Queso Steak Bowl (Printable Version)

# What You’ll Need:

→ Steak Ingredients

01 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
02 - Salt and pepper for flavor
03 - 450g of sirloin or flank steak
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon paprika
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Cheese Sauce Components

07 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 - ½ teaspoon cumin powder
09 - 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
10 - 1½ cups whole milk
11 - 2 tablespoons butter
12 - Salt and pepper as needed
13 - 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
14 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ For the Rice Base

15 - Salt as needed
16 - 1 cup white long-grain rice
17 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
18 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
19 - 2 cups broth or water

→ Toppings (Optional)

20 - Lime wedges
21 - Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
22 - Sliced jalapeños
23 - Avocado slices

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Pat the steak dry using a paper towel, then rub with olive oil. Coat both sides with garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and some salt and pepper. Push the spices in gently to stick to the meat.
02 - Heat up a big skillet until super hot. Place the steak in and cook 4-5 minutes per side based on how done you like it. Medium-rare will be around 4 minutes; medium is closer to 5. Take it off the heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then cut into thin strips against the grain.
03 - Wash the rice with cold water to rinse off extra starch. Heat some olive oil in a pot over medium heat, then stir in the rice with garlic powder. Let it toast for around 2 minutes, stirring now and then. Add your water or broth, bring it to a boil, cover, and lower to a simmer. Let it cook for 18-20 minutes until soft.
04 - In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it smells good. Slowly mix in milk, simmer lightly, then add grated cheddar and Monterey Jack a handful at a time, stirring until melted. Lastly, season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
05 - Scoop some rice onto each plate. Lay out cooked steak strips on top, then pour the warm cheese sauce all over. Add your favorite garnishes like lime, jalapeños, avocado, and cilantro before digging in.