Steak & Queso Rice

If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting dinner that feels like a restaurant-style indulgence, this Steak & Queso Rice is the perfect choice. Juicy, seared steak strips served over fluffy seasoned rice and topped with creamy, melty queso creates a dish full of flavor and texture. It’s a crowd-pleaser that turns a simple weeknight meal into something truly special.
The beauty of this dish is how easily it comes together while still feeling impressive. Whether you’re hosting guests or just want to treat yourself to a satisfying dinner, the combination of savory steak, cheesy sauce, and seasoned rice hits all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love This Steak & Queso Rice
This Steak & Queso Rice brings together the best of bold and creamy flavors in every bite. You’ll love it for its versatility – it’s easy to customize with your favorite spices or garnishes. The recipe works beautifully for both casual family dinners and more elevated occasions when you want something a little extra. And best of all, it doesn’t require hours in the kitchen to deliver restaurant-quality results.
What Kind of Steak Should I Use?
For this recipe, a tender cut that cooks quickly is ideal. Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin all work well, as they’re flavorful and hold up beautifully to a quick sear. Just be sure to slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. If you prefer a more luxurious option, ribeye will also shine in this dish thanks to its marbling and richness.
Ingredients for the Steak & Queso Rice
Steak is the star of this dish, bringing savory, juicy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other components. Rice provides a comforting, fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious sauces. Queso adds that irresistible creamy, cheesy richness to tie everything together. Olive oil helps achieve a perfect sear on the steak, while garlic and onion enhance the dish with depth and aroma. A sprinkle of chili powder and cumin brings subtle warmth, and fresh cilantro at the end adds a pop of color and freshness.

How To Make the Steak & Queso Rice
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Begin by cooking your choice of long-grain rice or jasmine rice according to package directions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and keep warm.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your steak strips with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Add to the hot skillet and sear for about 2–3 minutes per side, until cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 3: Prepare the Queso
In a small saucepan, melt your choice of queso blanco or cheddar-based queso over low heat, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
On each plate, scoop a generous portion of warm rice. Top with the seared steak strips and drizzle the hot queso over everything. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
Serving and Storing Your Steak & Queso Rice
This dish serves about 4 hearty portions, making it ideal for a family dinner or a small gathering. Serve it immediately while the steak is juicy and the queso is still warm and silky. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the queso if needed.
What to Serve With Steak & Queso Rice?
Roasted Vegetables
Oven-roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus complement the richness of the dish with earthy, caramelized notes.
Black Bean Salad
A fresh black bean and corn salad adds a bright, tangy element to balance the creamy queso.
Guacamole
Creamy guacamole on the side brings coolness and freshness to every bite.
Tortilla Chips
Serve with crunchy tortilla chips for scooping up extra queso and steak.
Pickled Jalapeños
For a spicy kick, offer pickled jalapeños on the side.
Mixed Green Salad
A crisp salad with a citrus vinaigrette lightens up the meal beautifully.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Sweet and smoky grilled corn pairs naturally with the Tex-Mex vibe of the dish.
Want More Rice Bowl Ideas?
If you loved this Steak & Queso Rice, you’ll probably enjoy these other delicious rice-based creations:
• Easy Chicken Fried Rice for a quick and comforting weeknight meal.
• Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri if you’re craving bold herby flavors.
• Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Rice when you want a sweet and savory twist.
• Smothered Chicken and Rice for the ultimate in cozy comfort food.
• Dirty Rice with Ground Beef if you like a Southern-inspired kick.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try it with skirt steak or ribeye? Did you spice up your queso?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other cook smarter.
Explore beautifully curated hearty dinners and more on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next favorite meal!
Conclusion
Steak & Queso Rice is an easy yet impressive way to bring restaurant-level satisfaction to your dinner table. With its juicy steak, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly seasoned rice, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
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Steak & Queso Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Steak & Queso Rice is a hearty dinner recipe featuring juicy seared steak, fluffy seasoned rice, and creamy queso. Perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
1 pound steak (flank, skirt, sirloin, or ribeye)
2 cups cooked long-grain or jasmine rice
1 cup queso (queso blanco or cheddar-based)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1 small onion finely chopped
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
Lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook your choice of long-grain or jasmine rice according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak strips with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin.
3. Sear the steak strips for about 2–3 minutes per side until cooked to your desired doneness. Remove and rest.
4. In a small saucepan, melt the queso over low heat, stirring until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the dish by plating rice, topping with steak, drizzling with queso, and garnishing with cilantro and lime.
Notes
Use a tender cut and slice against the grain for the juiciest steak.
Warm the queso slowly on low heat to prevent clumping.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg