thank you!
Print
Steak & Queso Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of Tex-Mex with this delicious Steak & Queso Rice Recipe. Tender slices of seasoned steak sit atop a bed of white rice, black beans, and corn, all drizzled with creamy queso blanco. Garnished with fresh herbs and a hint of jalapeño, this dish is a flavor explosion in every bite.
Ingredients
Steak:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Queso Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup queso blanco dip or cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño (sliced, optional)
- lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season and Cook Steak: Toss sliced steak with spices. Cook in a skillet until browned.
- Prepare Queso: Warm queso blanco until smooth.
- Assemble Bowls: Layer rice, beans, corn, and steak. Drizzle with queso. Garnish and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add chopped chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the queso.
- Swap white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- Leftover grilled steak also works great in this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
