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Are you ready for a dinner that packs a punch? My Queso Rice with Steak Strips is a flavorful delight that brings bold taste to your table. This dish combines tender steak, cheesy goodness, and vibrant veggies. It’s easy to make and perfect for any night of the week. Let’s dive into the ingredients and quick steps to whip up this delicious meal. You won’t want to miss it!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: This dish combines savory steak with creamy queso and colorful veggies, creating a delightful mix of flavors that dance on your palate.
- Quick and Simple: With just a few steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this satisfying meal in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the veggies or proteins according to your preference, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion.
- Perfect for Sharing: This hearty dish is great for gatherings, allowing everyone to enjoy a delicious, shareable meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 cup long-grain rice
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly
Seasonings and Vegetables
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, and yellow)
– 1 small onion, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Serving Suggestions
– 1 cup queso cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Lime wedges, for serving
When I cook Queso Rice with Steak Strips, I always start with the main ingredients. The long-grain rice is crucial. It absorbs the beef broth, giving the dish great flavor. The flank steak adds protein and a nice texture. I slice it thin to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly.
Next, I move to the seasonings and vegetables. Garlic powder gives a tasty kick. Cumin and smoked paprika add depth. I love using a mix of colorful bell peppers. They bring sweetness and crunch. The diced onion adds sweetness when cooked. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper!
For toppings, the queso cheese sauce is a must. I often use store-bought sauce for ease, but making it homemade is fun too. Fresh cilantro brightens everything up, and lime wedges add a zesty finish. This dish is not just about taste; it’s about how it looks on the plate too!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Rice
First, rinse the rice under cold water. This removes extra starch. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. Drain the rice once done. Next, heat the beef broth in a medium pot until it simmers. Add the rinsed rice to the pot. Cover it and let it cook on low heat. After about 15-18 minutes, the rice should be tender and all the liquid absorbed. When finished, remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Preparing the Steak
While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Take your thinly sliced flank steak and add it to the skillet. Sprinkle in garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want it browned and cooked to your liking. Once done, take it out of the skillet and let it rest on a plate.
Sautéing Vegetables and Combining
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté these for about 5-6 minutes until they soften. Then, pour in the queso cheese sauce over the sautéed veggies. Stir well to coat everything in the cheesy goodness. Now, slice the rested steak into strips and gently fold them into the cheesy mixture. Serve this delicious mixture over the fluffy rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and add lime wedges on the side for a zesty touch.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To achieve perfectly fluffy rice, rinse it under cold water first. This step removes excess starch. Use beef broth for cooking, as it adds more flavor. Let the rice sit covered after cooking. Fluff it gently with a fork before serving.
For cooking steak to your liking, choose flank steak for its tenderness. Sear it over medium-high heat to lock in the juices. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare and 160°F for medium.
Queso Sauce Suggestions
For store-bought queso cheese options, look for brands with real cheese. Some popular choices are Velveeta and Tostitos. They melt well and have great flavor. Check the ingredient list for a good balance of spices.
To make homemade queso cheese sauce, melt butter in a pot. Add flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Add spices like cumin and garlic powder for extra taste.
Presentation Tips
Arranging the dish can enhance its appeal. Serve the rice first, then layer the queso mixture on top. This creates a beautiful contrast. Use a large bowl for a family-style presentation.
For garnishing, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the dish. Add lime wedges on the side for a zesty touch. The bright colors will make your dish pop and look inviting.
Pro Tips
- Rest the Steak: Allowing the steak to rest after cooking helps retain its juices, ensuring a more flavorful and tender bite.
- Customize the Queso: Feel free to add your favorite spices or additional ingredients like diced jalapeños or black beans to the queso for an extra flavor kick.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables and herbs enhances the overall flavor and presentation of your dish, making it more vibrant.
- Perfect Rice: Ensure the rice is rinsed thoroughly to remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier and less sticky rice when cooked.

Variations
Protein Alternatives
If you want a change from steak, try chicken or shrimp. Chicken breast cooks fast and soaks up flavors well. Just season it like you would the steak. Shrimp cooks quickly too. Sauté it for just a few minutes until it turns pink.
For a vegetarian twist, use tofu or mushrooms. Tofu soaks up the queso sauce nicely. Press it first to remove excess water. Slice it and cook until golden. Mushrooms add a great meaty texture. Sauté them until they are soft and flavorful.
Rice Substitutes
You can switch up the rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and is more filling. It may take longer to cook, about 30-40 minutes. Adjust the broth to 2.5 cups for best results.
Cauliflower rice is a low-carb option. It cooks in just a few minutes. Simply sauté it until tender, then mix it with the queso sauce.
Flavor Enhancements
Want more heat? Add sliced jalapeños to the mix. They bring a nice spicy kick. You can toss them in while cooking the veggies.
You might also want to mix in extra spices or herbs. Try some chili powder for warmth or fresh cilantro for brightness. These small tweaks can really boost the flavor of your dish.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Queso Rice with Steak Strips fresh, store it in airtight containers. This keeps out air and moisture. Let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing it. In the fridge, this meal lasts about 3 to 4 days. Be sure to label the container with the date.
Freezing Queso Rice with Steak Strips
To freeze, start by letting the dish cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Tips
For reheating, the best method is to use the stovetop. Add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. Heat over medium-low, stirring gently. You can also use the microwave. Cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This prevents hot spots and keeps the dish tasty.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook Queso Rice with Steak Strips?
Cooking Queso Rice with Steak Strips takes about 40 minutes in total.
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 25 minutes
First, rinse the rice and cook it in beef broth. This takes about 15-18 minutes. While the rice cooks, you can sear the steak. That usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Sautéing the veggies and mixing everything together will take about 5-7 minutes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Meal prep is easy with this recipe.
– Cook the rice and steak ahead: Store them in separate containers in the fridge.
– Reheat the rice: Add a splash of broth to keep it moist.
– Warm the steak: Heat in a skillet or microwave.
– Mix in the queso sauce and veggies: Do this right before serving for the best taste.
This way, you can enjoy a quick, delicious meal later.
What can I serve with Queso Rice and Steak Strips?
You can pair Queso Rice and Steak Strips with several tasty sides.
– Black beans: They add protein and flavor.
– Corn salad: A fresh mix of corn, lime, and cilantro works well.
– Guacamole and chips: This adds a creamy, crunchy element.
– Grilled vegetables: They provide a nice color contrast and flavor.
These sides enhance the meal and make it even more enjoyable.
In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious Queso Rice with Steak Strips. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips to perfect the dish. We also explored variations and storage info to help you enjoy leftovers. This meal is easy to customize and full of flavor. Experiment with spices, proteins, or sides to match your taste. Enjoy your cooking and share this tasty dish with friend
Sizzling Queso Rice with Steak Strips
A delicious and hearty dish featuring fluffy rice topped with a cheesy vegetable mixture and tender steak strips.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup queso cheese sauce
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, and yellow)
- 1 small onion, diced
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh cilantro
- for serving lime wedges
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
In a medium pot, heat the beef broth to a simmer. Add the rinsed rice, cover, and cook on low for about 15-18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced flank steak, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until they are softened.
Pour the queso cheese sauce over the sautéed vegetables in the skillet and stir until everything is well coated in the cheese.
Slice the rested steak into strips and gently fold into the cheesy vegetable mixture.
Serve the queso cheese mixture over the fluffy rice, garnish with fresh cilantro, and add lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
Serve in large bowls, layering the queso mixture artfully over the rice, and sprinkle with additional cilantro for a pop of color. Place lime wedges on the side for an extra zest!
Keyword cheesy, queso, rice, sizzling, steak
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