If you’ve been searching for a bold, flavor-packed dish that combines the juicy richness of steak with the creamy decadence of queso, you will fall head over heels for Steak & Queso Rice. This vibrant meal delivers herbed sirloin against a fluffy, savory rice base, all blanketed in luscious white queso and lifted with zippy cilantro. It’s the comforting kind of meal you’ll want to share—from a casual weeknight dinner to a weekend fiesta with friends—because it truly turns dinner into a celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Steak & Queso Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Steak & Queso Rice comes together with straightforward ingredients, but every one of them brings something essential—whether it’s texture, color, or the kind of craveable comfort that makes people go in for just “one more bite.” Here’s why each matters.

Basmati Rice: The perfect aromatic, long-grain rice that remains light and fluffy, soaking up all the sauce and flavor.

Chicken Broth: Adds an extra layer of savory richness to the rice.
Chicken Bouillon Cube: Intensifies the umami and brings depth, especially if your broth is mild.

Crushed Tomatoes (or Diced/Tomato Sauce): Brightens the rice and gives it subtle tang and color—use what you have for a slightly different spin each time!
Garlic (minced): A classic aromatic that infuses layers of flavor from the very beginning.

Onion (optional, finely chopped): Adds sweetness and complexity; skip if you want a simpler flavor profile.
Paprika: Dusts the rice with a mild smokiness and enticing color.
Cumin: Brings gentle warmth and earthiness to balance the tomatoes.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors—taste as you go!
Olive Oil: Used both for sautéing and searing, contributing richness and ensuring nothing sticks.
Sirloin Steak (cut into thin strips): The star of the show, chosen for its tenderness and meaty flavor—perfect for a quick sear.

Butter: Gives the steak a glossy finish and adds depth to the searing process.
Montreal Steak Seasoning: Delivers a bold punch of herbs, garlic, and pepper—season to your own taste!
White Queso (for topping): Brings gooey, creamy extravagance—use your favorite brand or homemade version.

Fresh Cilantro (for garnish): Lifts everything with herbaceous brightness as a final touch.
Flour Tortillas (optional): Great for scooping, wrapping, or savoring every last drop of queso and steak.

How to Make Steak & Queso Rice

Step 1: Rinse and Prep the Rice

Start with the simplest but most important step—give your basmati rice a good rinse under cold water until it runs clear. This extra minute removes the excess starch so your rice cooks up delightfully fluffy instead of sticky. It’s a small effort that makes a world of difference in the final texture of your Steak & Queso Rice.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Grab a large skillet or saucepan and heat up your olive oil over medium. Toss in the minced garlic and onion (if using), and let them sizzle for 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for softened, fragrant onions and that irresistible garlic aroma that will form the flavor backbone of your dish.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add your rinsed basmati rice straight into the pan. Stir it gently for about 2 minutes to “toast” it—this step not only helps the grains hold their shape but also lets them soak up all those garlicky, oniony flavors right from the start.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Next, pour in your crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, and crumble the bouillon cube right into the mix. Sprinkle in the paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well so everything mingles. This is where Steak & Queso Rice starts to bloom with color and spice.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

Bring your mixture to a bubbling boil, then immediately lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for 18-20 minutes. Don’t peek—letting that steam do its work is key to fluffy, well-infused rice. You’ll know it’s ready when all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 6: Rest and Fluff

When the rice is done, remove it from the heat and keep it covered for another 5 minutes. This quiet resting time helps the grains finish cooking and lets everything settle. Afterward, fluff the rice with a fork to make sure every bite is light and airy.

Step 7: Prep and Season the Steak

While your rice is simmering away, give your thinly sliced sirloin steak a generous shower of Montreal steak seasoning on both sides. The blend’s peppery bite and herbal notes guarantee your steak grabs your attention without overpowering the rest of the dish.

Step 8: Sear the Steak

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate skillet over medium-high. Once it’s shimmering hot, lay your seasoned steak strips in a single layer. Sear for around 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, adjusting as needed for your ideal doneness. The edges should caramelize while the centers stay tender—an irresistible combo.

Step 9: Combine Steak and Rice—with Queso!

Fluff up your finished rice, then arrange the cooked steak strips over the top. Now for the crown jewel: a generous drizzle of white queso all over. The queso will melt into the hot steak and rice, pulling everything together in a creamy, cheesy embrace.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Scatter plenty of fresh cilantro over everything for a pop of green brightness. Serve your Steak & Queso Rice with warm flour tortillas on the side, so everyone can scoop up a bit of every layer and wipe up that amazing sauce.

How to Serve Steak & Queso Rice

Garnishes

Don’t hold back with fresh cilantro—its punchy herbal flavor balances the richness of the steak and queso. You could also add extra dollops of white queso, thinly sliced jalapeños for heat, or a quick squeeze of lime for a zesty finish. Your table, your rules.

Side Dishes

A simple salad of crisp romaine, avocado, and red onion is ideal for cutting through the heartiness of Steak & Queso Rice. Roasted corn or black beans also make stellar sides, adding color and a touch of sweetness to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Steak & Queso Rice family-style straight from the skillet for a rustic, communal vibe. For parties or a fun dinner twist, stuff the filling into warmed flour tortillas or pile it high on crispy tostada shells. You can even layer it in a bowl and top with extra garnishes for a customizable rice bowl bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Steak & Queso Rice stores beautifully! Once cooled, transfer it into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making this a great lunch the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze portions of Steak & Queso Rice without the fresh garnishes and tortillas. Scoop into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water as needed to re-moisten the rice. Add fresh cilantro and an extra drizzle of queso sauce after heating to revive all those peak flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and quick-cooking, cuts like flank or ribeye work wonderfully too—just slice them thinly and adjust cooking time for your preferred doneness.

What if I don’t have white queso?

No white queso? No problem. Any melty cheese sauce or shredded Monterey Jack can step in. Even a quick homemade cheese sauce with cream and cheese will do the trick.

Can I make Steak & Queso Rice vegetarian?

Totally. Swap the steak for hearty mushrooms or roasted veggies, use vegetable broth, and opt for a veggie-based queso. All the flavor, with a plant-powered twist.

How spicy is this dish?

By default, Steak & Queso Rice is mild, but you can easily add more heat with a sprinkle of chili powder, hot sauce, or fresh jalapeño to suit your spice-loving heart.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe scales up beautifully—just use a larger pot or two pans so everything cooks evenly. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, so don’t be surprised if the pan empties fast!

Final Thoughts

This Steak & Queso Rice recipe is pure dinner joy—deliciously hearty, easy to customize, and memorable every time you make it. Gather your loved ones, make it your own, and discover why this dish is bound to become a repeat favorite at your table.