If you love steak and cheese, this Steak Queso Rice is about to become your new favorite comfort meal. Juicy grilled steak sliced thin over fluffy rice, topped with rich melted cheddar queso and fresh pico de gallo—it’s everything you love about a Tex-Mex meal in one bowl.
This dish is easy enough for weeknights but bold enough to serve guests. It’s hearty, cheesy, satisfying, and totally customizable. Think of it as a steak fajita meets a queso rice bowl—without the extra fuss.
What Is Steak Queso Rice?
Steak Queso Rice is a rice bowl loaded with seasoned grilled steak, melty cheese sauce (queso), and fresh toppings like tomatoes, cilantro, and lime. It’s a quick dinner that brings together tender meat, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice for a one-bowl meal that’s both filling and flavorful.
It’s great for meal prep, family dinners, or anytime you want something fast, fun, and cheesy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy steak + creamy queso = unbeatable combo
- Quick and easy for busy weeknights
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
- Works great for lunch, dinner, or meal prep
- All-in-one meal in a single bowl
What Does Steak Queso Rice Taste Like?
This bowl hits all the right notes. The steak is juicy and well-seasoned with a smoky char from the grill or pan. The queso is rich, creamy, and packed with melted cheddar. The rice soaks up the flavors, while the fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and balance.
It’s savory, cheesy, meaty, and fresh all in one bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak:
- 1 pound flank or skirt steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Queso:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickness)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Tools You’ll Need
- Grill pan or skillet
- Small saucepan for queso
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl for steak seasoning
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- Use chicken or shrimp instead of steak
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture
- Use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicier queso
- Swap white rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
How to Make Steak Queso Rice
Step 1: Season and Cook the Steak
Rub the steak with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Grill or sear in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side (for medium-rare). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Step 2: Make the Queso
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in cornstarch, then add heavy cream and milk. Once warm, stir in the shredded cheddar until smooth and creamy. Add cayenne for extra heat if desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Place rice in bowls. Top with sliced steak, pour over the warm queso, then add tomatoes or pico de gallo. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
What to Serve with Steak Queso Rice
- Tortilla chips on the side
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- A simple green salad
- Jalapeño slices for extra heat
Tips for Success
- Let the steak rest before slicing to keep it juicy
- Use a sharp knife to slice the steak thinly against the grain
- Keep the queso warm on low heat to avoid thickening too much
- Fresh lime juice brightens the whole bowl
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in separate containers for up to 3 days. Reheat the rice and steak in the microwave or a skillet. Gently warm the queso on the stove, stirring often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Yes, leftover steak works great—just warm it up before serving.
Can I make this spicy?
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or use Pepper Jack cheese in the queso.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your queso ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Steak Queso Rice is a quick and satisfying way to bring steakhouse and Tex-Mex flavors together in one cheesy, hearty bowl. It’s perfect for dinner, meal prep, or whenever you need something fast, fresh, and filling.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 520
Protein: 34g
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 540mg
Steak Queso Rice: A Cheesy, Hearty Dinner Bowl You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty rice bowl loaded with juicy grilled steak, creamy cheddar queso, fresh tomatoes, and cilantro. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
For the Steak:
– 1 pound flank or skirt steak
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Queso:
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– ½ cup heavy cream
– ¼ cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Bowl:
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 1 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
– 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
– Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Rub steak with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill or sear steak for 3-4 minutes per side. Let rest, then slice thinly against the grain.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in cornstarch, then add cream and milk.
4. Once warm, add cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth. Add cayenne if desired.
5. Place rice in bowls. Top with steak, pour queso over, and add tomatoes.
6. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
Notes
– Substitute chicken or shrimp for steak.
– Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
– Add jalapeños for extra spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
Keywords: steak queso rice, steak rice bowl, cheesy rice bowl, Tex-Mex dinner, easy steak recipe, cheesy steak rice
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