This Steak Queso Rice comes together in about 30 minutes and all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Perfect for busy evenings, this vibrant dish is a crowd-pleaser, bringing tons of flavor without the fuss. And the best part is? You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those leftovers! Let’s dig in!
What You’ll Need for Steak Queso Rice
Here’s a simple rundown of our star players:
- 450g flank or sirloin steak: Tender and packed with flavor!
- 1 tsp paprika: For a subtle smokiness that’ll have everyone asking for more.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Just a couple pinches bring it all together.
- 2 tsp ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note.
- 1 cup cooked rice: Leftover or freshly made, it’s all good!
- 1 cup queso cheese: Because who doesn’t love that creamy, dreamy goodness?
- Chopped cilantro (optional): A sprinkle on top adds a burst of freshness!
Of course, feel free to mix and swap based on what’s in your pantry. You could use chicken, sautéed veggies, or even beans for a vegetarian twist.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Season the Steak : First things first, season your steak generously with a couple pinches of salt, pepper, paprika, and ground cumin. This will make a base layer of flavor that’s just chef’s kiss.
Sear the Steak : Now, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your steak. Sear it for about 4-5 minutes on each side for that perfect medium-rare. You’ll want to hear that satisfying sizzle! Trust me, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be phenomenal, think smoky and savory vibes.
Let It Rest : Once that beauty is seared to perfection, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This step is crucial because it helps the juices redistribute. Slice thinly against the grain after resting.
Cook the Rice : In the same skillet, add your cooked rice, stirring it around for about 1-2 minutes. This is the time to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom, those little flavorful nuggets are pure gold!
Add the Queso : Now, pour in the queso cheese! Stir in until it’s melted and perfectly combined with the rice. Just wait until you see that creamy goodness coating the rice; it’s like a warm hug!
Serve It Up! : Serve the creamy queso rice toted up with sliced steak right on top. Don’t forget an optional sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for that pop of color and flavor.
And voila! You’ve whipped up a delicious dish that looks so fancy but really took no time at all!
Why I Love This Recipe
This Steak Queso Rice is my go-to recipe when I need something comforting and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. I’m a real sucker for anything creamy and cheesy, and this dish really delivers! It’s truly a family favorite at my place, my kids always ask for seconds, and I’m never mad about that. Plus, you can easily mix in whatever you’ve got on hand, so there’s always a new twist!
If you loved this Steak Queso Rice, be sure to check out my Brown Sugar Chicken Thighs, my Sizzling Grilled Brat Kabobs, or my Crockpot Sausage & Peppers for even more weeknight dinner inspiration!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a breeze for busy weeknights! You can practically have your dinner on the table before your favorite show starts.
One Pot Wonder
With minimal cleanup required, all of the magic happens in just one skillet! Less washing means more time enjoying your meal with your loved ones.
Customizable
The best part? It’s super customizable! Use whatever ingredients are lurking in your fridge. Got leftover veggies? Toss them in!
Comfort Food
This dish is loaded with tons of flavor and brings that warm comfort food vibe. Honestly, it feels like a cozy hug in every bite!
Kid-Friendly
Kids love cheese, and trust me, the creamy queso will make this a hit with even the pickiest eaters. You can even involve them in the cooking process, who wouldn’t want to stir in that melty cheese?
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
Pair your Steak Queso Rice with a light side salad or some crispy tortilla chips to crunch alongside that creamy goodness. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole also elevates this dish to a whole new level of yum!
How to Keep It Fresh
This meal is best enjoyed fresh but, if you have leftovers, don’t fret! It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container to maintain that creamy texture.
Reheating Instructions
The best method to reheat? Just pop it in the microwave for a quick minute or two, stirring halfway through until heated through. If you’re really fancy, you can heat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep things creamy!
Freezer Friendly
You can freeze the cooked rice and queso mix for up to 2 months! Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then heat as mentioned above.
So there you have it! A flavor-packed dish that’s quick, easy, and perfect for that busy family life. I’m excited for you to make this Steak Queso Rice; it’s a comforting meal that will bring everyone to the table! Happy cooking, and don’t forget to have a little fun along the way! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
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Steak Queso Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful one-pot meal that comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 450g flank or sirloin steak
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup queso cheese
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Season your steak with salt, pepper, paprika, and ground cumin.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
- Add cooked rice to the same skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the queso cheese and stir until melted and well combined.
- Serve the creamy queso rice topped with sliced steak and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Notes
This dish is easily customizable with various protein or vegetable options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
