Steak and Queso Rice – You know those nights when you stare into the fridge, hoping dinner inspiration magically appears? That’s exactly how Steak and Queso Rice came to life in my house. I had leftover steak, a tub of queso screaming to be used, and rice (because, let’s be real, who doesn’t have rice?). It was one of those accidental culinary wins, and my family hasn’t stopped requesting it since.
The first time I made it, I was honestly winging it. There’s something comforting about layering familiar ingredients, hoping they’ll play nice together. And they did—oh, they did. That first bite was like a warm hug with a Tex-Mex twist. My husband literally paused mid-chew to say, “This is dangerously good.
Now it’s our go-to for everything from lazy weeknights to casual dinner parties. I mean, who doesn’t love queso? Pair it with steak, and you’ve got a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Steak and Queso Rice Recipe?
Easy Elegance: It feels indulgent, but it’s totally doable on a weeknight.
Family Approved: From kids to adults, everyone loves the bold, cheesy flavors.
Versatile: Dress it up for company or keep it simple for dinner at home.
Budget-Friendly Luxury: Steak, queso, and rice—it’s restaurant-quality without breaking the bank.
Ingredient Notes:
Every ingredient has a role to play in making this dish a flavor-packed experience:
Long Grain White Rice: The perfect blank canvas. It soaks up the sauce and ties everything together.
Sirloin Steak: Tender and flavorful, but feel free to swap for what you have on hand—chicken, shrimp, or even tofu.
Pancho’s White Queso: The MVP of this dish. If you can’t find it, Monterey Jack melted with a splash of milk works too.
Montreal Steak Spice: Brings a bold, smoky kick to the steak. Don’t have it? A mix of paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper will do the trick.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the rice and keeps it moist.
How To Make Steak and Queso Rice?
Let’s make magic happen in the kitchen!
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet. Toss in the rice and give it a good stir until it’s golden and slightly nutty-smelling. Add onion and garlic—your kitchen will start smelling amazing in no time.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Pour in chicken broth and tomato sauce. Stir, bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat. Cover and let it simmer for 20 minutes. It’s basically a spa session for the rice—let it soak in all that flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Meanwhile, heat butter in another skillet and throw in the sliced sirloin. Sprinkle generously with Montreal steak spice. Cook until it’s juicy and just how you like it.
Step 4: Rest the Rice
Once the rice is done, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes. This little trick makes it extra fluffy and flavorful.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Fluff the rice, spread it on a platter, and layer the steak on top. Drizzle generously with queso (the more, the better!) and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with warm tortillas and watch it disappear.
