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.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
Spices and Herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: steak queso rice, one pot dinner, easy steak recipe, cheesy rice, comfort food, southwest cuisine, quick dinner