Description
This hearty steak and rice bowl brings together juicy beef, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy queso sauce for a comforting Tex-Mex–inspired meal that satisfies every craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak
- 1 pound steak (flank for tenderness or sirloin for richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon paprika for light smoky depth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin for warm spice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups broth or water
Creamy Queso Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Sliced avocado
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook the Steak
- Pat the steak dry, then coat it with olive oil. Season generously with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a heavy skillet over high heat until very hot. Sear the steak for about 4–5 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms.
- Transfer steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
- Prepare the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
- Add a drizzle of oil to a saucepan, stir in the rice and garlic powder, and toast briefly over medium heat.
- Pour in the broth or water, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until tender and fluffy.
- Make the Queso
- In the same skillet used for the steak, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the milk and warm gently, then slowly add both cheeses, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy.
- Season with chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Assemble
- Spoon rice into bowls, top with sliced steak, and generously drizzle with warm queso.
- Finish with cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime if desired.
Notes
- Let the steak rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Reheat queso gently over low heat to maintain its smooth texture.
- A fresh squeeze of lime right before serving brightens all the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg