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A delicious bowl of Steak & Queso Rice is shown as the featured image for the recipe.

Easy Steak & Queso Rice

This easy Steak & Queso Rice recipe combines tender, flavorful steak with creamy, cheesy rice for a satisfying and customizable meal. It's a quick and delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

  • 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 to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 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

Equipment

  • Medium bowl
  • large skillet
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • Lid for skillet

Method
 

  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.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  6. Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute, to toast the rice slightly. This step helps prevent stickiness!
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Gently fold the cooked steak into the queso rice.
  10. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
  11. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the steak seasoning or use hot diced green chilies. For a milder flavor, use mild cheddar cheese instead of Velveeta, or omit the green chilies altogether. Cooked steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the rice can be cooked separately (before adding the cheese) and stored as well. Reheat both components before combining. You can also substitute ground beef or shredded chicken for the steak, and add other vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or black beans to the queso rice.