Steak Queso Rice Bowl
The Steak Queso Rice Bowl is a hearty and flavorful meal combining tender steak, creamy queso sauce, sautéed vegetables, and fluffy rice. This quick and customizable recipe delivers rich, cheesy comfort food perfect for busy weeknights or weekend treats, with balanced textures and bold flavors.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Steak
- 1 lb sirloin or flank steak, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
- Water or broth for cooking rice
Queso Sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- Pinch of seasoning (salt, pepper, optional chili powder)
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
Additional Flavorings & Garnishes
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, sour cream for serving
- Prepare the Rice: Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions until fluffy and ready to absorb flavors.
- Marinate and Cook the Steak: Toss sliced steak with minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate briefly, then cook over medium-high heat until browned and tender. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, sauté bell peppers and onions until soft and slightly caramelized, adding sweetness and texture.
- Make the Queso Sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, combine shredded cheese, milk or cream, and a pinch of seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Assemble the Bowl: Layer cooked rice at the bottom of your bowl, top with steak slices, then the sautéed vegetables. Generously drizzle with warm queso sauce and finish with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Add optional garnishes as desired.
Notes
- Rest the steak for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices and tenderness.
- Warm your serving bowl to keep the queso sauce creamy longer.
- Use fresh, high-quality cheese for the smoothest queso sauce texture.
- Do not overcook the bell peppers and onions; keep them crisp-tender for balanced texture.
- Adjust spices and lime juice to personal preference throughout cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: steak, queso, rice bowl, easy dinner, quick recipe, Tex-Mex, comfort food, gluten free