Cheesy Steak & Rice Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that delivers big, bold flavors with ultimate comfort, Cheesy Steak & Rice is about to become your new go-to! Imagine tender, spiced steak, perfectly cooked rice, and a luscious homemade queso sauce cascading over everything—every bite is a harmonious fusion of creamy, savory, and smoky with just the right hint of spice. This is the kind of dish you crave when you want to impress guests or treat yourself to something utterly satisfying. Cheesy Steak & Rice checks all the boxes for a memorable meal that feels like a cozy celebration at your own table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great Cheesy Steak & Rice starts with simple but impactful ingredients. Each element brings something to the table—from the bold steak seasoning to the creamy two-cheese sauce and fluffy rice base. Keeping these basics on hand means you’re always just a few steps away from a show-stopping dinner.
- Flank or Sirloin Steak (450g/1 lb): Choose a tender cut for juicy, flavorful steak strips that hold up beautifully with the sauce.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Lends a sweet-smoky depth and gorgeous color to the steak.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste for balanced flavor in every component.
- Ground Cumin (2 tsp for steak, ½ tsp for queso): Essential for that warm, earthy undertone throughout the dish.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp for steak, 1 tbsp for rice): Helps the seasoning adhere and ensures perfect searing and toasty rice.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp for steak, 1 tsp for rice): Layered garlicky aroma, conveniently blended in.
- Whole Milk (1½ cups): Forms the silky base of your queso sauce.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness to the queso and helps meld flavors.
- Chili Powder (1 tsp): For a subtle kick and a touch of color in the sauce.
- Garlic Cloves (2, finely chopped): Builds savory depth as the foundation of the queso.
- Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): A classic melter with bold, crowd-pleasing taste.
- Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Stretches and melts beautifully for the perfect gooey texture.
- Broth or Water (2 cups): Broth boosts savory notes in your rice, but water works just fine too.
- Long-Grain White Rice (1 cup): Fluffy grains soak up every bit of flavor and sauce.
- Fresh Cilantro (optional): A sprinkle brings bold color and bite right before serving.
- Lime Wedges (optional): Brightens every portion with a squeeze of citrus.
- Avocado Slices (optional): Adds creaminess and coolness that balances spice.
- Jalapeños (optional): Sliced for an extra hit of heat if you love more kick.
How to Make Cheesy Steak & Rice
Step 1: Season and Prep the Steak
Start by patting your steak dry with kitchen paper—this helps it develop a beautiful crust. Give it a light rub with olive oil, then shower both sides with the paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. Press the seasoning into the meat for maximum flavor, and let the steak sit while you start the rice and sauce.
Step 2: Toast and Cook the Rice
Pour the rice into a sieve and rinse under cold water to wash away excess starch; this will ensure fluffy, separate grains. Heat olive oil in a pot, add the rice and garlic powder, and toast for a couple of minutes until the aroma is irresistible. Stir in your broth (or water) and a little salt, bring it to a boil, then cover and let it gently bubble away on low until perfectly tender (about 18–20 minutes).
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Heat up a large skillet until it’s nearly smoking—this is key for that savory, flavorsome crust. Lay the seasoned steak in the hot pan and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, adjusting time to your preferred doneness. Aim for medium-rare (4 minutes per side) or up to medium (5 minutes) for the juiciest results.
Step 4: Rest and Slice the Steak
When the steak is cooked to your liking, transfer it to a board. Resist slicing right away! Let it rest for 5–10 minutes so the juices redistribute, then cut into thin strips against the grain for ultimate tenderness—a crucial move for the best Cheesy Steak & Rice experience.
Step 5: Make the Queso Sauce
In the same skillet (hello, easy flavor boost!), melt butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant. Pour in the milk, warming it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, one handful at a time, stirring as each melts into a dreamy sauce. Once smooth, season with cumin, chili powder, plus salt and pepper to taste. Your queso should be thick, rich, and irresistibly silky.
Step 6: Assemble Cheesy Steak & Rice
Spoon a mound of fluffy rice onto each plate, arrange your sliced steak across the top, and drape it all in luscious queso sauce. This is where the magic happens—the heat of the steak and rice melds with the creamy cheese for a bite that is pure joy.
Step 7: Add Garnishes & Enjoy
This is your chance to make things extra special. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, scatter some sliced jalapeños if you love heat, tuck in creamy avocado pieces, and finish with a squeeze of lime for brightness. Serve Cheesy Steak & Rice immediately, while everything is warm and melty!
How to Serve Cheesy Steak & Rice
Garnishes
Top your finished plates of Cheesy Steak & Rice with a flourish—a handful of chopped fresh cilantro for freshness, vibrant jalapeño rounds for heat, creamy avocado to mellow the spices, and a wedge of lime brings brightness with every bite. Each garnish not only adds flavor but elevates the whole presentation to wow-factor status.
Side Dishes
There’s so much flavor packed into Cheesy Steak & Rice, you don’t need much on the side, but a fresh, crunchy salad with tomatoes, radishes, and a tangy vinaigrette is a welcome addition. Warm tortillas make for the ultimate scoopers, and a bowl of black beans or roasted corn can transform your table spread into a true feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Cheesy Steak & Rice into a party platter! Arrange layers in a big serving dish topped with all the colorful fixings, or serve in individual bowls for a cozy dinner. For a playful twist, fill tortillas or turn leftovers into gooey, decadent burritos—this is a dish that’s endlessly versatile and always show-stopping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any Cheesy Steak & Rice leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The rice, steak, and queso sauce can be stored together or separately for up to three days. Remember to cool everything to room temperature before sealing and storing to keep textures at their best.
Freezing
For later enjoyment, freeze rice and steak separately in freezer bags or containers, and freeze the cheese sauce in a separate, microwave-safe container. Thaw everything overnight in the fridge for best results. Cheesy sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, but a gentle reheat (and a splash more milk) brings them back together nicely.
Reheating
Reheat Cheesy Steak & Rice gently for the best taste and texture. Warm the rice and steak in the microwave or on the stovetop until just hot, and stir the cheese sauce over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. Assemble and garnish as usual for a meal that feels fresh all over again!
FAQs
What’s the best steak cut for Cheesy Steak & Rice?
Flank or sirloin steak is perfect thanks to their tenderness and flavor, but you can use ribeye or strip steak for an extra splurge. Just remember to slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare all the components ahead and store them separately in the fridge. When mealtime rolls around, just reheat and assemble. The queso sauce may thicken upon cooling, so add a bit of milk when reheating to bring it back to a pourable consistency.
How can I spice up Cheesy Steak & Rice even more?
If you love heat, intensify the flavor by adding extra chili powder to the queso, stirring hot sauce into your rice, or topping with sliced fresh jalapeños. You can even swap in pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for extra zing.
Is there a way to make it lighter or dairy-free?
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk, and trim any visible fat from the steak. To go dairy-free, try your favorite non-dairy cheese and milk in the queso; the texture may change but you’ll still get that creamy, crave-worthy sauce.
Can I use brown rice or another grain?
Definitely! Brown rice or quinoa are great swaps for a wholesomely nutty twist. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed since these grains take a bit longer to cook than white rice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself to a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed meal, Cheesy Steak & Rice is calling your name! Every forkful delivers creamy, cheesy bliss with hearty steak and just the right amount of kick. Whether it’s for a special gathering or a simple family night in, this dish is sure to be a repeat request. Give it a try—you might just find your newest favorite comfort food!
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Cheesy Steak & Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Steak & Rice recipe. Tender, seasoned steak strips paired with a creamy queso sauce over fluffy rice make for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 450g (1 lb) flank or sirloin steak
- 1 tsp paprika
- A sprinkle of salt and pepper, to your taste
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Queso Sauce
- 1½ cups whole milk
- A pinch of salt and pepper, to your liking
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped finely
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
For the Rice
- 2 cups broth (or water if you prefer)
- A bit of salt, as needed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Wedges of lime
- Slices of avocado
- Cut jalapeños
Instructions
- Prepare the Queso Sauce: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in milk and simmer. Slowly stir in cheeses until melted. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Rice: Rinse rice and toast with olive oil and garlic powder. Add broth, bring to a boil, then simmer until soft.
- Cook the Steak: Season steak and cook in a hot skillet until desired doneness. Let it rest before slicing thinly.
- Assemble: Serve rice topped with steak strips and queso sauce. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, avocado, and lime wedges.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- You can customize the queso sauce by adding diced tomatoes or green chilies.
- Feel free to substitute the steak with chicken or tofu for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Cheesy Steak and Rice, Steak and Queso, Tex-Mex Recipe
