When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a bowl of creamy queso rice topped with juicy steak strips. Picture this: a velvety layer of cheese sauce enveloping fluffy rice, all adorned with succulent pieces of marinated steak. Southwest-inspired egg scramble You can practically hear the sizzling sound as the steak hits the pan, releasing an aromatic symphony that dances through your kitchen. The moment you take a bite, the explosion of flavors makes your taste buds sing while your stomach does a little happy dance. For more inspiration, check out this Carne Asada Cheese Fries recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I use instead of queso cheese?
- Can I make this dish vegetarian?
- How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or spontaneous get-togethers with friends. It brings everyone together around the table, making memories while digging into this cheesy goodness. I remember the first time I made creamy queso rice with juicy steak strips; my friends couldn’t get enough and declared it a party staple. Cheesy chicken casserole recipe Creamy chicken and rice dish Trust me when I say you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for all future culinary adventures. For more inspiration, check out this Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl recipe.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This creamy queso rice with juicy steak strips is easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze. The flavor profile is a delightful blend of cheesy goodness and savory steak. Visually, it’s a feast for the eyes with vibrant colors and textures. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize based on your personal taste preferences. [/info_box]
I once served this dish at a family gathering, and my brother-in-law asked if he could take some home in Tupperware. Creative pizza twist Who knew I could spark such enthusiasm?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Long-Grain White Rice: Choose high-quality long-grain rice for fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with creamy queso.
Steak Strips: Sirloin or flank steak works best; they absorb flavors beautifully and cook quickly.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor; it melts beautifully into the rice.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the queso sauce; don’t skimp here for that dreamy creaminess.
Chopped Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your final dish.
Olive Oil: Essential for cooking the steak strips; choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best results.
Spices (Cumin, Chili Powder): These bring warmth and depth to your dish; feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget these basics; they enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sautéing the Steak Strips: Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned steak strips and cook until browned on all sides.
Cooking the Rice: In another pot, combine long-grain white rice with water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until fluffy.
Preparing the Queso Sauce: In a saucepan, combine heavy cream and half of your shredded cheddar cheese over low heat. Stir continuously until melted and smooth.
Combining Everything Together: Once everything is cooked, fold in cooked rice into the queso sauce until well-coated. Add sautéed steak strips and mix gently.
Topping It Off: Serve your creamy queso rice topped with remaining cheddar cheese and garnish with chopped green onions for added freshness.
Now you’re ready to dig in! This comforting dish will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Cooking the steak strips to the right doneness is crucial; they should be juicy and tender. The creamy queso rice pairs beautifully with smoky flavors, creating a delightful contrast on your palate. This dish is sure to impress at any dinner party! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the steak strips to enhance flavor. Cook them over high heat first, followed by preparing your creamy queso rice while the meat rests.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out proteins for chicken or shrimp. Consider adding roasted peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick that elevates your dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain creaminess.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For perfectly cooked steak strips, use a meat thermometer; medium-rare should register at 135°F. Letting the meat rest prevents dry bites, ensuring juiciness throughout. Pairing fresh herbs enhances flavors, making each bite exciting and vibrant on your plate. [/info_box]
Sharing a memorable moment when my friends devoured this dish left me feeling like a culinary rock star; their compliments were music to my ears and fueled my passion for cooking.
FAQ
What can I use instead of queso cheese?
Creamy cheeses like Velveeta or Monterey Jack work well as alternatives in this recipe.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute steak with grilled veggies or beans for a hearty vegetarian option.
How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
Ensure you measure water accurately and avoid overcooking for perfect fluffy rice every time.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Creamy Queso Rice Topped with Juicy Steak Strips
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy queso rice topped with juicy steak strips is the ultimate comfort food that promises to delight your taste buds. This dish features fluffy long-grain rice enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, complemented by tender marinated steak. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Easy to prepare and customizable, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 lb sirloin steak strips
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned steak strips and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from heat.
- In a pot, combine rice with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until fluffy (about 15 minutes).
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream and half of the cheddar cheese over low heat, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
- Fold cooked rice into the queso sauce until well-coated. Gently mix in sautéed steak strips.
- Serve topped with remaining cheddar cheese and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet, Stove
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
