If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a home cook juggling work, kids, and my endless recipe experiments, it’s this: dinner has to be quick, flavorful, and leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. This Cheesy Steak & Rice is exactly that. It reminds me of my first year out of college, living in a tiny Denver apartment where the kitchen barely had space for a full cutting board. My fridge was often limited to basics rice, cheese, and a small cut of steak when I could splurge. On nights when I needed comfort but didn’t want to break the bank, this dish became my go-to.
The blend of juicy seared steak with fluffy seasoned rice, all smothered in a melty queso sauce, checks every box: protein-packed, budget-friendly, and downright satisfying. Plus, the Tex-Mex flair makes it feel like a little weekday celebration. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or hungry adults, this recipe delivers.
Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s answer a question I get often when sharing this dish: Do rice and steak go together? Absolutely. They’re a perfect pairing in both flavor and texture. Think of it as a heartier, home-cooked version of your favorite steakhouse side or burrito bowl.
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Cheesy Steak & Rice: A Tex-Mex Comfort Food Favorite for Busy Nights
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Seared steak, fluffy garlic rice, and a rich, creamy queso sauce make this Cheesy Steak & Rice a quick, satisfying Tex-Mex dinner.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
450g (1 lb) flank or sirloin steak
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
For the Queso Sauce:
1½ cups whole milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ tsp ground cumin
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp chili powder
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
For the Rice:
2 cups broth (or water)
Salt, as needed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 tsp garlic powder
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges
Avocado slices
Jalapeño slices
Instructions
1. Rinse rice and toast with olive oil and garlic powder.
2. Add broth, simmer until tender.
3. Pat steak dry, season with spices.
4. Sear steak 4–5 mins per side, rest, then slice.
5. Melt butter, sauté garlic for queso.
6. Whisk in milk and cheeses, season with spices.
7. Plate rice, add steak slices, pour queso over.
8. Garnish with cilantro, lime, avocado, jalapeños.
Notes
For tender steak, slice against the grain.
Use broth for deeper rice flavor.
Add cayenne for spicier queso.
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Building Flavor From the Steak Up
Choosing the Right Cut for Cheesy Steak & Rice
When it comes to this recipe, flank steak or sirloin works best. They cook quickly, slice beautifully, and absorb seasoning like a dream. I season mine with a mix of paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This combination layers deep flavor without overpowering the queso.
Before cooking, I always pat the steak dry with paper towels to get that perfect sear. A hot skillet is key here. Let it heat until just smoking before adding the steak, this locks in the juices and gives you that golden, crusty exterior.
For those who love a little kitchen chemistry, here’s a pro tip: let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking. Cutting it too soon lets all those flavorful juices run out onto your board instead of staying where they belong in each bite.
Looking for more beef ideas for weekday meals? You might also love this Beef Stir Fry Recipe for another quick and flavorful option.
Cooking the Rice: The Fluffy Foundation
Great rice makes or breaks this dish. I go with long-grain white rice, but feel free to swap in jasmine or even brown rice if that’s what you have on hand. First, give the rice a good rinse under cold water to wash away excess starch. This keeps it from getting gummy later.
Next, I lightly toast the rice with olive oil and garlic powder until it smells nutty and delicious. Using broth instead of water adds an extra layer of savory goodness. Bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to let it simmer low and slow for about 18–20 minutes.
If you’re in the mood for another rice-centric comfort dish after this, I highly recommend trying Arroz Imperial from the blog. It’s another reader favorite that layers flavors beautifully.
Bringing Cheesy Steak & Rice Together: The Creamy Queso Magic
Now that your steak is resting and your rice is fluffy and warm, it’s time to talk about the part that truly makes this dish unforgettable, the queso sauce. If you’ve ever wondered what kind of cheese goes well on steak, this recipe has your answer: cheddar and Monterey Jack. The sharpness of cheddar meets the creamy melt of Monterey Jack, creating a rich, velvety sauce that drapes over everything like a cozy blanket.
What makes this queso sauce different? It starts with butter and garlic, followed by whole milk and a medley of spices like cumin and chili powder. Slowly whisking in the shredded cheeses guarantees that silky, smooth finish.
If you’re a fan of cheesy Tex-Mex flavors, you might also enjoy my popular Mozzarella Queso Dip, another weeknight lifesaver!
Full Recipe: Cheesy Steak & Rice
Seared, tender steak paired with fluffy rice and covered in a rich queso sauce. A hearty, cheesy meal perfect for busy nights.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Skill Level: Intermediate
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 450g (1 lb) flank or sirloin steak
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Queso Sauce:
- 1½ cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
For the Rice:
- 2 cups broth (or water)
- Salt, as needed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices
- Jalapeño slices
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep and Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the rice and garlic powder until lightly toasted (about 2 minutes).
- Pour in the broth or water, add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
2. Season and Cook the Steak:
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the steak.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat until very hot. Cook steak 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and preferred doneness (4 minutes for medium-rare, 5 for medium).
- Transfer to a board, let it rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
3. Make the Queso Sauce:
- Using the same skillet (flavor bonus!), melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Slowly pour in the milk and bring to a light simmer.
- Gradually whisk in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, one handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth.
- Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Dish:
- Spoon a generous scoop of rice onto each plate.
- Top with sliced steak.
- Drizzle (or smother!) with the warm queso sauce.
- Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime for that fresh, zesty finish.
For fans of layered comfort meals, this dish gives a similar stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction as my Forgotten Chicken Recipe, a baked classic that’s also worth checking out.
Notes and Tips:
- Slice against the grain: This makes even lean cuts like flank steak tender.
- Broth over water: For deeper flavor, always use low-sodium chicken or beef broth when cooking rice.
- Queso spice level: Want more kick? Add a pinch of cayenne or stir in minced jalapeños when making the sauce.
- Meal prep tip: Both rice and queso reheat beautifully, making this great for leftovers.
Flavor Variations and Serving Ideas for Cheesy Steak & Rice
After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even more exciting. Wondering how to make beef and rice more interesting? Here’s how I jazz things up when I want to keep it fun and fresh.
Tex-Mex Inspired Garnishes That Elevate the Dish
Adding layers of flavor takes this Cheesy Steak & Rice from great to unforgettable. Try tossing on some pickled onions, or give it an extra Tex-Mex kick with a spoonful of Salsa Roja on top.
Want it creamier? Dollop some sour cream right before serving. Feeling extra bold? Swap Monterey Jack for Pepper Jack Cheese to bring in a touch of heat.
Fun Mix-Ins and Toppings for Next-Level Flavor
You can stir in black beans, sweet corn, or even roasted bell peppers when cooking the rice for added texture and taste. A few crumbles of crispy bacon on top also never hurt.
For those times when I’m feeding a crowd, I’ll double the recipe and serve everything buffet-style so guests can build their own bowls.
Why This Cheesy Steak & Rice Belongs in Your Weekly Dinner Rotation
If you’ve been looking for a meal that’s quick enough for weeknights but satisfying enough for special occasions, this Cheesy Steak & Rice is it. From the tender, spice-rubbed steak to the garlic-infused rice and that dreamy queso sauce, every element works in perfect harmony.
Whether you’re channeling Tex-Mex flavors or just trying to make the most of what’s in your fridge, this recipe has your back.
And if you love making cozy meals like this, check out my Comforting Soup Collection or explore the Mastering Easy Dinner Recipes guide for more ideas.
So grab that skillet, whisk up that queso, and let’s get cooking.
FAQs About Cheesy Steak & Rice
Do rice and steak go together?
Yes! Rice and steak are a classic pairing worldwide. The tender meat and fluffy grains complement each other in both texture and flavor. In dishes like this, the rice also soaks up the queso, making every bite rich and satisfying.
What kind of cheese goes well on steak?
For Cheesy Steak & Rice, sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack strike the perfect balance between meltability and flavor. If you like more spice, try substituting with Pepper Jack.
Do cheese and rice go together?
Absolutely. Cheese adds creaminess and depth to otherwise simple rice dishes. From risottos to Tex-Mex bowls, rice and cheese are a well-loved combo for good reason.
How to make beef and rice more interesting?
Layer your flavors! Start by seasoning your beef generously. Cook your rice in broth instead of water. Finish with a bold sauce like queso and add fresh toppings like herbs, lime juice, or spicy salsas for contrast.