If you are craving a meal that brings together warm, comforting flavors with a bit of a spicy kick, the Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish pairs tender, perfectly seared steak strips with rich, creamy queso sauce poured over fluffy, aromatic rice—a combination that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Each bite bursts with layers of smoky, cheesy goodness brightened by fresh jalapeños and cilantro, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the essentials that make the Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe a standout dish. Each ingredient plays a role: from the juicy steak strips lending a hearty texture, to the fragrant rice soaking up every drop of flavor, and the decadent cheese sauce bringing everything together in a luscious finish.
- Steak strips (450 g): Choose sirloin, flank, or ribeye for tender, flavorful meat with a satisfying sear.
- Olive oil (15 ml): Perfect for searing your steak to golden perfection without sticking.
- Salt (5 g + 2.5 g): Essential for seasoning both meat and rice to enhance every flavor.
- Freshly ground black pepper (2.5 g): Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the steak.
- Garlic powder (3 g + 2.5 g): Infuses savory warmth into the steak and rice components alike.
- Paprika (1.5 g + 0.5 g smoked paprika): Brings a mellow smoky note that deepens the dish’s flavor profile.
- Ground cumin (1.5 g): Adds earthiness for a hint of southwestern charm in the steak seasoning.
- Jasmine or basmati rice (200 g): Choose a fragrant long-grain rice to soak up every drop of that rich broth.
- Beef broth (480 ml): A flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the rice with savory depth.
- Unsalted butter (15 g): Creamy richness that makes the rice irresistibly silky.
- White cheddar cheese (100 g): Sharp, melty cheese lending boldness to the queso sauce.
- Monterey Jack cheese (60 g): Adds smooth, buttery meltiness to balance the cheddar.
- Heavy cream (180 ml): Creates the creamy base ensuring the queso sauce coats everything luxuriously.
- Cream cheese (30 g): Gives the sauce a velvety texture and subtle tang.
- Cayenne pepper (0.5 g, optional): A tiny kick for those who love a bit of heat in their queso.
- Fresh cilantro (8 g): Bright, herbal notes that lift the entire dish.
- Jalapeño (1, thinly sliced): For fresh heat and crunch, adding excitement to each bite.
- Sour cream (15 g): Smooth, cooling accent that balances spicy elements and adds creaminess.
- Diced tomatoes (80 g): Fresh, juicy bursts that add color and a mild acidity.
How to Make Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavored Rice
Start by combining beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a medium saucepan. Bring everything to a boil, then stir in your jasmine or basmati rice. Lower the heat, cover tightly, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice softly with a fork and set it aside. This step ensures the rice is fragrant and full of savory depth, the perfect foundation for your bowl.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak
While the rice cooks, give your steak strips a flavorful coating with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the steak in a single layer. Sear each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until you get a gorgeous deep crust and your desired doneness. Remove from the heat and let the steak rest for five minutes to lock in all those luscious juices.
Step 3: Craft the Queso Sauce
To build that rich, cheesy goodness, warm heavy cream over low heat until you see gentle bubbles along the edges. Whisk in cream cheese until it melts completely, then gradually stir in shredded white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, maintaining gentle heat. Keep stirring until the sauce is silky smooth and all the cheese is perfectly integrated. Season with garlic powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a little smoky spice. Set aside on low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the texture just right.
Step 4: Compose the Bowl
Now for the fun part: plating! Distribute your beautifully flavored rice into serving bowls as a base layer. Top generously with slices of your perfectly rested steak, then ladle the creamy queso sauce over the top, letting it drizzle and soak into the rice. This layering guarantees every bite has a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve
Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped cilantro, slim jalapeño slices, juicy diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream if you like that creamy contrast. Serve immediately while everything is fresh and warm, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting to the palate.
How to Serve Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes are the crowning touch that elevate the Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe from delicious to unforgettable. Bright cilantro leaves add vibrant color and herbal freshness, while thinly sliced jalapeños bring a lively crunch and heat. A spoonful of sour cream adds a cooling creaminess, perfectly balancing the spicy and cheesy layers.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try a crisp green salad with a zesty lime dressing or roasted vegetables for some added texture and freshness. A side of warm tortillas is also fantastic for folks who want to scoop everything up and savor every mouthful.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching twist, serve the Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe in individual cast iron skillets or colorful ceramic bowls. Layer the components attractively and sprinkle extra cheese and cilantro on top just before serving. You can also try plating it burrito-style by wrapping the steak, queso, and rice in a large flour tortilla for a handheld feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the queso sauce and rice from drying out, cover them tightly and reheat gently to restore creaminess.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, it’s best to separate the steak, rice, and queso sauce for optimal texture. Freeze each component in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the flavors fresh and just right.
Reheating
Reheat the components slowly over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring regularly. Adding a splash of beef broth or cream can help revive the queso sauce’s silky texture, keeping the dish as delightful as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin, flank, or ribeye are ideal for their flavor and tenderness, you can substitute with other cuts like skirt steak or even tenderloin if desired. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Certainly! Swap the steak strips for grilled mushrooms or seasoned tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The queso sauce and rice will still deliver a satisfying, cheesy, and savory experience.
How spicy is the Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and customizable. The jalapeños and optional cayenne pepper provide a gentle kick, but you can tone down or amp up the spice depending on your preference by adjusting these ingredients.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can prepare the rice and queso sauce in advance and keep the steak refrigerated separately. Assemble and finish with fresh toppings just before serving for a warm, fresh experience that impresses your guests.
What kind of rice works best for this dish?
Jasmine or basmati rice are excellent choices because of their aroma and fluffy texture. Their ability to absorb flavors while remaining separate grains enriches the overall delight of this dish.
Final Thoughts
Making the Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe at home is like giving yourself a warm, hearty hug on a plate. With simple ingredients pulled together in an irresistibly creamy, savory, and slightly spicy bowl, this recipe becomes an instant favorite. Whether for a cozy dinner or to wow friends, I hope you dive in and enjoy every cheesy, tender, flavorful bite as much as I do.
Print
Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Steak Queso Rice Delight is a rich and hearty dish featuring tender seared steak strips atop flavorful jasmine or basmati rice, drenched in a creamy, cheesy queso sauce. Accented with fresh jalapeños, cilantro, and diced tomatoes, this meal combines savory spices and creamy textures for a satisfying and indulgent dining experience perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Steak Seasoning
- 450 g steak strips (sirloin, flank, or ribeye)
- 15 ml olive oil
- 5 g salt
- 2.5 g freshly ground black pepper
- 3 g garlic powder
- 1.5 g paprika
- 1.5 g ground cumin
Flavored Rice
- 200 g jasmine or basmati rice
- 480 ml beef broth
- 15 g unsalted butter
- 2.5 g salt
- 2.5 g garlic powder
- 0.5 g smoked paprika
Queso Sauce
- 100 g shredded white cheddar cheese
- 60 g shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 180 ml heavy cream
- 30 g cream cheese
- 2.5 g garlic powder
- 0.5 g cayenne pepper (optional)
Toppings
- 8 g fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- 15 g sour cream
- 80 g diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the Flavored Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine beef broth, unsalted butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the jasmine or basmati rice, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan securely, and let it simmer for 15–18 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and set it aside.
- Season and Sear Steak: In a bowl, mix salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and ground cumin. Coat the steak strips evenly with this seasoning blend. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it starts shimmering. Place the steak strips in a single layer in the skillet and sear each side for 3–4 minutes until a deep crust forms and your desired doneness is reached. Remove the steak from heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Craft the Queso Sauce: Warm heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until gentle bubbles appear around the edges. Slowly blend in cream cheese, whisking continuously until it melts fully. Gradually add shredded white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and silky. Stir in garlic powder and cayenne pepper if you prefer some heat. Keep the queso sauce warm over the lowest heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Compose the Bowl: Divide the fluffy rice evenly among serving bowls to establish a flavorful base. Arrange the rested steak strips on top of the rice. Ladle a generous amount of warm queso sauce over the steak and rice, letting the sauce pool and infuse the dish.
- Add Fresh Toppings and Serve: Garnish each bowl with finely chopped fresh cilantro, thin slices of jalapeño, and diced tomatoes. Add a dollop of sour cream to enhance creaminess if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more cayenne pepper to the queso sauce or include sliced jalapeños according to taste.
- Allowing the steak to rest after cooking helps keep it juicy and tender.
- Use good quality beef broth for the rice to enhance flavor depth.
- If you prefer a thicker queso sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream slightly or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
