This creamy queso rice is a warm hug on a plate! It features cheesy, flavorful rice topped with tender steak strips that make every bite a treat.
Honestly, who can resist that gooey cheese and juicy steak combo? It’s a match made in dinner heaven. I love serving it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a pop of color!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect for this dish because it cooks up fluffy. If you have brown rice, it works too! Just remember it will take longer to cook.
Cheese: Monterey Jack has great meltability, but you can use any cheese you love! White cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick, works well too.
Cream Cheese: It adds creaminess, but you can substitute with sour cream or even Greek yogurt if you want a lighter option. Just note that the flavor will change a bit.
Steak: Flank or skirt steak are my go-tos because they’re flavorful and tender. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider sirloin or even chicken for a lighter twist.
Broth: Chicken broth adds depth, but vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian version. You could also use water if nothing else is on hand.
How Can I Cook the Steak Perfectly?
Cooking the steak to perfection can be tricky but key to this dish! The goal is tender, juicy strips that complement the creamy rice.
- Always slice the steak against the grain. This makes it more tender.
- Season the steak before cooking to enhance the flavors.
- Heat your skillet well. High heat helps to sear the steak quickly, keeping it juicy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. This ensures it browns nicely.
Creamy Queso Rice with Tender Steak Strips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb flank or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain into strips
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, yet satisfying enough to impress guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
First, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove starch and keeps it fluffy. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth (or water) to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Once it’s done, remove it from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes to finish cooking.
2. Cook the Steak:
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the thinly sliced steak and season it with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Sauté the steak for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s just cooked through and nicely browned. Once done, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant, filling your kitchen with delicious aromas!
4. Mix in the Rice:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Toss in the cream cheese and milk, stirring constantly until the cream cheese is completely melted and the rice is creamy. You’ll love how comforting this looks!
5. Add the Cheese:
Next, mix in the shredded cheese. Stir until it melts and combines well with the rice mixture. Feel free to taste and adjust seasonings with a little extra salt and pepper if needed.
6. Combine with Steak:
Gently return the steak strips to the skillet, tossing everything together to warm through. This step ensures every bite has that tender steak goodness.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy queso rice with the tender steak strips warm. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color, and don’t forget the lime wedges on the side for squeezing over! Enjoy your delicious meal!
FAQ for Creamy Queso Rice with Tender Steak Strips
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can! However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook—about 40-45 minutes. You’ll also want to increase the broth or water slightly to ensure it cooks properly.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
For a creamier texture, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you want to keep it lighter, consider using ricotta cheese. The flavors will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! To amp up the heat, add some diced jalapeños or more chili powder. You could also use a spicy cheese blend such as pepper jack instead of Monterey Jack to kick up the flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the mixture seems dry.
