Nora
Juicy, perfectly seared steak paired with creamy, cheesy queso rice makes for a dinner that feels indulgent yet comforting. Every bite is a blend of tender beef, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice, with bursts of freshness from roasted cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
This dish is perfect for steak lovers who want something beyond the usual steak-and-potato combo. It’s hearty enough for a weekend dinner but easy enough to prepare on a weeknight. The best part? It’s a restaurant-worthy dish you can whip up right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Steak & Queso Rice
The combination of smoky, pan-seared steak and creamy queso sauce makes this a dish you’ll crave again and again. The cheesy rice base provides a rich, comforting backdrop, while fresh herbs and roasted tomatoes brighten every bite. It’s the kind of meal that impresses guests but is surprisingly easy to make.
What Cut of Steak Works Best for Steak & Queso Rice?
For the best flavor and tenderness, go for sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak. These cuts sear beautifully, staying juicy inside while developing a caramelized crust. If you’re on a budget, flank or skirt steak also works well when sliced thin against the grain. Just don’t overcook it – medium-rare to medium keeps it tender and flavorful.
Ingredients for the Steak & Queso Rice
Each ingredient in this dish plays an important role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy queso to the fresh herbs, every component adds something special.
- Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip) – The star of the dish, providing juicy, savory bites.
- Rice – A soft, fluffy base that soaks up all the cheesy goodness.
- Queso cheese sauce – The creamy, rich element that ties everything together.
- Cherry tomatoes – Roasted for a sweet, tangy pop of flavor.
- Garlic – Adds aromatic depth to both the steak and rice.
- Butter & Olive oil – For searing the steak and adding richness to the rice.
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) – Brightens up the dish with a fresh finish.
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, smoked paprika) – Enhances and balances all the flavors.
How To Make the Steak & Queso Rice
Follow these steps to create a restaurant-worthy dish at home.
Step 1: Sear the Steak to Perfection
Season your steak generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat a skillet with butter and olive oil, then sear the steak for 3–4 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until caramelized and cooked to your preferred doneness. Let it rest before slicing.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Prepare your rice according to package instructions. For extra flavor, cook it in chicken or beef broth instead of water.
Step 3: Make the Queso Sauce
In a saucepan, warm your queso cheese sauce. You can make it from scratch with cheddar, milk, and a bit of cream, or use a store-bought version for convenience.
Step 4: Roast the Cherry Tomatoes
Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they start to blister.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Spoon the creamy queso rice onto a plate, top with sliced steak, and scatter roasted cherry tomatoes on top. Finish with a drizzle of extra queso sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Serving and Storing Steak & Queso Rice
This recipe serves 4 people generously, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small dinner party. Serve it hot for the best experience—the creamy queso sauce and juicy steak taste incredible fresh off the stove.
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to keep the queso rice creamy.
What to Serve With Steak & Queso Rice?
Pair this rich and creamy dish with lighter sides to balance out the flavors.
1. Garlic Butter Green Beans
Fresh, crisp green beans sautéed with butter and garlic make a bright and buttery side.
2. Roasted Asparagus
A simple oven roast with olive oil, salt, and pepper brings out its natural sweetness.
3. Fresh Garden Salad
Crisp greens with a light vinaigrette offer a refreshing bite between the rich steak and queso.
4. Crusty Garlic Bread
Perfect for scooping up every bit of cheesy rice.
5. Sautéed Mushrooms
Earthy mushrooms cooked in butter complement the savory steak beautifully.
6. Creamy Coleslaw
Adds a cool, tangy crunch that cuts through the richness.
7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
A slightly sweet, caramelized side that pairs wonderfully with the smoky steak.
8. Grilled Corn on the Cob
A summer favorite that adds a smoky-sweet element to the plate.
Want More Steak Dinner Ideas?
If you loved this Steak & Queso Rice, you might enjoy these other flavorful steak and beef recipes:
- Crockpot Swiss Steaks for a slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth classic.
- Air Fryer Steak Bites when you need a quick, juicy steak fix.
- Filet Mignon with Peppercorn Sauce for an elegant dinner option.
- Cheddar-Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole if you want something cozy and family-friendly.
- Garlic Butter Meatballs with Velvety Parmesan Penne for another cheesy, comforting dinner.
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I’d love to hear how your Steak & Queso Rice turned out! Did you add extra spices to your queso? Maybe swapped cherry tomatoes for roasted peppers? Share your twists in the comments—I love seeing how everyone makes these recipes their own.
For more delicious recipes, explore my curated boards on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and find your next dinner favorite!
Steak & Queso Rice
Equipment
- Skillet
- Saucepan
- Oven
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sirloin steak (or ribeye/strip steak)
- 2 cups cooked rice preferably cooked in chicken or beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups queso cheese sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Season steak with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat a skillet with butter and olive oil, then sear for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Rest before slicing.
- Prepare rice according to package instructions, using chicken or beef broth for extra flavor.
- Heat queso cheese sauce in a saucepan until warm and creamy.
- Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, until blistered.
- Spoon queso rice onto a plate, top with sliced steak, add roasted cherry tomatoes, and finish with extra queso sauce and chopped herbs.