Savory Steak Queso with Rice

As seen in: Evening Meals That Deliver Results

This soul-warming meal brings together juicy beef, velvety queso, and perfectly fluffy rice. The meat gets a robust flavor boost from cumin, paprika, and garlic powder before being cooked just right and placed on the rice. A smooth cheese sauce blending cheddar and Monterey Jack adds richness, with mild chili powder and garlic notes running through it. You can top your bowl with fresh herbs, lime squeezes, avocado chunks, or spicy peppers if you want, making a meal that's deeply satisfying. It works great for a simple night in or when you want to impress someone, giving you lots of tasty bites and textures.

Sarah Crisp
Contributed By Sarah Crisp
Last modified on Tue, 08 Jul 2025 23:36:27 GMT
Cheesy Steak and Rice Bowl Save This
Cheesy Steak and Rice Bowl | cookrisp.com

This hearty steak and rice bowl features perfectly cooked beef strips smothered in velvety queso, all piled on top of fragrant rice. You'll love how the tender meat, gooey cheese sauce, and fluffy grains come together for a meal that tastes like it's from your favorite restaurant. It's fancy enough to wow dinner guests but simple enough that you won't stress making it.

I whipped up this combo when trying to jazz up some leftover beef, and now it's what my family begs for constantly. My kids always ask for it when their friends come over, and there's never anything left in the pan when dinner's done.

What You'll Need

  • Sirloin or flank steak these options cook up fast and stay juicy when you cut them thin across the grain
  • Cumin and paprika this pair brings smoky notes that really boost the cheesy sauce
  • Monterey Jack and cheddar mixing these two gives you the ideal combo of melt factor and tangy taste for real-deal queso
  • White long grain rice makes the ideal base that soaks up all that yummy sauce while staying light and separate
  • Toppings like cilantro and lime fresh add-ons cut through the richness and add color, tang and crunch to balance everything out

How To Make It

Get Your Steak Ready
Grab some paper towels and completely dry the meat. Rub it with olive oil, then coat it generously with your spices, making sure to press them in firmly on both sides. This dry mix will form a tasty crust that locks in moisture.
Cook Your Meat Just Right
Get your pan super hot before the steak goes in. The intense heat will give you that amazing brown outside while keeping the inside juicy. Don't touch it while it's cooking! Let it sit after cooking so the juices stay put.
Make Perfect Rice
First wash the rice to get the starchiness off. Then try this trick: toast the grains in a bit of oil before adding water for better flavor and texture. Keep it covered while cooking and don't stir it around to get that fluffy result.
Whip Up Your Cheese Sauce
Use the same pan where you cooked the steak to capture all those tasty browned bits. Add cheese in small batches over gentle heat so it doesn't break apart. If it looks too thick, just splash in a little more milk.
Put It All Together
Start with rice on the bottom so it can soak up everything. Cut your steak against the grain in thin slices to make it more tender. Eat it right away while the queso is still warm and pourable.
Cheesy Steak and Rice Bowl Save This
Cheesy Steak and Rice Bowl | cookrisp.com

For me, the cheese sauce really makes this dish special. I found out that making it in the same pan where I cooked the beef adds amazing flavor. Once, my neighbor dropped by while I was cooking this, and just the smell made her demand the recipe before she even tried a bite!

Prep Ahead Tips

This meal works great for planning ahead. You can get the steak seasoned and keep it in your fridge up to a day before cooking, which actually makes it taste even better. The rice can be made a day early too, just warm it up with a tiny bit of water. You'll want to make the cheese sauce fresh, but any extras can be kept separate and warmed slowly with a splash of milk to bring back its creaminess.

Ways To Switch It Up

Think of this as your starting point that you can change based on what you like or what's in your kitchen. Swap the beef for chicken or shrimp, or go meatless with roasted portobellos instead. Try brown rice or quinoa if you want something heartier than white rice. For the queso, pepper jack adds some heat, while white cheddar makes things milder. You can even turn it into a Tex-Mex bowl by throwing in some black beans, corn, or fresh salsa.

How To Serve It

Put everything in separate bowls on the table so everyone can fix their plate just how they want it. Round out the meal with a basic green salad with lime dressing or some grilled veggies like peppers or zucchini. If you've got friends over, set out extra toppings like tangy pickled onions, crunchy tortilla chips, hot sauce options, or crumbly cotija cheese for a fun DIY dinner setup.

Common Queries

→ How do I ensure the steak is tender?

Pick quality cuts like flank or sirloin, add plenty of seasoning, and don't cook it too long. Always let your meat sit for a few minutes after cooking so the juices stay inside.

→ Can I make the queso sauce ahead of time?

You can definitely make it early and warm it up slowly on low heat, making sure to stir often so it stays nice and smooth.

→ What type of rice works best for this dish?

Regular long-grain white rice gets nice and fluffy, but you can swap in basmati or jasmine if that's what you have around.

→ Can I substitute the cheeses in the queso?

For sure. Cheddar and Monterey Jack work great, but feel free to try Gouda or American cheese if you want something even creamier.

→ What are some alternative garnishes?

Besides the usual cilantro, lime, avocado, and jalapeños, you might want to throw on some chopped tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced green onions for extra zip.

→ Can I make this dish spicy?

To kick up the heat, just add more chili powder to your cheese sauce or sprinkle some cayenne on your steak when you're seasoning it.

Queso Steak Rice Bowl

Juicy meat, cheesy sauce, and light rice unite in a filling, tasty bowl finished with fresh toppings.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes Required
Cooking Duration
30 Minutes Required
Overall Time
45 Minutes Required
Contributed By: Sarah Crisp

Recipe Type: Dinner Victories

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Mexican

Serving Size: 4 servings

Dietary Preferences: Free of Gluten

What You’ll Need

→ For the Steak

01 1 pound (450g) sirloin or flank steak
02 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 Black pepper and salt as needed
04 2 teaspoons cumin powder
05 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
06 1 teaspoon powdered garlic

→ For the Queso Sauce

07 1½ cups full-fat milk
08 Black pepper and salt as needed
09 ½ teaspoon cumin powder
10 2 cups grated cheddar
11 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 1 teaspoon spicy chili powder
13 2 cloves garlic, minced fine
14 1 cup grated Monterey Jack

→ For the Rice

15 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
16 Salt to your liking
17 1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
18 1 cup white long-grain rice
19 1 teaspoon powdered garlic

→ Optional Garnishes

20 Chopped fresh cilantro leaves
21 Fresh lime cut into wedges
22 Ripe avocado slices
23 Fresh jalapeños, sliced thin

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Pat the steak dry using paper towels then coat with olive oil. Mix all the seasonings and rub them all over both sides, pressing them into the meat with your fingers.

Step 02

Get a big skillet super hot. Add the steak and cook about 4-5 minutes each side depending on how thick it is and how you like it done. For pink inside, go with 4 minutes per side. Want it more done? Cook for 5 minutes each side. After cooking, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before you cut it into thin strips against the grain.

Step 03

First wash the rice under cold running water to get rid of the starch. Warm up the olive oil in a pot, add your rice and garlic powder, and stir everything together for about 2 minutes till the grains look a bit toasty. Pour in your broth, let it come to a boil, then turn heat down low, cover the pot and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes till the rice feels soft.

Step 04

In the same pan you cooked the steak, melt your butter on medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook just a minute till you can smell it. Pour in the milk and warm it up till it's almost bubbling. Now grab handfuls of both cheeses and drop them in slowly, stirring the whole time till everything's melted smooth. Add your spices and salt and pepper till it tastes good to you.

Step 05

Scoop some hot rice onto each person's plate. Lay the sliced steak on top and then pour the warm cheese sauce all over. Top with whatever garnishes you want - some cilantro, jalapeño slices, avocado chunks and a squeeze of lime makes it perfect. Eat it while it's hot!

Allergen Information

Double-check ingredients for allergens, and seek medical guidance if necessary.
  • Dairy

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These figures are estimates and shouldn’t replace professional health advice.
  • Calories Per Serving: 675
  • Fat Content: 36 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 42 grams
  • Protein Amount: 42 grams