Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together creamy texture, bold seasoning, and juicy steak in one cohesive dish. It is filling, customizable, and made with everyday ingredients, making it both practical and satisfying.
Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak: A Bold, Comfort-Filled Skillet Favorite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty and indulgent dish featuring tender, juicy steak served over fluffy rice coated in creamy queso sauce, delivering bold, comforting flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin or flank steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup queso cheese sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Season the steak evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cumin.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the steak for 4–5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in queso sauce and heavy cream until smooth.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and creamy.
- Fold the cooked rice into the queso mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve the creamy queso rice topped with sliced steak.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Letting the steak rest keeps it juicy.
- You can use brown rice for added fiber.
- Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak is the centerpiece of this dish. Cuts such as sirloin or ribeye work well, offering tenderness and rich beef flavor when cooked properly.
Long-grain rice provides structure and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. It creates a hearty base without becoming mushy.
Butter adds richness and helps build flavor at the start of cooking.
Garlic brings aroma and depth, enhancing both the rice and steak.
Chicken broth infuses the rice with savory flavor and prevents dryness.
Heavy cream contributes to the luxurious texture of the rice, making it smooth and comforting.
Cheddar cheese provides sharpness and body, forming the foundation of the queso-style sauce.
Monterey Jack cheese melts smoothly and balances the sharpness of cheddar.
Paprika adds warmth and subtle smokiness to the dish.
Cumin delivers earthy depth that complements both cheese and beef.
Salt enhances and balances all flavors.
Black pepper adds gentle heat and contrast.
Olive oil helps sear the steak evenly while locking in moisture.
Fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal at the end.
Directions
Begin by seasoning the steak generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak on both sides until cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from the pan and allow it to rest. In the same skillet, reduce the heat and add butter, followed by garlic, cooking briefly until fragrant. Stir in the rice and toast lightly. Add chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook until the rice is tender. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy. Season with cumin and adjust salt if needed. Slice the rested steak and place it over the creamy rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is 30 minutes. Total time is roughly 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy queso rice
Add chili powder or diced jalapeños for heat.
Chicken version
Replace steak with grilled or pan-seared chicken breast.
Vegetable-forward option
Stir in sautéed bell peppers, corn, or spinach.
Smoky flavor boost
Use smoked paprika for deeper aroma.
Extra cheesy style
Increase cheese slightly for a richer finish.
FAQs
What steak cut works best?
Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak are ideal choices.
Can I use leftover steak?
Yes, add it at the end to avoid overcooking.
Is this dish very heavy?
It is rich but balanced; reducing cream lightens it.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, though the rice is creamiest when fresh.
What rice works best?
Long-grain white rice gives the best texture.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, especially if spices are kept mild.
Can I add beans?
Black beans or pinto beans work well.
How do I keep the rice from sticking?
Stir occasionally and maintain low heat once simmering.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger skillet and adjust liquid slightly.
Conclusion
Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender beef and rich, cheesy rice in a satisfying way. Easy to prepare and adaptable to many tastes, it is a dependable recipe that delivers bold flavor and hearty comfort every time.
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