Dinner

Easy Dinner Steak Queso Rice Recipe

ByNaomi Fletcher February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

Introduction

This Easy Dinner Steak Queso Rice is a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for a weeknight meal. Tender steak slices are served over cheesy, garlicky rice topped with a creamy queso sauce and fresh garnishes. It’s simple to make and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

A close-up view of a dish showing a base layer of white rice with a soft, slightly glossy texture. On top of the rice are multiple pieces of browned beef chunks, showing a grilled texture with visible edges. The beef is covered by a thick, creamy light tan sauce that has a smooth and rich appearance, spread evenly over the meat and rice. Scattered fresh green parsley leaves are sprinkled on the sauce, adding a pop of bright color and freshness. The dish is served in a white bowl, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

450g (1 lb) flank or sirloin steak
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp olive oil, plus 1 tbsp more
1 tsp garlic powder, plus 1 tsp more
1½ cups whole milk
½ tsp ground cumin
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp chili powder
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups broth or water
1 cup long-grain white rice
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for garnish)
Avocado slices (for garnish)
Sliced jalapeños (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Rub it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then coat both sides with paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over high heat until very hot. Sear the steak for 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
Step 3: Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Then slice thinly across the grain to keep it tender.
Step 4: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pot, stir in the rice and 1 teaspoon garlic powder to coat and lightly toast the rice.
Step 5: Add 2 cups broth or water to the pot, bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
Step 6: In the same skillet used for the steak, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 7: Pour in the whole milk and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until the sauce is smooth.
Step 8: Season the queso sauce with ½ teaspoon ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
Step 9: To serve, spoon the cooked rice onto plates. Top with sliced steak, then ladle the warm queso sauce over the top.
Step 10: Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, and sliced jalapeños as desired.

Tips & Variations

Use leftover steak or rotisserie chicken to save time and still enjoy this dish.
For added heat, mix diced jalapeños directly into the queso sauce.
Swap out Monterey Jack for pepper jack cheese to add a spicy kick.
Try cooking the rice in chicken broth to enhance its flavor.

Storage

Store leftover steak queso rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the queso sauce if needed.

How to Serve

The dish shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with fluffy white rice as the bottom layer, topped with small, thick chunks of browned beef scattered evenly throughout. The beef pieces are coated in a creamy beige sauce with a smooth, slightly glossy texture. Fresh chopped green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top, adding bright green color contrast. The white bowl rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can use sirloin, ribeye, or even skirt steak. Just adjust the cooking time based on thickness and your preferred doneness.

Is it okay to substitute the whole milk with a milk alternative?

Whole milk gives the smoothest texture, but you can use cream or a plant-based milk like oat or cashew for a dairy-free option. Note the flavor and consistency may vary slightly.