© Original recipe by The Culinary Delight ©
Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak Strips 🍚🥩🧀
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the richness of cheesy rice with tender steak strips, this steak quesos recipe is perfect for you. The creamy and cheesy rice pairs beautifully with juicy steak, creating a satisfying dish that’s ideal for weeknights or special gatherings. Whether you’re a fan of cheesy rice or looking for a new queso dish to impress family and friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
2. Ingredients for Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak Strips
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 lb (450 g) sirloin or ribeye steak, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
3. Step-by-step Instructions to Make Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak Strips
Preparing the Rice
Cooking the Rice
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth or water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Cooking the Steak Strips
While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak strips with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Making the Cheesy and Creamy Base
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining All Components
Mix the cooked rice into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring everything is fully coated. Gently fold in the cooked steak strips and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals or gently warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to restore creaminess. This dish also freezes well for longer storage — just make sure to consume within 2 months for best flavor.
5. Serving Suggestions
This cheesy rice and steak quesos dish is versatile and can be served alongside a fresh green salad or sautéed vegetables. For an extra savory touch, top with sliced jalapeños, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream. For a comprehensive meal, pair it with a glass of dry white wine or a cold beer.
If you love trying new recipes, check out this creamy Parmesan spinach mushroom pasta skillet for another delicious meal idea.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Steak Quesos
Can I substitute the steak with chicken or shrimp?
Absolutely! This cheesy rice dish works wonderfully with chicken breast, chicken thighs, or even cooked shrimp for a different flavor profile. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. This maintains the creamy texture while catering to dietary restrictions.
What is the prep time for this dish?
The entire preparation and cooking process takes approximately 30-40 minutes, making it a quick and flavorful option for busy weeknights.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: This versatile cookware set makes cooking rice and sautéing steak effortless and cleanup a breeze.
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: Perfect for cooking steak strips to a juicy perfection with less oil and more flavor.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo: For grilling steak strips indoors while maintaining a delicious smoky flavor.
Each of these tools enhances your cooking experience and helps you prepare this steak quesos dish efficiently and with professional results.
8. Final Tips to Perfect Your Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak
For the best results, always use high-quality cheese and fresh steak. Remember to taste and adjust seasoned according to your preference. Don’t forget the garnish—fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Experiment with additional toppings like sliced green onions or hot sauce for extra flavor.
9. Conclusion
This cheesy rice with juicy steak strips is a knockout dish that combines comfort and decadence in every bite. Perfect for satisfying your craving for a rich queso dish or creamy steak, it’s easy to prepare and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this meal will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy crafting this indulgent and flavorful dish today!
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Creamy Queso Rice with Juicy Steak Strips
Creamy, cheesy rice topped with flavorful steak strips and herbs, a comforting and filling dish perfect for any dinner occasion.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb juicy steak strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season steak strips with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and juicy, about 4-5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt cheese with heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Combine cooked rice with the cheesy sauce, then top with cooked steak strips.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use high-quality steak for juicier results.
- Adjust cheese amount for creamier or cheesier texture.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg