Sizzling Steak with Cheesy Queso and Rice
Steak with Queso and Rice
Introduction
Steak with Queso and Rice is a delightful dish that combines juicy, flavorful steak with a creamy queso cheese sauce and fluffy rice. This meal is not only filling but also packed with flavor, making it a favorite for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The combination of spices enhances the steak’s taste, while the queso adds a rich creaminess that makes every bite satisfying.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Steak with Queso and Rice. First, it’s a quick and easy recipe that can be made on a busy weeknight. It also caters to a variety of tastes; meat lovers will enjoy the seasoned steak, while cheese lovers will delight in the queso sauce. Additionally, it’s a complete meal that includes protein, carbs, and good fats, meaning you won’t need to prepare anything else. Finally, it offers the perfect opportunity to gather around the table and share a delicious homemade meal with loved ones.
How to Make Steak with Queso and Rice
Making this delicious dish is simple and straightforward. Follow the directions below to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) flank steak or sirloin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- Jalapeño slices
- Ripe avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges
Directions
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Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cool water until it runs clear. In a medium saucepan, warm olive oil over medium heat and add garlic powder and rice. Stir to coat the grains and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes. Pour in water or chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Set aside covered.
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Season the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Massage the spices into both sides of the meat.
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Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet until hot. Sear the seasoned steak for 4-5 minutes per side, adjusting based on desired doneness. For medium-rare, cook 4 minutes per side; for medium, cook 5 minutes per side.
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Rest and Slice the Steak: Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain into strips.
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Make the Queso Sauce: In the skillet with steak drippings, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, around 1 minute. Pour in milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add shredded cheeses, stirring until smooth. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings as desired.
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Assemble and Serve: Spoon rice onto plates as the base. Arrange sliced steak on top, then pour queso sauce generously over. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeño slices, avocado, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Steak with Queso and Rice
You can serve this dish as a main course for lunch or dinner. Set it up buffet style so everyone can build their own plate with rice, steak, queso sauce, and garnishes.
How to Store Steak with Queso and Rice
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Tips to Make Steak with Queso and Rice
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results.
- Adjust the spice levels to your preference; add more chili powder for extra heat.
- Letting the steak rest after cooking helps retain its juices.
Variation
You can substitute the steak with grilled chicken or tofu for a different twist. You can also add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the queso for more flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use other cuts of steak?
Yes, you can use other cuts like ribeye or tenderloin, but cooking times may vary based on thickness.
2. Is it possible to make the queso sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the queso in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop.
3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cheese alternatives and plant-based milk to create a dairy-free version of the queso sauce.
Enjoy making and sharing your Steak with Queso and Rice!
Steak with Queso and Rice
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin Choose a tender cut for best results.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper To taste
For the Queso Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting.
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper To taste
For the Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice Rinse until water runs clear.
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt To taste
For Garnishing
- Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- Jalapeño slices
- Ripe avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Prepare the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cool water until it runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, warm olive oil over medium heat and add garlic powder and rice. Stir to coat the grains and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in water or chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Set aside covered.
Season the Steak
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Massage the spices into both sides of the meat.
Cook the Steak
- Heat a large skillet until hot.
- Sear the seasoned steak for 4-5 minutes per side, adjusting based on desired doneness.
Rest and Slice the Steak
- Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Slice thinly against the grain into strips.
Make the Queso Sauce
- In the skillet with steak drippings, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, around 1 minute.
- Pour in milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually add shredded cheeses, stirring until smooth.
- Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings as desired.
Assemble and Serve
- Spoon rice onto plates as the base.
- Arrange sliced steak on top, then pour queso sauce generously over.
- Garnish with cilantro, jalapeño slices, avocado, and lime wedges.
- Serve immediately.
