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Steak & Queso Rice

Steak & Queso Rice

A comforting and flavor-packed one-pot dish featuring tender steak slices, creamy queso cheese, and fluffy rice, all cooked together with aromatic vegetables and spices. Steak & Queso Rice is a quick, easy, and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights, offering bold Southwest-inspired flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 8 oz sirloin or ribeye steak, thinly sliced

Rice and Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain or basmati rice, uncooked

Dairy

  • 1 cup queso cheese blend (such as Velveeta or Monterey Jack), cubed or shredded

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (use a mix of colors)

Liquids

  • 2 cups beef broth

Spices and Herbs

  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Steak: Season steak slices with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Heat a skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat and sear steak for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but still juicy. Remove and set aside to rest.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies: In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add chopped bell peppers and cook a few more minutes until tender yet vibrant.
  3. Cook the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the aromatics and peppers. Pour in beef broth, stir well, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
  4. Add the Cheese and Steak: Lower the heat and stir in queso cheese until melted and creamy. Slice rested steak into bite-sized pieces and gently fold into the cheesy rice mixture.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top and optionally squeeze lime juice over the dish. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting one-pot meal.

Notes

  • Rest the steak after cooking to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Use a quality melting cheese blend for the creamiest texture.
  • Lightly toast the rice with onions before adding broth to enhance flavor.
  • Cook rice just until tender to avoid mushiness, especially with added cheese.
  • Season gradually to build balanced flavors throughout the process.

Nutrition

Keywords: steak queso rice, one pot dinner, easy steak recipe, cheesy rice, comfort food, southwest cuisine, quick dinner