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Steak Queso Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 143 reviews

This hearty Steak Queso Rice recipe combines tender seared flank or sirloin steak with creamy, cheesy queso sauce served over flavorful garlic-infused white rice. Garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, and spicy jalapeños, it’s a perfect savory meal with a southwestern flair that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak Seasoning and Steak

  • 450g (1 lb) flank or sirloin steak
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for steak)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Queso Sauce

  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin (½ tsp mentioned separately, combined to 1 tsp for better flavor balance)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Rice

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for rice)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 cups broth or water
  • Salt, as needed

Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Avocado slices
  • Sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Season and Prepare the Steak: Pat the flank or sirloin steak dry using paper towels. Rub the steak evenly with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then coat both sides with paprika, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste to infuse the meat with bold southwestern spices.
  2. Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet over high heat until very hot. Add the steak and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness and your preferred doneness, achieving a flavorful browned crust while keeping the inside tender.
  3. Rest and Slice the Steak: Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the juices redistribute. Then, slice thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
  4. Prepare the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and 1 teaspoon garlic powder, stir to coat and lightly toast the rice for about 1-2 minutes. Pour in 2 cups of broth or water, season with salt as needed, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until rice is fluffy and fully cooked.
  5. Start the Queso Base: Using the same skillet from the steak, reduce heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add finely chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in 1½ cups whole milk and bring just to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
  6. Finish the Queso Sauce: Gradually add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the milk mixture, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste to enhance the rich flavor of the queso.
  7. Assemble the Dish: Spoon the cooked garlic rice onto serving plates. Arrange the thinly sliced steak over the rice, then ladle warm queso sauce generously on top. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, and sliced jalapeños according to your preference for added freshness, creaminess, and heat.

Notes

  • Resting the steak is crucial to keep it juicy and tender when sliced.
  • Rinsing rice removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming gummy.
  • You can substitute broth with water if desired, but broth adds extra flavor to the rice.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeños depending on your preferred spice level.
  • Using the same skillet for queso sauce picks up flavorful browned bits from the steak.
  • This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy queso texture at its peak.

Keywords: steak queso rice, cheesy steak rice, southwestern steak recipe, creamy queso sauce, garlic rice, easy steak dinner

Find it online: https://cookcrisis.com/steak-queso-rice-recipe/