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Homemade Steak Queso Rice: Easy, Cheesy, and Absolutely Terrific

A bowl of Steak Queso Rice with creamy cheese sauce and cilantro.

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If you’re looking for a hearty and indulgent rice bowl recipe, this Steak Queso Rice is the perfect choice—featuring seasoned steak strips, flavorful buttery rice, and a rich, creamy homemade queso sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb steak strips (sirloin, flank, or ribeye)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (for rice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for rice)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for queso)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to a boil. Stir in the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

2. Season the steak strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the steak for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

3. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy cream. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack, stirring constantly until fully melted. Mix in garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Keep warm on low heat.

4. Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls and top with the steak strips.

5. Drizzle generously with queso sauce and garnish with cilantro, jalapeño slices, diced tomatoes, or sour cream as desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use high-quality steak like ribeye, sirloin, or flank for the most tender results.

Let the steak rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

Keep the queso on low heat and stir gently to prevent it from becoming grainy.

Add extra cayenne or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.