Hey y'all! If you're looking for a dinner bursting with bold flavors, creamy goodness, and plenty of zesty character, this Steak Queso Rice Tex-Mex Recipe is for you. Imagine juicy steak, melty queso cheese, and fluffy rice all coming together in a fiesta-inspired dish that's perfect for weeknights, game days, or whenever you want to impress your family and friends. Ready to spice things up? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Steak Queso Rice Tex-Mex Recipe
- Loaded with juicy steak, tangy spices, and creamy queso for ultimate flavor.
- Comes together in under 40 minutes, making it a fantastic quick dinner option.
- Perfect for meal prep—it reheats beautifully without losing flavor or texture.
- Easily customizable for different spice levels and dietary needs.
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing with its cheesy, comforting Tex-Mex vibes.
Ingredients for Steak Queso Rice Tex-Mex Recipe
- 12 oz (340g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 ½ cups queso blanco (prepared or homemade, see recipe)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup frozen corn
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Directions: How to Make Steak Queso Rice Tex-Mex Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Steak
- Toss steak strips with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak strips for 2-3 minutes until browned but still juicy. Transfer steak to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- In the same skillet (add a bit more oil if needed), sauté the diced onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Rice Base
- Add rinsed rice, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
Step 4: Add Queso, Steak, and Mix-ins
- Stir in queso blanco, shredded Monterey Jack, black beans, and corn. Fold the reserved steak back into the skillet.
- Heat everything together on low for 2-3 minutes, until cheese is gooey and everything is hot through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve right away!
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Notes for the Perfect Steak Queso Rice Tex-Mex Recipe
- For extra creaminess, use homemade queso! Check out this authentic queso dip recipe.
- Let the steak rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
- You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
Variations: Make This Steak Queso Rice Tex-Mex Recipe Your Own
- Chicken Queso Rice: Substitute grilled chicken for steak.
- Veggie Tex-Mex Bowl: Skip the steak and double the black beans and corn.
- Spicy Fiesta: Add diced jalapeños and a splash of hot sauce for heat.
Required Equipment for Steak Queso Rice Tex-Mex Recipe
- Large nonstick skillet or deep sauté pan with lid
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Mixing bowls for marinating steak
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Storage Instructions for Steak Queso Rice Tex-Mex Recipe
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, warm in the microwave or a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.
- Not recommended for freezing, as the cheese sauce may separate.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Steak Queso Rice Tex-Mex Recipe
- Serve with warm tortilla chips, guacamole, and a fresh green salad or Mexican-inspired sides.
- Pair with a citrusy margarita or a refreshing agua fresca for drinks.
- Top with extra diced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or crispy tortilla strips for texture.
Pro Tips for the Best Steak Queso Rice Tex-Mex Recipe
- Thinly slice steak against the grain for maximum tenderness (learn how).
- Stir cheese in gently at the end to prevent clumping and keep sauce smooth.
- Let rice sit covered off heat for 5 minutes before serving for fluffier texture.
FAQ: Steak Queso Rice Tex-Mex Recipe
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Steak Queso Rice Tex-Mex can be prepped in advance and reheated just before serving.
How do I keep the queso sauce creamy?
Add cheese gradually over low heat and avoid overheating, which helps maintain a silky texture.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, just increase the broth and cook time to accommodate the longer brown rice cooking time (about 40-45 minutes).
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup queso blanco sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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1Season the sliced flank steak with chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
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3In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
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4Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and heat through.
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5Return the cooked steak to the skillet. Pour the queso blanco sauce over the steak and rice mixture. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and cover until the cheese is melted.
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6Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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