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:
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1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (or basmati rice)
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3 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for a richer flavor)
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½ cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp cumin
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp dried cilantro
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2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
For the Steak:
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1 lb sirloin steak (or flank steak), thinly sliced
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1 tbsp Montreal steak seasoning (or use your favorite spice blend)
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2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
For the Queso Sauce:
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1 cup white queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
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2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
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½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional for added texture)
Optional Garnishes:
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Fresh cilantro, chopped
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Jalapeño slices
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Lime wedges
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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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