Flavorful Steak Queso Rice: A Comforting Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)
Whip up a flavorful steak queso rice recipe for a quick, hearty dinner. Tender steak, creamy queso, and fluffy rice make pure comfort in a bowl.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Meat
# Ingredients:
→ Star Players
01 -
1 lb skirt or flank steak, thinly sliced
02 -
1.5 cups long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
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03 -
1 large onion, diced
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 large bell pepper (any color), diced
06 -
1 tbsp chili powder
07 -
1 tsp ground cumin
08 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
09 -
1 tbsp olive oil
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10 -
16 oz Velveeta or queso blanco, cubed
11 -
1/2 cup whole milk
→ Finishing Touches
12 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
13 -
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Get your steak sliced thin, like really thin, so it cooks up quick. While you're at it, dice your onion and bell peppers. Mince that garlic too! I always feel like a pro when everything's prepped before I even turn on the stove. It makes the cooking flow so much smoother, honestly. This prep work is key for a truly flavorful steak queso rice.
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Toss in your seasoned steak strips and sear them quickly until they're browned on the outside but still a little pink inside. Don't overcrowd the pan, or it'll steam instead of sear! I learned that the hard way, ending up with grey, sad steak instead of juicy, flavorful pieces. Remove the steak and set it aside, reserving any drippings.
03 -
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Throw in the diced onions and bell peppers, letting them soften for about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Oh, the smell here! It's just heavenly. Cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly. This step builds such a deep flavor base, don't rush it for your flavorful steak queso rice.
04 -
While your veggies are sautéing, cook your rice according to package directions. I always rinse my rice until the water runs clear; it makes such a difference in fluffiness, you know? Once it's cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside. This is where I sometimes forget to salt the water, and then my rice tastes a little bland, oops!
05 -
Reduce the heat to low. Add the Velveeta (or queso blanco) and milk to the skillet with the veggies. Stir constantly until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. This is the magic moment, watching it transform into that glorious, creamy queso. If it's too thick, add a tiny splash more milk. If it's too thin, let it simmer gently for a minute.
06 -
Fold the cooked rice and seared steak back into the queso mixture. Stir it all together until everything is coated in that cheesy goodness. Taste and adjust seasonings – maybe a little more salt, or another pinch of chili powder? Garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeño slices if you're feeling spicy. It’s ready! The aroma of the flavorful steak queso rice is just irresistible right now.