If you love the idea of tender steak meeting creamy, cheesy goodness all nestled atop flavorful rice, then you are in for a real treat with the Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe. This dish is a perfect marriage of juicy, seasoned steak strips and rich, velvety queso sauce poured over fluffy, aromatic rice that’s packed with a depth of smoky, garlicky flavors. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share with friends or family anytime you want to wow their taste buds. Every bite is a celebration of comfort food elevated to something truly special and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing the Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe is simple because it relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor. From the perfectly seasoned steak to the creamy cheese blend and vibrant garnishes, each component contributes something essential.
- 450 g steak strips (sirloin, flank, or ribeye): Choose a tender cut for juicy, flavorful bites.
- 15 ml olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect sear and crust on the steak.
- 5 g salt: Enhances the natural flavors of steak and rice.
- 2.5 g freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to the steak’s seasoning.
- 3 g garlic powder: Infuses subtle warmth into both steak and rice.
- 1.5 g paprika: Brings a smoky depth with a beautiful red hue.
- 1.5 g ground cumin: Adds earthiness and complexity to the steak.
- 200 g jasmine or basmati rice: Long-grain rice for fluffy texture and fragrant aroma.
- 480 ml beef broth: Used to cook the rice, making it rich and savory.
- 15 g unsalted butter: Adds richness and silkiness to the rice.
- 2.5 g garlic powder: Further layers flavor into the rice.
- 0.5 g smoked paprika: Offers a subtle smoky background.
- 100 g shredded white cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly for creamy queso.
- 60 g shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Provides a mild, buttery melt.
- 180 ml heavy cream: Creates a luscious base for the queso sauce.
- 30 g cream cheese: Adds tang and extra creaminess.
- 2.5 g garlic powder: Packs extra flavor into the sauce.
- 0.5 g cayenne pepper (optional): Introduces a subtle spicy kick if you like heat.
- 8 g fresh cilantro, finely chopped: Brings brightness and freshness as garnish.
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced: Adds crisp heat and vibrancy.
- 15 g sour cream: Offers a cool, creamy counterpoint.
- 80 g diced tomatoes: Provides juicy, fresh texture and color on top.
How to Make Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavored Rice
Start by making the rice, which is the flavorful foundation of this dish. Combine the beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil. Then stir in the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover it tightly, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and set it aside. This infused rice will soak up all the layered meaty, garlicky goodness in every bite.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Steak
While the rice cooks, it’s time to bring the steak front and center. Coat the steak strips evenly with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin in a mixing bowl. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering, then sear the steak strips in a single layer for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a rich crust and your preferred doneness. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes to keep it tender and juicy.
Step 3: Craft the Queso Sauce
The magic of the Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe shines brightest with the queso sauce. Warm the heavy cream gently in a small saucepan over low heat until bubbles form at the edges. Whisk in the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually stir in shredded white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until the sauce turns silky and creamy. Add garlic powder and optional cayenne pepper for depth and just a hint of heat. Keep the sauce warm on the lowest heat, stirring occasionally to maintain that smooth texture.
Step 4: Compose the Bowl
As everything comes together, spoon the fragrant rice into your serving bowls to form the base. Layer the rested steak slices on top, then generously ladle the warm queso sauce over everything, letting it cascade into the rice. It’s a bowl that promises comfort and indulgence in every mouthful.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve
The final flourish is as important as the rest — garnishing with fresh, finely chopped cilantro, thin jalapeño slices, juicy diced tomatoes, and a dollop of cool sour cream if you like. These bright toppings bring balance and contrast to the rich, creamy flavors. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the wonderful whirlwind of textures and tastes from the Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe.
How to Serve Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes turn this hearty dish into a vibrant showstopper. Fresh cilantro adds herbaceous brightness that cuts through the creamy queso, while jalapeño slices provide a fresh crunch and a touch of spicy heat. Diced tomatoes lend juicy bursts of acidity, and sour cream adds a cool, smooth counterbalance to the richness. These little touches elevate every bite, making the dish complex and exciting.
Side Dishes
While the Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe is satisfying all on its own, it pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides. Think along the lines of a fresh green salad dressed with lime and olive oil or a simple roasted vegetable medley to bring some earthy notes to the table. A side of warm, soft tortillas can also be a fun way to scoop up extra queso and steak, making the meal even more interactive.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is part of the pleasure, so consider serving this dish family-style in a large shallow bowl where everyone can help themselves, or compose individual bowls layered carefully with steak, rice, and queso for a polished look. You can even serve the queso sauce on the side as a dip for those who like to control the amount. Adding colorful toppings in small bowls alongside the main dish invites guests to customize their plates and adds a festive flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eaten within 3 to 4 days. Be sure to let everything cool to room temperature before sealing to maintain the texture and flavor of both the steak and the creamy queso sauce.
Freezing
Though freezing cheesy cream-based dishes can sometimes change their texture, you can freeze the steak and rice separately for up to 2 months. Freeze the queso sauce in a separate container to maintain its creaminess and reheat gently to avoid separation. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rice and steak together in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Gently rewarm the queso sauce over low heat, stirring constantly to restore its smooth texture. Once warm, assemble again and freshen with new garnishes for an almost-as-good-as-new experience.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese in the queso sauce?
Absolutely! While white cheddar and Monterey Jack melt well and provide classic flavor, feel free to experiment with cheeses like pepper jack for extra spice, or a mild mozzarella for creaminess. Just make sure they melt smoothly for the perfect queso consistency.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
To adapt the Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe for a vegetarian diet, swap the steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu. For a vegan version, replace the dairy cheeses and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives, like cashew cream and vegan cheese, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
What’s the best type of rice to use?
Jasmine or basmati rice are ideal for this recipe because they remain fluffy and aromatic after cooking. Their fragrance complements the spices and queso sauce beautifully and they absorb the rich broth for enhanced flavor.
Can I prep parts of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can cook the rice and prepare the steak seasoning ahead of time. The queso sauce is best made fresh but can be warmed gently from refrigerated leftovers. Prepping these components makes assembling the dish quick and stress-free.
How spicy is this dish?
The base recipe has a mild to moderate spice level with warmth from garlic, cumin, and paprika. The optional cayenne and jalapeño slices add kick, but you can adjust or omit these elements to suit your taste. It’s a flexible recipe that welcomes your preferred heat level.
Final Thoughts
The Steak Queso Rice Delight Recipe is a joyful celebration of hearty, comforting flavors with a creamy, cheesy twist that makes each forkful truly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or pizza night upgrade, this recipe will quickly become a personal favorite that’s both simple to prepare and delightful to eat. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy this deliciously indulgent dish with your loved ones!
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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 savory and satisfying dish featuring tender seared steak strips served over flavorful jasmine rice, topped with a creamy, cheesy queso sauce and garnished with fresh jalapeño, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sour cream. This recipe combines rich and smoky spices with a velvety cheese sauce for a perfect comfort meal in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Steak and 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
- 180 ml heavy cream
- 30 g cream cheese
- 100 g shredded white cheddar cheese
- 60 g shredded Monterey Jack 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, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the jasmine or basmati rice, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan securely, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed. Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork and set it aside.
- Season and Sear Steak: Place the steak strips in a bowl and evenly coat them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak strips in a single layer and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until a deep crust forms and your desired doneness is reached. After searing, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Craft the Queso Sauce: In a small saucepan, warm the heavy cream over low heat until gentle bubbles appear around the edges. Blend in the cream cheese, whisking continuously until it has melted completely. Gradually add the shredded white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes silky smooth. Stir in garlic powder and cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat. Keep the sauce over the lowest heat, stirring occasionally to maintain consistency.
- Compose the Bowl: Divide the fragrant cooked rice among serving bowls to form a base. Layer the rested steak slices evenly on top of the rice. Generously ladle the warm queso sauce over the steak and rice, allowing it to pool and infuse the flavors.
- Add Fresh Toppings and Serve: Garnish each serving with finely chopped cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeño, diced tomatoes, and a small dollop of sour cream for added creaminess and freshness. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the best flavors and textures.
Notes
- You can use sirloin, flank, or ribeye steak strips depending on your preference and availability.
- For a spicier queso sauce, increase the cayenne pepper or add more jalapeño slices.
- Use jasmine or basmati rice for the best aromatic effect and texture.
- Resting the steak after searing helps retain juices for a moist and tender bite.
- Ensure the queso sauce is kept warm on low heat and stirred occasionally to prevent it from separating or burning.
- Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the freshness of the toppings and the warmth of the queso sauce.
