Name: Steak and Queso with Rice
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 450 g flank steak or skirt steak; 1 cup queso sauce; 3 cups cooked rice; 1 cup diced bell peppers; 1 avocado, sliced; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder (to taste)

There’s something irresistible about juicy grilled steak draped in creamy queso, all nestled on a bed of fluffy rice with colorful bell peppers and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. This Steak and Queso with Rice recipe is the ultimate weeknight indulgence that balances smoky, cheesy, and zesty flavors in every single bite.

Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, it delivers restaurant-quality satisfaction right at home. The tender slices of steak soak up the silky queso sauce, while the rice and veggies add a delightful balance of textures. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—swap in your favorite veggies or spice up the queso for extra kick!

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

For the best results, go with flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin. These cuts cook quickly and stay juicy when grilled or seared. Marinating the steak adds extra flavor and tenderness, but even a simple salt and pepper seasoning works beautifully with the rich queso.

Ingredients for the Steak and Queso with Rice

Flank steak or skirt steak – the star protein, providing a hearty, beefy bite.
Queso sauce – brings creamy, cheesy goodness that ties everything together.
Cooked rice – acts as the hearty base to soak up all the flavors.
Bell peppers – add sweetness and crunch for contrast.
Avocado slices – offer creaminess and a touch of freshness.
Cilantro – a bright, herbal finish that lifts the dish.
Salt, pepper, and spices – essential for seasoning the steak and enhancing flavor.

How To Make the Steak and Queso with Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices (like smoked paprika or garlic powder). Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Sear or Grill

Heat a grill or skillet over high heat. Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes per side (for medium-rare), adjusting time based on thickness and doneness preference. Rest the steak for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Prepare your rice according to package instructions. For extra flavor, cook it in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

In a pan, quickly sauté diced bell peppers with a touch of olive oil until just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Make the Queso

Prepare your queso sauce—you can melt together cheddar and Monterey Jack with a splash of milk, or use your favorite store-bought queso. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowl

Scoop rice into bowls, top with sautéed peppers, arrange steak slices on top, then drizzle generously with queso. Finish with avocado slices and chopped cilantro. Enjoy!

Serving and Storing Steak and Queso with Rice

Serve this dish fresh while the steak is warm and the queso is silky. It pairs perfectly with a side of lime wedges, extra hot sauce, or crunchy tortilla chips. For a casual gathering, lay out all components buffet-style and let everyone build their own bowls!

To store leftovers, keep the steak, rice, queso, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the queso gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to keep it smooth. Steak is best reheated briefly to avoid overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the queso, or sprinkle chili flakes over the steak.

Can I use chicken or shrimp instead of steak?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken thighs or sautéed shrimp work wonderfully with the queso and rice combo.

What kind of queso should I use?

You can make homemade queso with cheddar and Monterey Jack or use a good-quality store-bought queso for convenience.

How do I keep the steak tender?

Slice against the grain and avoid overcooking; resting the steak before slicing also helps retain juices.

Is this meal good for meal prep?

Yes! Prepare all the components and store them separately. Assemble fresh portions when you’re ready to eat.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Steak and Queso with Rice, you’ll probably enjoy these other hearty and comforting recipes:

Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo for a bold, spicy pasta night.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you crave cheesy pasta goodness.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles for a fast and flavor-packed dinner.
Pan-Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce when you want something a bit lighter but still indulgent.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.

I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you go with flank or sirloin? Did you add extra toppings like pickled onions or jalapeños? Share in the comments—your tips might help someone else get inspired.

For even more recipes, follow along on my Pinterest at Life with Jam!

Steak and Queso with Rice

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy grilled flank steak draped in creamy queso, served over fluffy rice with sautéed bell peppers, avocado, and fresh cilantro. This restaurant-worthy dinner is easy to make at home and perfect for weeknights or meal prep.