If you’re craving a meal that’s rich, satisfying, and comes together in just one pan, this Steak & Queso Rice is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. Tender, juicy steak, creamy melted queso, and perfectly seasoned rice come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and comforting. The first time I made it, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to bring restaurant-level flavor to my own kitchen. The combination of smoky, seared steak and creamy cheese sauce makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Steak & Queso Rice recipe has everything you love in a comfort meal—savory, cheesy, and filling, all made in one pan for easy cleanup. The rice absorbs the flavorful steak juices and creamy queso, making it rich and full-bodied. You’ll love how versatile it is too; you can adjust the spice level, add vegetables, or swap in different cheeses. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes indulgent but is quick and simple to make.
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Steak & Queso Rice – Hearty One-Pan Comfort
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Steak & Queso Rice is a hearty one-pan comfort dish featuring tender, juicy steak bites tossed with creamy, cheesy queso rice. Bursting with Tex-Mex flavors and made in a single pan, it’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner that’s both rich and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin or flank steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup queso dip or Velveeta-style cheese
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the steak cubes with salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and sear for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add uncooked rice. Stir for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast it.
- Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- Stir in shredded cheddar and queso dip until melted and creamy.
- Add the cooked steak back into the skillet along with diced tomatoes if using. Stir until heated through and evenly coated in the cheesy sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, use spicy queso or add diced jalapeños.
- Substitute brown rice but increase the cooking liquid and time.
- Add bell peppers or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- This dish reheats beautifully—add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak: Use sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak for the best flavor and tenderness. Slice it thinly against the grain for juicy, bite-sized pieces.
Rice: Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best. The rice cooks directly in the same pan, soaking up all the savory flavors.
Queso: The creamy star of the dish. Use store-bought queso dip or homemade cheese sauce made with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a touch of cream.
Butter or Olive Oil: For searing the steak and enhancing the overall richness.
Onion and Garlic: Add depth and aroma to the dish’s base.
Bell Peppers: Bring sweetness, color, and freshness to balance the creamy queso.
Beef Broth: Used to cook the rice, infusing it with meaty flavor.
Cumin and Smoked Paprika: These spices enhance the steak’s smoky flavor and give the dish a Tex-Mex flair.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
Jalapeños (optional): Add gentle heat for spice lovers.
Fresh Cilantro: For garnish and a burst of freshness.
Lime Juice: Brightens up the rich, cheesy flavors.
Directions
Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika. Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and sear on both sides until browned but still tender. Remove from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, add diced onions and bell peppers, sautéing until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the rice and toast it lightly for 1–2 minutes to absorb the flavors. Pour in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender. Stir in the queso until melted and creamy. Return the steak to the pan, mixing it into the cheesy rice. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
Serves 4 people. Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 30 minutes. Total time: approximately 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the rice from drying out.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce for extra heat.
Tex-Mex Version: Mix in corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes for a southwestern flair.
Loaded Steak & Queso Bowl: Top with avocado, pico de gallo, or crushed tortilla chips.
Vegetable Boost: Add zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for more nutrients.
Chicken or Shrimp Swap: Replace steak with grilled chicken or shrimp for variety.
Smoky Chipotle Twist: Add a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for deep, smoky flavor.
Queso Blanco Version: Use white cheese sauce for a milder, creamier base.
Garlic Butter Finish: Stir in a knob of garlic butter at the end for extra richness.
One-Pot Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and broil for a bubbly, golden crust.
Cilantro-Lime Cream Drizzle: Mix sour cream with lime juice and cilantro for a tangy topping.
FAQs
What kind of steak works best?
Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak all work beautifully because they stay tender after searing.
Can I use instant rice?
Yes, but adjust the liquid and cooking time since it cooks faster.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely—add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
What type of queso should I use?
You can use store-bought queso dip or homemade cheese sauce made with cheddar and cream.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
How can I make it lighter?
Use light cheese or reduce the queso amount and add extra vegetables.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free queso and broth.
Can I add beans or corn?
Definitely—they complement the flavors perfectly and make the dish heartier.
How do I keep the steak tender?
Avoid overcooking it; sear quickly over high heat and add it back at the end.
What sides go well with this dish?
A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or tortilla chips make great sides.
Conclusion
Steak & Queso Rice is the ultimate one-pan comfort food—rich, cheesy, and loaded with bold, satisfying flavor. Every bite combines tender steak, creamy queso, and perfectly seasoned rice in a dish that’s both hearty and easy to make. Ideal for busy nights or when you just want something indulgent, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving its comforting blend of creaminess and spice again and again.
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