Cheesy Steak & Rice Recipe
If you’re searching for a dinner that packs comfort, flavor, and a little bit of wow-factor, let me introduce you to Cheesy Steak & Rice. Imagine tender strips of steak layered over fluffy, garlicky rice, then smothered in a creamy queso sauce that stretches with every bite. Finished with your favorite garnishes, this dish brings together the irresistible flavors of smoky spices, sharp cheeses, and juicy beef for a meal everyone will rave about—trust me, Cheesy Steak & Rice is about to become your next signature dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but spot-on ingredients are what make Cheesy Steak & Rice so special. Each item on the list brings its own perk—whether it’s deep flavor, a pop of color, or a creamy texture—so try not to skip anything for the full effect.
- Flank or sirloin steak (450g/1 lb): Choose a cut you love; flank is tender yet flavorful, while sirloin offers a classic beefy bite.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Adds smoky color and subtle depth to the steak.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances every ingredient and balances richness; season to your own taste.
- Ground cumin (2 tsp): Earthy and aromatic, cumin brings warmth and a hint of exotic spice to the steak.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp for steak, 1 tbsp for rice): Helps lock in moisture and gives both steak and rice a lovely sheen.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp for steak, 1 tsp for rice): Adds punchy, savory undertones without overpowering.
- Whole milk (1½ cups): The foundation of a silky queso sauce—it makes every spoonful luscious.
- Additional pinch of salt and pepper: For fine-tuning your queso to perfection.
- Ground cumin (½ tsp for sauce): Echoes the steak’s spice and ties the sauce together flavor-wise.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups): Sharp, melty cheddar is classic for a cheesy kick.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and a glossy, velvety finish to the queso.
- Chili powder (1 tsp): Brings gentle heat that perks up the whole sauce.
- Fresh garlic (2 cloves, chopped): Sauteed to fragrant perfection, giving the cheese sauce a flavor backbone.
- Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (1 cup): Ultra-melty, this balances cheddar’s sharpness for a sauce that’s incredibly smooth.
- Broth or water for rice (2 cups): Use broth for extra depth; water works if you like things lighter.
- Salt (for rice): Just a bit, to season the grains through.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup): The perfect, fluffy base that soaks up all that cheesy goodness.
- Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: Brings a fresh, herby pop.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze brightens everything.
- Avocado slices: Adds cool, creamy contrast.
- Jalapeños, sliced: For those who like it spicy!
How to Make Cheesy Steak & Rice
Step 1: Season the Steak
Start by patting your steak dry for a beautiful crust. Rub it all over with olive oil, then shower both sides with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Press the spices into the meat—this is where the magic starts.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Get a large skillet screaming hot; you want a serious sizzle. Sear the steak for 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness and your preferred doneness—aim for 4 minutes if you love medium-rare, go longer if you like it more done. Let it rest on a chopping board, untouched, so it stays juicy.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
While your steak is resting, rinse the rice well to remove excess starch. Sauté it in olive oil and garlic powder for a couple of minutes in a pot—this tiny step adds nuttiness. Then, add your broth or water with a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, cover, lower the heat, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes until fluffy and perfect.
Step 4: Make the Queso Sauce
In the same skillet you used for steak (extra flavor bonus!), melt the butter and add chopped garlic. Let it cook until the whole kitchen smells amazing. Pour in the milk, bring it to a gentle simmer, then slowly stir in both cheeses—reserve a little for topping if you like. Once it’s smooth and creamy, season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Slice the Steak
After the steak’s had a chance to rest, slice it thinly across the grain. This keeps every bite of Cheesy Steak & Rice as tender as possible—and helps those meaty strips soak up the sauce!
Step 6: Assemble Your Cheesy Steak & Rice
Spoon a pile of garlicky rice onto each plate, arrange the steak slices overtop, and drizzle with your molten queso sauce. This is where it all comes together—the cheese melts into the rice, and every piece of steak gets a little lake of cheesy goodness.
Step 7: Final Touches
Top it all with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños for heat, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of lime to tie everything together. Serve it up hot, before anyone can resist the temptation of that Cheesy Steak & Rice aroma!
How to Serve Cheesy Steak & Rice
Garnishes
No plate of Cheesy Steak & Rice is quite complete without a constellation of garnishes. Fresh cilantro delivers fragrant brightness, jalapeños add playful heat, slices of avocado offer creamy coolness, and a wedge of lime brightens every forkful. Don’t be shy—pile them on for extra layers of flavor and a beautiful splash of color.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Steak & Rice is a showstopper by itself, but a crunchy side salad or some roasted veggies make it a well-rounded meal. Try serving with simply-dressed greens, charred corn, or even some quick-pickled onions for a lovely contrast to the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to go all out, layer the Cheesy Steak & Rice in bowls for a family-style presentation, or assemble in individual ramekins for a dinner party worthy look. You can even tuck the ingredients into warm tortillas to make decadent steak-cheese-rice wraps—think next-level burritos that disappear in minutes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If by some miracle you have leftovers, let everything cool before storing. Place the steak, rice, and queso in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 days, and make a fabulous next-day lunch.
Freezing
Both the rice and the steak freeze beautifully—portion them out and freeze for up to a month. The queso sauce is best made fresh for perfect creaminess, but you can freeze it too; just know it might need a vigorous stir and gentle reheating to return to its velvety self.
Reheating
To bring Cheesy Steak & Rice back to life, reheat rice and steak gently in the microwave or stovetop, covered with a splash of broth or water so they don’t dry out. Warm the queso separately (low and slow so it stays creamy), then reassemble with fresh garnishes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! Flank and sirloin are both tender choices, but ribeye or even skirt steak work well if you prefer something richer or more marbled. Just adjust your cook time according to thickness and desired doneness.
Can I make Cheesy Steak & Rice ahead for a party?
Yes, the rice and steak can both be made ahead and sliced before your guests arrive. Reheat just before serving, and whisk up the queso sauce at the last minute for maximum creamy drama.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
For a meat-free twist, swap the steak for pan-seared portobello mushrooms or smoky grilled eggplant, and keep the rest of the Cheesy Steak & Rice recipe the same. The flavors still shine and you’ll never miss the beef.
Can I make the queso sauce spicier?
Turn up the heat by adding more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne, or even diced jalapeños straight into the cheese sauce. Taste as you go—you can always add more spice, but taking it out is tricky!
What’s the best way to slice the steak for Cheesy Steak & Rice?
Always let your steak rest, then use a sharp knife to cut thin slices across the grain. This shortens the connective fibers and guarantees every bite is tender and delicious, soaking up all that beautiful sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Steak & Rice isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of creamy comfort, bold flavor, and a dish you’ll pride yourself on sharing. Give it a go and let the combination of melty cheese, juicy steak, and garlicky rice win your heart—it’s impossible not to fall in love after the first taste!
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Cheesy Steak & Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Steak & Rice dish. Tender strips of seasoned steak are served on a bed of fluffy white rice, topped with a rich and creamy queso sauce. This hearty and flavorful meal is perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner.
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: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in milk and simmer.
- Cook the Rice: Rinse rice under water. Toast rice and garlic powder in olive oil. Add broth, cover, and simmer until soft.
- Prepare the Steak: Rest cooked steak, then slice thinly. Season with olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Make the Queso: Slowly melt cheeses in the skillet. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with cilantro, jalapeños, avocado, and lime. Cook seasoned steak in a hot skillet. Serve steak on rice with queso sauce.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the queso sauce.
- You can customize the dish with additional toppings like sour cream or salsa.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference – more salt, pepper, or spices as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Cheesy Steak, Rice Recipe, Queso Sauce, Tex-Mex, Comfort Food
