If you’re someone who loves the bold, comforting flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine, then the BEST Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak Strips is about to become your new go-to recipe. Picture this: a bed of creamy, cheesy rice topped with juicy, perfectly seared steak strips, all drizzled with a rich, velvety queso sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, prepping for the week, or simply craving something delicious, this dish checks all the boxes.
What Is Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak Strips?
At its core, Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak Strips is a fusion of tender steak and creamy queso cheese served on top of seasoned rice. It’s a twist on the classic Tex-Mex fare that combines the rich, bold flavors of steak with the comforting goodness of cheesy rice. While this dish may sound complex, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare and delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
The creamy rice, cooked with spices and broth, serves as the perfect base for the juicy steak strips, which are seasoned and seared to perfection. And let’s not forget the crowning glory: the warm queso sauce, which adds a velvety smooth richness that ties everything together. It’s a dish that’s sure to be a hit with your family or guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the BEST Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak Strips, gather these key ingredients:
For the Rice:
-
1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (or basmati rice)
-
3 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for a richer flavor)
-
1/2 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
-
1 medium onion, chopped
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tsp cumin
-
1 tsp paprika
-
1 tsp dried cilantro
-
2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
For the Steak:
-
1 lb sirloin steak (or flank steak), thinly sliced
-
1 tbsp Montreal steak seasoning (or use your favorite spice blend)
-
2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
For the Queso Sauce:
-
1 cup white queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
-
2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
-
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional for added texture)
Optional Garnishes:
-
Fresh cilantro, chopped
-
Jalapeño slices
-
Lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Rice
Start by rinsing your rice under cold water to remove any excess starch. This step is important for ensuring the rice turns out fluffy, not sticky.
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and golden. Add the rice to the pan, stirring it around for a minute or so until it’s lightly toasted. This helps to lock in a nutty flavor. Then, stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, and dried cilantro. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Cooking the Steak
While your rice is cooking, season the thinly sliced steak with Montreal steak seasoning (or your choice of seasoning). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the steak strips in a single layer. Sear them for about 2–3 minutes on each side, until they’re brown and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set the steak aside.
Assembling the Dish
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Begin by spooning the cooked rice onto serving plates, creating a nice, even base. Next, layer the juicy steak strips on top. For the finishing touch, drizzle warm queso sauce generously over the steak and rice.
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a dollop of cream cheese to the queso for added richness. Garnish with fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of freshness.
Tips for the Perfect Dish
-
Rice Texture: Be sure to rinse the rice before cooking to avoid excess starch. This will help keep the grains separate and fluffy.
-
Steak Selection: Sirloin or flank steak are great choices for this dish due to their tenderness and flavor, but feel free to use any cut you prefer.
-
Queso Consistency: If you find your queso too thick, simply thin it out with a little milk or extra broth until you reach your desired consistency.
-
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the rice and steak in advance, then simply reheat and assemble the dish when you’re ready to serve.
Dietary Variations and Substitutions
Vegan:
For a vegan version, swap the steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu strips. Use a dairy-free queso dip, which you can easily find at most grocery stores or make from cashews. Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a fully plant-based dish.
Gluten-Free:
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that all of your ingredients are gluten-free, particularly the seasoning blends and queso. Check the labels on your spices and queso dip for any hidden gluten.
Low-Calorie:
To make this dish lighter, replace the creamy queso sauce with a reduced-fat version, or use less cheese overall. You can also switch the rice for cauliflower rice to significantly lower the calorie count.
Halal:
For a Halal version, ensure that the steak is Halal-certified. Additionally, check the queso dip to ensure it’s made with Halal-friendly ingredients.
What to Serve with Creamy Queso Rice and Steak
This dish is rich and flavorful, so pairing it with something light and fresh helps balance out the richness. Consider serving it with:
-
Mexican street corn (Elote) for a classic side.
-
Refried beans or black beans to add a creamy, savory element.
-
Guacamole and tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast to the soft, cheesy rice.
-
A light cilantro-lime slaw to add a crisp, refreshing note.
For drinks, pair this dish with a chilled margarita or a simple glass of iced tea. You can even go for an agua fresca for a refreshing, non-alcoholic option.
If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent, the BEST Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak Strips is a must-try. Its blend of flavors, textures, and rich queso will leave everyone asking for seconds. The great thing about this recipe is its versatility; you can make simple swaps to suit dietary preferences without compromising the taste. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to satisfy.
FAQ
How can I make the queso sauce spicier?
To add a kick to your queso sauce, simply stir in some diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or use a spicier cheese like pepper jack. Adjust the heat level to your preference!
Can I use ground beef instead of steak?
Absolutely! If you prefer ground beef, simply brown it in the skillet, then season it with the same spices. It will still pair perfectly with the creamy queso rice.
Can I make the rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the rice in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it and fluff it before assembling with the steak and queso sauce.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the queso?
Yes! If you’re looking for a different flavor, feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or even a mix of your favorites. Just make sure the cheese melts smoothly to achieve that creamy texture.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Definitely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Prepare the rice and steak ahead of time, and then reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Just drizzle the queso sauce when serving for that fresh, creamy finish.
Print
The BEST Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak Strips
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
The BEST Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak Strips is a delicious Tex-Mex-inspired dish featuring a bed of creamy, seasoned rice topped with perfectly seared steak strips and smothered in rich, velvety queso sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or as a crowd-pleaser for gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Rice:
-
1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (or basmati rice)
-
3 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for a richer flavor)
-
½ cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
-
1 medium onion, chopped
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tsp cumin
-
1 tsp paprika
-
1 tsp dried cilantro
-
2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
For the Steak:
-
1 lb sirloin steak (or flank steak), thinly sliced
-
1 tbsp Montreal steak seasoning (or use your favorite spice blend)
-
2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
For the Queso Sauce:
-
1 cup white queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
-
2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
-
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional for added texture)
Optional Garnishes:
-
Fresh cilantro, chopped
-
Jalapeño slices
-
Lime wedges
Instructions
-
Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the rice, stirring for a minute, then mix in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, and cilantro. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
-
Cook the Steak: Season the steak strips with Montreal seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
-
Assemble the Dish: Spoon the cooked rice onto serving plates, then layer the steak strips on top. Drizzle with warm queso sauce. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, and lime wedges.
Notes
Rice Texture: Rinse the rice before cooking to prevent it from being too sticky.
Steak Selection: Sirloin or flank steak works best, but feel free to use any tender cut of your choice.
Queso Consistency: If your queso is too thick, thin it with a little milk or extra broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the rice and steak in advance and reheat them before serving. Add the queso just before serving for the freshest flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex