This Steak & Queso Rice is a flavor-packed dish that brings the bold and comforting tastes of Tex-Mex straight to your kitchen. Made with tender, seasoned sirloin steak, fluffy basmati rice, and a rich, creamy white queso topping, this meal is perfect for taco night or any weeknight dinner. Serve it with warm tortillas or enjoy it as a hearty one-pan meal!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Rice:
▢ 2 cups basmati rice
▢ 2 ½ cups chicken broth
▢ 1 cube chicken bouillon
▢ 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes/tomato sauce)
▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced
▢ 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
▢ 1 teaspoon paprika
▢ ½ teaspoon cumin
▢ Salt and pepper, to taste
▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Steak:
▢ 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
▢ 2 tablespoons butter
▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
▢ Montreal steak seasoning, to taste

For Serving:
▢ White queso, for topping
▢ Fresh cilantro, for garnish
▢ Flour tortillas (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Rice
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and onion, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Stir in the rinsed rice and toast for 2 minutes, letting it absorb the flavors.

Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, chicken bouillon, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 2: Cook the Steak
While the rice is cooking, season the sirloin steak strips generously with Montreal steak seasoning on both sides.

In a separate skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the steak strips and cook for 4-5 minutes per side (or until done to your liking).

Step 3: Assemble & Serve
Fluff the cooked rice and layer the cooked steak on top.

Generously drizzle with white queso and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Serve with warm flour tortillas on the side, if desired.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 629 kcal
Carbohydrates: 78 g
Protein: 33 g
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Cholesterol: 87 mg
Sodium: 900 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 2 g

Why You’ll Love This Steak & Queso Rice Recipe

This dish is a game-changer for steak and cheese lovers. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Rich, Creamy, and Savory: The white queso sauce adds a creamy, indulgent touch to the smoky, seasoned steak and fluffy rice.
Packed with Bold Tex-Mex Flavors: The combination of cumin, paprika, garlic, and chicken broth-infused rice makes every bite burst with flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it great for lunch leftovers.
Easy One-Pan Meal: Cook everything in just two skillets, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum convenience.
Customizable: Add spicy jalapeños, sautéed bell peppers, black beans, or avocado to make it your own.

The Inspiration Behind Steak & Queso Rice

This dish takes inspiration from Tex-Mex cuisine, which blends Mexican ingredients with bold Southwestern flavors. It’s reminiscent of dishes like steak fajitas, Mexican rice bowls, and queso-smothered burritos, but in an easy-to-make, one-pan format.

The seasoned rice is similar to classic Mexican rice, but with a slight Tex-Mex twist, thanks to paprika and chicken broth for depth. The steak is pan-seared to perfection, giving it a juicy, caramelized crust, and the rich queso drizzle ties everything together beautifully.

Breaking Down the Key Ingredients

Each element in this Steak & Queso Rice recipe plays an important role in creating the ultimate comfort meal:

Sirloin Steak: Lean yet tender, sirloin is the perfect cut for quick cooking, delivering juicy, flavorful bites.
Basmati Rice: This long-grain rice stays light and fluffy, absorbing all the delicious seasonings and broth.
Chicken Broth & Bouillon: Adds an umami-rich depth to the rice, making it more flavorful than plain water-based rice.
Paprika & Cumin: These warm, smoky spices give the dish a bold Tex-Mex flair.
White Queso: The creamy, melty cheese sauce is what makes this dish truly irresistible.
Garlic & Onion: Classic aromatics that infuse both the rice and steak with rich, savory flavors.

Health Benefits of Steak & Queso Rice

While this dish is comfort food at its finest, it also provides essential nutrients:

High in Protein: The sirloin steak provides 33g of protein per serving, helping with muscle repair and satiety.
Complex Carbohydrates: Basmati rice is lower in glycemic index than other rice varieties, providing steady energy release.
Rich in Calcium: White queso sauce adds a good amount of calcium, essential for bone health.
Nutrient-Packed Spices: Ingredients like paprika, cumin, and garlic contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Best Ways to Serve Steak & Queso Rice

This flavorful, cheesy dish can be enjoyed in many different ways:

On Its Own: Serve as a hearty one-pan meal for a no-fuss dinner.
With Warm Tortillas: Wrap the steak and rice in flour tortillas for a queso-smothered taco or burrito.
As a Rice Bowl: Add toppings like avocado, pico de gallo, jalapeños, or sour cream for extra flavor and texture.
With a Side of Black Beans or Refried Beans: A great way to add fiber and heartiness to the meal.
With Grilled Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for a well-rounded meal.

Customizing Your Steak & Queso Rice

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some fun variations and add-ins:

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or chipotle powder for extra heat.
Extra Cheese: Stir shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack into the rice before serving for more cheesiness.
Vegetarian Option: Swap out the steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Tex-Mex Loaded Bowl: Top with guacamole, black beans, sour cream, salsa, or crushed tortilla chips for a loaded version.
Crispy Steak Bites: Instead of cooking in strips, cut steak into bite-sized pieces and sear until crispy.

Tips for Making the Best Steak & Queso Rice

To ensure perfect texture and flavor, follow these expert tips:

Use High-Quality Steak: Sirloin steak works best for juiciness and tenderness, but you can also use ribeye or flank steak.
Rinse the Rice: Washing basmati rice removes excess starch, making it fluffier and preventing clumping.
Let the Steak Rest: After cooking, let the steak sit for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to use bold seasoning on both the steak and rice for maximum flavor.
Melt the Queso Before Serving: If your queso sauce thickens, gently reheat it before drizzling to keep it smooth and creamy.

Best Drinks to Pair with Steak & Queso Rice

This hearty Tex-Mex dish pairs wonderfully with:

Classic Margaritas: The citrusy zing of lime balances the richness of the queso.
Horchata: A creamy, cinnamon-infused rice milk drink adds sweet contrast.
Mexican Beer: A light, crisp lager (like Modelo or Pacifico) complements the smoky steak and cheesy sauce.
Iced Sweet Tea: A refreshing Southern-style sweet tea helps cool down the spices.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This dish is great for meal prep and stores well for leftovers:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.

Conclusion

Steak & Queso Rice is the ultimate Tex-Mex comfort food, bringing together juicy, seasoned steak, fluffy spiced rice, and rich, creamy queso for a truly satisfying meal. Whether you serve it as a rice bowl, in tortillas, or with a side of beans and veggies, it’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers bold, indulgent flavors in every bite.