This Steak Queso Rice comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or you’re just looking to jazz up a boring meal, this dish is super versatile.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s break it down ingredient by ingredient so you’re all set:
- Steak: You’ll need 450g (1 lb) of flank or sirloin steak, whatever you have on hand or your family prefers! Flank is great if you like those melt-in-your-mouth vibes, while sirloin has that classic beefy goodness.
- Paprika: A simple 1 tsp adds a subtle smokiness to the steak.
- Salt and Pepper: Just a couple of pinches, to taste! These help to enhance all the wonderful flavors.
- Ground Cumin: This spice truly makes a difference, grab 2 tsp for some warm, earthy notes.
- Cooked Rice: You’ll need 1 cup. Leftover rice works fantastic, but you can also make a fresh batch if you have the time.
- Queso Cheese: The star of the show! Use 1 cup of your favorite queso cheese. Trust me, it’ll turn your rice into a creamy, cheesy delight.
- Chopped Cilantro: Optional, but if you like a pop of freshness, this is the way to go!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Alright, let’s get started on this quick and easy Steak Queso Rice! Grab your skillet, and let’s do this.
Season the Steak: Begin by seasoning your steak with 1 tsp paprika, and add a couple pinches of salt and pepper along with those 2 tsp of ground cumin. You want to coat the beef well so every bite is flavorful!
Sear the Steak: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot (you can even hear it sizzling a little), add the seasoned steak. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes on each side, which should give you a nice medium-rare, just cook it a bit longer if you like it more done!
Let It Rest: Now, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This is super important! Resting helps the juices redistribute, making it more tender. After relaxing, slice it thinly against the grain.
Prepare the Queso Rice: In the same skillet (hello, flavor!), add your 1 cup of cooked rice. Stir it around for a minute until everything looks nice and cozy. Then, add 1 cup of queso cheese. Stir it in until it melts beautifully and blends with the rice, oh, that aroma! You’ll want to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom to really get that flavor packed in.
Serve It Up: Time to plate! Serve the creamy, cheesy queso rice topped with those juicy slices of steak. If you love a bit of freshness, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top, it’s like a green confetti party on your plate!

If you loved this Steak Queso Rice, be sure to check out my Butter Steak and Potatoes Skillet or my Pan-Seared Steak!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
The secret to a delicious dinner on a busy night? This one comes together in under 30 minutes! It’s perfect when you want something hearty but don’t have all night in the kitchen.
One Pot Wonder
Everything is made in one pot, so clean-up is a breeze! Seriously, how great is that? You can enjoy a delicious meal without a sink full of dishes to wash afterward!
Comfort Food
Steak and cheese all in one bite? Yes, please! It’s loaded with tons of flavor and feels like a warm hug after a long day. This dish will have you and your loved ones cozying up with smiles on your faces.
Customizable
The best part about Steak Queso Rice? You can use whatever ingredients you have! Switch the steak for chicken or even go veggie with some black beans. Add in your family’s favorite veggies or spices to make this dish truly your own!
Family-Friendly
Whether it’s picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this dish has something that everyone will enjoy. Plus, the cheesy goodness makes it a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Serving & Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
Pair your Steak Queso Rice with a simple side salad or some tortilla chips for crunch. Guacamole or salsa on the side never hurt either!

Storage
Leftover steak queso rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, if it lasts that long!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through, stirring halfway to make sure it heats evenly. You might even want to add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist while reheating!
Freezer Friendly?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. It should keep for about 2-3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Tips for Success
A couple of things to keep in mind for maximizing deliciousness:
- Cut Against the Grain: When slicing your steak, cutting against the grain will ensure your meat is nice and tender. Trust me.
- Don’t Skip the Resting: Not resting the steak can lead to dry meat, yuck. Patience is key, my friend!
- Keep it Creamy: Make sure to stir the queso in until it’s velvety smooth! It’s all about that creamy texture here.
- Mix and Match: Feeling inspired? Swap in your favorite proteins or experiment with different spices! Taco seasoning or even some chili powder can add a fantastic kick!
I can’t wait for you to try this Steak Queso Rice! It’s a delicious and easy dinner that combines tons of flavor, comfort, and most importantly, the love of home-cooked meals. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a little something special, this dish will surely become a staple in your household, just like it is in mine!
So, gather your ingredients, pour yourself a drink, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen! You’ll want to come back to this recipe again and again, just don’t blame me if you find yourself munching on seconds… or thirds! Enjoy!
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Quick and Easy Steak Queso Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
This delicious Steak Queso Rice comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!
Ingredients
- 450g (1 lb) flank or sirloin steak
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup queso cheese
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Season the steak with paprika, salt, pepper, and ground cumin.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes; then slice thinly against the grain.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir for a minute until warm.
- Stir in the queso cheese until it melts and combines with the rice.
- Serve the queso rice topped with the sliced steak and cilantro if desired.
Notes
Feel free to customize with leftover veggies or different proteins!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
