Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of juicy steak, rich queso sauce, and perfectly cooked rice makes for a fulfilling and flavorful meal. The tender steak is seasoned just right, while the queso adds an indulgent creamy texture that takes the bowl to the next level. Fresh toppings like avocado, tomatoes, or cilantro balance out the richness of the dish, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing. Plus, you can customize your rice bowl with various toppings and spice levels, making it as mild or as spicy as you like. It’s a meal that’s both comforting and exciting, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the steak:

1 lb flank steak or skirt steak (or your preferred cut of steak)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the queso:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk (or more for desired consistency)
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt to taste

For the rice bowl:

2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup red onion, diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 avocado, sliced
Lime wedges
Jalapeños or pickled jalapeños (optional, for heat)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the steak:

Season the steak: In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture over the steak, coating it evenly.
Cook the steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the steak and cook for 4-5 minutes per side (for medium-rare), or until your desired doneness is reached. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
Slice the steak: After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure tender pieces.

For the queso:

Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux (this will help thicken the queso sauce).
Add milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for a couple of minutes until it thickens.
Add cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Add cayenne pepper for heat if desired, and season with salt to taste.
Adjust consistency: If the queso is too thick, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the rice bowls:

Prepare the rice: Cook the rice according to package instructions or use pre-cooked rice. If using cilantro-lime rice, mix cooked rice with lime juice and fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
Assemble the bowl: In each bowl, layer the rice, then top with sliced steak, and drizzle generously with queso sauce.
Add toppings: Top the bowl with diced tomatoes, red onion, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices. Squeeze lime juice over the top and add jalapeños for some extra heat if you like.
Serve: Serve the Steak Queso Rice Bowl immediately while warm, with lime wedges on the side for extra zing.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Chicken Queso Rice Bowl: Swap the steak for grilled chicken breast or thighs for a lighter variation.
Vegetarian Queso Rice Bowl: Skip the meat and use sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini, or even roasted sweet potatoes for a satisfying vegetarian option.
Spicy Steak Queso Rice Bowl: Add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne to both the steak seasoning and the queso sauce for a spicier kick.
Refried Beans: Add a layer of refried beans in the bowl for added texture and flavor. They pair wonderfully with the creamy queso and rice.
Grilled Veggies: Top the bowl with grilled corn, bell peppers, or onions for a smoky flavor and added freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover steak, queso, and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the steak in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Reheat the queso sauce in a saucepan, adding a little more milk to loosen it up if necessary. Rice can be reheated in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef instead of steak?

Yes, ground beef works well in this recipe. Simply cook it in the skillet and season with the same spices. Drain excess fat before assembling the bowls.

2. Can I make the queso ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the queso ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding more milk if needed to bring it back to the right consistency.

3. Can I use other types of cheese for the queso?

Yes! You can use a variety of cheeses in the queso. Pepper jack cheese will add spice, while a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack will make for a smooth, melty cheese sauce.

4. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice can be used for a healthier, more fiber-rich option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice generally takes longer to cook than white rice.

5. Can I add guacamole?

Yes! Guacamole is a great addition to this dish. Add a scoop on top of the rice bowl for added creaminess and flavor.

6. Can I skip the jalapeños?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of heat, you can skip the jalapeños. You can also replace them with mild bell peppers or other fresh veggies.

7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the steak, rice, and queso in advance, then simply assemble and heat everything together when ready to serve.

8. Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! You can add more cayenne to the steak seasoning, stir in some chili powder or chipotle peppers into the queso, or add more jalapeños for an extra kick.

9. What other toppings can I add to this rice bowl?

Toppings like sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced onions, or even a fried egg on top can enhance the flavor and make the dish even more decadent.

10. Can I make this dish vegetarian without losing flavor?

Yes! You can add grilled vegetables or roasted sweet potatoes to keep the flavor rich and satisfying while maintaining a vegetarian dish. You can also add beans for protein.

Conclusion

Steak Queso Rice Bowls are a hearty, flavorful, and customizable meal that combines the best of cheesy, creamy, and savory ingredients. The tender steak, cheesy queso, and perfectly cooked rice make this dish indulgent and satisfying. With endless topping possibilities and the option to customize the spice level, this recipe can be adapted to suit anyone’s tastes. Whether you’re enjoying it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this Steak Queso Rice Bowl is sure to become a favorite!