This creamy queso rice dish topped with tender steak strips is pure comfort food. It’s cheesy, hearty, and just perfect for a cozy dinner!
I love how the steak and rice soak up all that cheesy goodness. Pair it with a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s both easy and tasty. Who can say no to cheese? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Long-Grain White Rice: This is the base of the dish and makes for fluffy, tender rice. If you prefer brown rice for more fiber, just remember it will take longer to cook! You can also use jasmine rice for a fragrant twist.
Chicken Broth: Using broth enhances the rice flavor. If you’re vegetarian, swap it with vegetable broth or even water. Just add more seasoning for flavor if needed.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives the creamy texture and twang. If you want a different flavor, feel free to try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack. If you’re dairy-free, vegan cheese can also work well.
Steak: Flank or sirloin are great choices for their tenderness. You could also use grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a plant-based meat substitute if you’re looking for alternatives.
How Do I Cook Perfectly Fluffy Rice?
Cooking rice can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the method. For fluffy results, it’s all about the rinsing and simmering.
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Use the right water-to-rice ratio. For long-grain rice, 2 cups of water for 1 cup of rice is ideal.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. This way, the steam cooks the rice through without burning it.
Let it sit covered for about 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the rice to finish steaming and results in perfect texture!
How to Make Creamy Queso Rice with Tender Steak Strips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Steak:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 25 minutes in total—10 minutes for prep and around 15 minutes of cooking time. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until it runs clear. This removes extra starch and helps the rice stay fluffy. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the diced onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Cook the Rice:
Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and toast it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This will enhance its flavor! Pour in the chicken broth (or water), bring everything to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
3. Season the Steak:
While the rice is cooking, prepare the steak strips. In a separate bowl, toss the thinly sliced steak with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the strips are well coated with the spices.
4. Cook the Steak:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned steak strips and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Once cooked, remove the steaks from the skillet and set aside.
5. Make it Creamy:
When the rice is finished cooking, stir in the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk (or heavy cream) until everything is smooth and creamy. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up the creamy queso rice on plates and top it generously with the tender steak strips. If you’d like, garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your tasty meal right away!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. Generally, brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so adjust the time accordingly. Also, increase the broth to 2.5 cups for better flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you prefer not to use cream cheese, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. For a dairy-free option, look for a vegan cream cheese alternative.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can cook the rice and prepare the steak strips ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat before serving and stir in the cheese mixture when you’re ready to eat.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to restore the creaminess!