Oh, friends, let me tell you about my latest obsession: Steak Queso Rice! Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that’s pure comfort in a bowl, this is IT. The savory steak, the creamy queso, and the perfectly cooked rice… it’s just a match made in heaven. And honestly, who doesn’t love anything with queso?
I remember the first time I made something similar. I was in college, super broke, and craving something hearty. I threw together some leftover rice, a can of diced tomatoes, and a handful of shredded cheese. It wasn’t pretty, but it hit the spot! This Steak Queso Rice recipe, though? It’s like that college concoction grew up and went to culinary school. It’s elevated comfort food, and I’m totally here for it!
Why You’ll Love This Steak Queso Rice
Okay, so why should you make this Steak Queso Rice tonight? Lemme tell ya! It’s got a few things goin’ for it:
Quick and Easy Steak Queso Rice
Seriously, this isn’t an all-day affair. You can whip this up faster than ordering takeout, promise!
Flavorful Steak Queso Rice
Cheesy, beefy, and packed with flavor! It’s a party in your mouth, folks.
Comforting Steak Queso Rice
Need a hug in a bowl? This is it. Warm, satisfying, and totally hits the spot. You’ll feel all the good feels!
Ingredients for Steak Queso Rice
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazing Steak Queso Rice. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, okay?
- 1 lb steak, cut into ½-inch cubes (I like sirloin, but use what you love!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sizzlin’ that steak!)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (yellow or white, your call)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy!)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (adds a nice little crunch!)
- 1 cup long-grain rice (I usually use jasmine ’cause I love the smell)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (keeps it from being too salty)
- 1 cup prepared queso dip (jarred is fine, or homemade if you’re fancy!)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (because cheese makes everything better!)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (season generously, friends!)
How to Make Steak Queso Rice: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, friends, time to get cookin’! This Steak Queso Rice is so simple, I promise you can’t mess it up (well, almost!). Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time.
Preparing the Steak for Steak Queso Rice
First things first, let’s get that steak ready to rock! Take your cubed steak and pat it dry with some paper towels. This is super important – it helps it get a nice sear. Then, season it generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy, now! I also like to add a little garlic powder and chili powder for extra flavor, but that’s totally optional. Trust me, a well-seasoned steak makes all the difference.
Cooking the Steak Queso Rice Base
Now, grab your biggest skillet and drizzle in that olive oil. Crank the heat to medium-high. You want that skillet HOT before you add the steak. Once it’s shimmering (careful, it splatters!), toss in the steak and cook it until it’s nicely browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or it’ll steam instead of sear. If you need to, do it in batches. Once the steak is cooked, scoop it out and set it aside. We’ll need it later!
In the same skillet (don’t wash it – all that steak-y goodness is flavor!), add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook ’em until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Mmm, smells good, right?
Next, add the rice and beef broth to the skillet. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Don’t peek! Let the rice do its thing. You’ll know it’s done when it’s tender and fluffy.
Combining the Steak and Queso for Steak Queso Rice
Alright, the grand finale! Stir in that glorious queso dip and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until everything is melted and creamy. This is where the magic happens, folks. Now, gently fold the cooked steak back into the skillet. Give it all a good stir to combine, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a taste, and adjust the seasonings as needed. More queso? Go for it! A little extra salt? You do you!
Tips for Perfect Steak Queso Rice
Want to take your Steak Queso Rice from good to AMAZING? Here are a few little secrets I’ve picked up along the way:
- Watch that liquid! If your rice is looking dry before the 15 minutes are up, add a splash more beef broth. Nobody wants crunchy rice!
- Steak matters! Splurge on a decent cut of steak. It really makes a difference in the flavor. Sirloin or even flank steak are great choices.
- Don’t overcook the rice! Mushy rice is a bummer. Keep an eye on it and take it off the heat as soon as it’s tender.
- Queso love: Taste your queso before you add it. Some are saltier than others, so adjust your seasoning accordingly.
Steak Queso Rice Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the classic Steak Queso Rice. Now what? Time to get creative! This recipe is seriously a blank canvas. Here are a few fun ideas to spice things up (literally!):
- Veggie Power! Toss in some corn, black beans, or even some roasted sweet potatoes. Adds a little somethin’ somethin’, ya know?
- Cheese, Please! Cheddar’s great, but try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little kick. Ooh, or even a sprinkle of cotija on top!
- Spice It Up! Feeling fiery? Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. A little goes a long way!
- Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema right before serving. So good!
Seriously, experiment! That’s the fun part. There’s no wrong way to Queso Rice!
Serving Suggestions for Your Steak Queso Rice
Alright, your Steak Queso Rice is ready, but what do you serve with it? Honestly, it’s pretty awesome on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:
- A simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette. Keeps things light and fresh!
- Tortilla chips and salsa for dipping. Because, why not more chips?
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top. Adds a cool, creamy tang!
See? Easy peasy! Just choose your faves and dig in!
Frequently Asked Questions About Steak Queso Rice
Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask about this Steak Queso Rice recipe:
Can I use a different type of rice for Steak Queso Rice?
Totally! I usually use long-grain rice ’cause that’s what I have on hand, but you can definitely experiment. Brown rice will work, but it’ll take longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the simmering time and maybe add a little extra broth. Short-grain rice will give you a stickier, creamier result, which some people love! Just keep an eye on it and adjust the liquid as needed.
How do I store leftover Steak Queso Rice?
Leftovers? If you *have* any, that is! Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can microwave it (add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out) or warm it up in a skillet on the stovetop. It’s just as delicious the next day, I promise!
Can I make Steak Queso Rice in a slow cooker?
You know, I haven’t tried it myself, but I bet you could! I’d sear the steak first in a skillet, then toss everything (except the queso and cheddar) into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the rice is tender. Then, stir in the queso and cheddar right before serving. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Steak Queso Rice
Okay, so you wanna know the damage, right? I’m no nutritionist, but each serving is *roughly* around 450 calories, with 25g fat, 20g protein, and 35g carbs. Remember, that’s just an estimate!
Enjoy Your Delicious Steak Queso Rice!
And that’s it, folks! Seriously, dig in and enjoy! If you make this Steak Queso Rice, be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think! Oh, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!
Print
Unbelievable Steak Queso Rice Recipe in Just 25 Minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Savory steak queso rice dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak, cut into small pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup queso dip
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
- Add steak and cook until browned.
- Remove steak and set aside.
- Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add rice and beef broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is cooked.
- Stir in queso dip and cheddar cheese.
- Add steak back to the skillet.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust queso and cheese to your preference.
- Add your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
