Steak & Queso Rice Bowl Recipe
This Steak & Queso Rice Bowl is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender, seasoned steak strips served over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, smothered in a rich and creamy homemade queso cheese sauce. With a harmonious blend of spices and fresh toppings like cilantro and diced tomatoes, it’s a perfect meal for a satisfying lunch or dinner that combines savory, smoky, and creamy elements in every bite.
- Author: Sienna
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb steak strips (sirloin, flank, or ribeye)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
Rice and Cooking Liquid
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Queso Sauce
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- Prepare the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine beef broth, butter, salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cook the Rice: Add the jasmine or basmati rice to the simmering broth mixture. Cover the pot and let it cook gently for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
- Season the Steak: In a bowl, toss the steak strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin to evenly coat them with the spices.
- Cook the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak strips and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from heat and let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Make the Queso Sauce: In a small saucepan, gently warm the heavy cream over low heat. Gradually stir in the cream cheese until fully melted. Slowly add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with garlic powder and cayenne pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Bowl: Spoon generous portions of the fluffy rice into serving bowls. Top with the sliced steak strips, then drizzle the warm queso cheese sauce over the entire bowl.
- Add Toppings: Finish each bowl with fresh chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. Add sliced jalapeños if desired for extra heat.
Notes
- Choose quality steak cuts such as sirloin, flank, or ribeye for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level in the queso sauce or omit if preferred.
- Use beef broth for cooking the rice to add depth of flavor compared to water.
- Letting the steak rest after cooking ensures juiciness and tenderness.
- Substitute dairy-free cheese and cream alternatives if you want to make a lactose-free version.
Keywords: Steak rice bowl, queso sauce, creamy cheese bowl, skillet steak recipe, easy dinner bowl, cheesy rice bowl, comfort food