🥩 Steak & Queso Rice

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Savory sirloin, creamy queso, and spiced tomato rice come together in this Tex-Mex comfort dish that’s as filling as it is flavor-packed. A one-pan wonder that hits every craving!

Servings & Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

  • Total Time: 45 minutes

  • Servings: 4

Dietary Badges: High Protein | Tex-Mex Inspired | W-W Modifiable

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

  • Long grain white rice

  • Olive oil

  • Onion, finely chopped

  • Garlic, minced

  • Chicken broth

  • Tomato sauce

  • Salt & black pepper

  • Ground cumin

  • Dried cilantro

→ Protein & Toppings

  • Sirloin steak, sliced

  • Butter

  • Montreal steak spice

  • Pancho’s White Queso (or any creamy white queso dip)

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Flour tortillas (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Toast the rice – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add rice, stir continuously until it begins to brown lightly.

  2. Sauté aromatics – Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté on medium-low until translucent and fragrant.

  3. Simmer the rice – Stir in chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, cumin, and dried cilantro. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Cover and reduce to low, simmering 20 minutes.

  4. Cook the steak – In another skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add sliced steak, season with Montreal steak spice, and cook to preferred doneness. Remove and rest.

  5. Rest the rice – After 20 minutes, turn off heat but keep skillet covered for 10 minutes to allow rice to absorb all flavor.

  6. Serve it up – Fluff rice with a fork. Top with cooked steak, drizzle generously with warm queso, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with tortillas.

Quick Tips

  • Toasting the rice first adds nutty depth—just don’t let it burn.

  • Montreal steak spice brings the flavor—no need to overthink seasoning.

  • Queso can be homemade or store-bought—just make sure it’s warmed and pourable.

💡 Introduction

If you’ve ever craved something hearty, cheesy, and full of Tex-Mex soul, this Steak & Queso Rice is your dream dinner. Tender strips of steak, seasoned just right, piled on fluffy tomato-cumin rice and smothered in creamy white queso… need I say more?

I made this on a busy weeknight when I wanted something satisfying without dirtying half the kitchen. One skillet for rice, one for steak, and dinner is DONE. Bonus? My boys now ask for this “queso steak rice” every Taco Tuesday.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

🍚 Toast the Rice

Start by toasting the dry rice in olive oil—it adds a subtle nuttiness and helps it stay fluffy. Once lightly golden, add your onions and garlic. Let them soften until they melt into the base.

🍅 Build the Flavor

Add chicken broth and tomato sauce. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and dried cilantro. Bring it to a boil for a couple minutes before lowering the heat and covering.

Tip: Don’t lift the lid during the simmer—trapped steam is key for perfect rice.

🥩 Sear the Steak

While the rice cooks, heat a separate skillet. Melt butter and sear the sirloin slices with a sprinkle of Montreal steak spice. Cook until it’s just how you like it—medium-rare to medium is perfect for juicy bites.

🧀 Finish & Serve

Once the rice is rested, fluff with a fork and spread it onto a platter or serving dish. Layer steak slices over the rice, drizzle warm queso all over, and top with chopped cilantro. Serve with warm flour tortillas for scooping.

Ingredient Deep Dive & Substitutions

  • Rice: Long grain white rice works best—fluffy and absorbent. Brown rice can work, but adjust liquid and cook time.

  • Steak: Sirloin is tender and flavorful. Flank or skirt steak are also great options—slice thin against the grain.

  • Queso: Pancho’s White Queso adds creamy richness. Any white cheese dip will do, or make your own with white American cheese and jalapeños.

  • Spices: Montreal steak spice simplifies seasoning, but a mix of garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper can sub.

  • Tomato Sauce: This brings acidity and body to the rice. Crushed tomatoes or salsa can be used in a pinch.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

Flavor Variations

  • 🌶️ Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes to the rice for heat.

  • 🌽 Stir in corn, black beans, or sautéed peppers to bulk it up.

  • 🧀 Swap queso for shredded cheese, melted over top in the oven.

Dietary Tweaks

  • W-W Friendly:

    • Use brown rice or cauliflower rice

    • Light queso or Greek yogurt queso

    • Lean sirloin or even grilled chicken

    • Olive oil spray instead of butter

  • Low-Carb: Serve steak and queso over sautéed cauliflower rice or zucchini ribbons.

Serving Ideas

  • Pair with guacamole, roasted corn salad, or refried black beans.

  • Wrap the rice and steak into a tortilla for epic burritos.

  • Add a fried egg on top for a brunch-worthy twist!

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead

Storage

  • Store components separately in airtight containers for 3–4 days.

Reheating

  • Reheat steak and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth. Warm queso separately and drizzle after heating.

Freezing

  • You can freeze the rice and steak separately for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing queso—it tends to split.

Make-Ahead

  • Rice and steak can be cooked up to 2 days in advance. Assemble and warm just before serving for best results.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving – 4 total)

  • Calories: ~480 kcal

  • Protein: 30g

  • Carbs: 32g

  • Fat: 26g

  • W-W Points (est.): 8–10 with modifications

  • Allergens: Dairy, Gluten (tortillas, queso)

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken instead of steak?
A: Absolutely! Grilled or sautéed chicken breast or thighs work great.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes—skip the steak and add seasoned beans or grilled portobello mushrooms.

Q: What queso do you recommend if I can’t find Pancho’s?
A: Look for white queso blanco or make your own with white American cheese, milk, and chopped green chilies.

🧡 Kristy’s Note

This dish is my love letter to bold, cheesy comfort food. It’s flavorful without being fussy—and it’s exactly the kind of crowd-pleaser that fits into a W-W friendly lifestyle when you make a few smart swaps. When I need a satisfying one-pan meal? Steak & Queso Rice is my go-to.

More One-Pan Wonders

  • Creamy Chicken Enchilada Skillet

  • Tex-Mex Cauliflower Rice Bowls

  • Ground Turkey Taco Bake (W-W Friendly)

💬 Share the Flavor!

Tried this Steak & Queso Rice? Drop a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Snap a photo and tag me @KristyCooksHealthy using #QuesoCravings—I’d love to see your take!

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