Queso Steak Rice Bowl (Printable Version)

# 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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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!