Steak Queso Rice – A Creamy and Hearty One-Pot Tex-Mex Favorite

If you’re craving something rich, cheesy, and comforting, this Steak Queso Rice is the dish for you. Juicy seared steak, creamy queso, and perfectly seasoned rice come together in a single pan for a satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and easy to make. The first time I cooked this recipe, I was amazed at how quickly it came together—and how every bite tasted like a restaurant-quality Tex-Mex dish. Perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, this hearty comfort food is sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one-pan wonder is everything you want in a comfort meal: tender steak, cheesy sauce, and smoky Tex-Mex spices all wrapped around perfectly cooked rice. It’s creamy, rich, and deeply flavorful while being quick and simple to make. You’ll love that it requires minimal cleanup and can be customized to suit your tastes—spicy, mild, or loaded with your favorite toppings. Best of all, it’s as satisfying as it looks.

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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 thinly against the grain for juicy bites.

Rice: Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best for a fluffy texture that soaks up all the cheesy sauce.

Queso: The creamy star of the show! Use your favorite store-bought queso dip or make your own from scratch with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a bit of cream.

Butter or Olive Oil: Helps sear the steak and sauté the aromatics.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.

Garlic: Enhances the savory flavors and ties the ingredients together.

Bell Peppers: Provide a fresh, slightly sweet balance to the creamy queso.

Beef Broth: Adds rich, savory flavor and is used to cook the rice.

Smoked Paprika and Cumin: Give the dish its signature Tex-Mex warmth.

Chili Powder: Optional, for a mild heat and extra flavor.

Salt and Black Pepper: Basic but essential for balancing flavors.

Lime Juice: Adds brightness to cut through the richness of the cheese.

Fresh Cilantro: For garnish and a burst of freshness.

Jalapeños (optional): Perfect for spice lovers who want extra heat.

Directions

Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and sear until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove from the pan and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the rice and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes, stirring to coat it in the aromatics and seasonings.

Pour in the beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir in the queso until melted and creamy. Return the steak to the pan, mixing everything together. 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: 40 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Queso Rice: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for a fiery twist.
Tex-Mex Style: Mix in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes for a colorful, hearty meal.
Loaded Rice Bowl: Top with avocado, pico de gallo, or tortilla strips.
Chicken Queso Rice: Swap steak for grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken.
Shrimp Queso Rice: Use sautéed shrimp for a lighter seafood version.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the steak and add mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
Chipotle Cream Rice: Stir in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky flavor.
Cheese Lover’s Dream: Add extra shredded cheese on top and broil until bubbly.
Garlic Butter Finish: Stir in a spoonful of garlic butter at the end for richness.
Cilantro-Lime Upgrade: Mix lime zest and chopped cilantro directly into the rice before serving.

FAQs

What’s the best steak for this recipe?

Sirloin or ribeye are great choices for tender, juicy steak bites.

Can I use instant rice?

Yes, just adjust the broth and cooking time since it cooks faster.

What queso works best?

A smooth, creamy queso dip or homemade cheese sauce made with cheddar and cream.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, it reheats beautifully with a splash of broth to refresh the texture.

Is it spicy?

Not unless you add chili powder or jalapeños—it’s easy to adjust the heat level.

Can I make it lighter?

Use reduced-fat cheese and less queso or substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cheese.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but increase cooking time by about 15 minutes and add more broth.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Use veggie broth and add roasted vegetables or beans instead of steak.

What can I serve it with?

Tortilla chips, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad pair perfectly.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating gently.

Conclusion

Steak Queso Rice is the ultimate one-pan comfort meal—creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and indulgent, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want something satisfying and rich. Every spoonful brings together tender steak, fluffy rice, and velvety queso for a meal that feels like a warm, cheesy hug. Once you make it, this Tex-Mex favorite will definitely earn a regular spot on your dinner rotation.

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