EASY STEAK & QUESO RICE

Imagine digging into a bowl overflowing with perfectly seared, juicy steak pieces nestled in creamy, dreamy queso-infused rice. The savory steak, the cheesy rice, and that little kick of spice… it’s a flavor explosion that will have you craving more! Let’s whip up this incredible Steak & Queso Rice and make tonight unforgettable – I promise, you’ve got this!

The Dream Team: Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Steak:

• 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Queso Rice:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 4 ounces can diced green chilies, undrained
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup milk (or more, to desired consistency)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started with the Steak:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the steak pieces, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
3. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Now, for that Glorious Queso Rice:

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute, to toast the rice slightly. This step helps prevent stickiness!
4. Pour in the chicken broth and diced green chilies. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the Velveeta cheese and milk. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Putting It All Together:

1. Gently fold the cooked steak into the queso rice.
2. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy every single bite!

Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

Steak Struggles:

Worried about tough steak? Marinating it for 30 minutes before cooking can help tenderize it. Also, make sure your skillet is HOT before adding the steak – a good sear helps lock in the juices.

Queso Calamities:

If your queso is too thick, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the perfect consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few minutes longer, stirring constantly, to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Rice Fails:

Rice can be tricky! Make sure you rinse it before cooking to remove excess starch. If your rice is still a little crunchy after the recommended cooking time, add a splash more broth and cook for a few more minutes. If it’s too mushy, unfortunately, there’s not much you can do, but you can still enjoy it as a super cheesy, comforting side!

Spice It Up (or Tone It Down!)

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking! If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the steak seasoning or use a can of hot diced green chilies. For a milder flavor, use a mild cheddar cheese instead of Velveeta, or omit the green chilies altogether.

Serving Suggestions for a Crowd-Pleasing Meal

Steak & Queso Rice is fantastic on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side of black beans, a dollop of sour cream, or some freshly chopped avocado. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple salad or some grilled vegetables.

Make It Ahead: Prep Like a Pro

You can easily prep the steak and rice components of this dish ahead of time. Cook the steak and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cook the rice (before adding the cheese) and store it separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the steak and rice, then stir in the cheese and milk. This is a lifesaver on busy weeknights!

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

Want to shake things up? Try using ground beef or shredded chicken instead of steak. You could also add other vegetables to the queso rice, such as corn, bell peppers, or black beans. Get creative and experiment with different flavors!

More Delicious Recipes to Explore

If you’re a fan of easy, flavorful bowl meals, you’ll definitely want to check out my Philly Cheesesteak Bowls. They’re another crowd-pleaser! Or, for a simpler yet satisfying dish, give my Black Beans And Rice With Sausage a try. Looking for some Mexican inspired bowls? You will love this Taco Rice Bowl. Finally, if you’re really craving some cheese, you will love this Cowboy Queso. And if you are in the mood for more steak, you definitely need to try these Garlic Butter Steak Bites, or this Garlic Butter Steak recipe.

Why This Recipe Will Become Your New Go-To

Steak & Queso Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that’s easy to make and totally customizable. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving something satisfying and delicious. Once you try it, I guarantee it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!