Steak and Cheese Rice

There’s something about a dish that combines the hearty satisfaction of steak with the gooey, comforting embrace of cheese, isn’t there? That’s why Steak and Cheese Rice is such a treasure in my kitchen. It feels like a warm hug on a plate and is perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending all night in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made this dish. It was a rainy Saturday, and I couldn’t think of anything better than a cozy meal that could double as leftovers for the week. With just a few ingredients and some technique, I whipped up something magic. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why you’ll love this recipe

This recipe has a splendid blend of flavors and textures that will take your taste buds on a journey! The tender sirloin steak, marinated in spices, complements the creamy queso that seeps into every grain of rice. Picture this: each bite is a symphony of savory meat, gooey cheese, and aromatic spices—all entwined in a satisfying rice bed. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience!

But what really makes this dish shine is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or whipping up a cozy dinner for one, it adapts effortlessly. Toss in some leftover veggies or switch up the protein with chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian twist! Did I mention it’s ready in no time? Just imagine the delightful smell wafting through your kitchen as you sear that steak and sauté the aromatics. You’ll be inspired to invite friends over—or maybe just keep it all for yourself!

Gather these ingredients

• Sirloin Steak (1 lb): The star of the show! A good-quality sirloin guarantees tenderness and flavor. If sirloin isn’t your thing, flank steak works beautifully too. Just remember to slice against the grain for maximum chewability.

• Queso Cheese (1 cup): I adore using Monterey Jack for its melty qualities, but aged cheddar gives it a sharp twist if you’re feeling adventurous. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Long-Grain White Rice (1 cup): A classic choice! It cooks up fluffy and acts as the perfect canvas. If you want to mix it up, try jasmine rice for a floral note or brown rice for a nutty crunch, though cooking times will vary.

• Diced Onion (1 medium): This adds a lovely sweetness. You could also use shallots for a more delicate flavor or even green onions for a fresh touch.

• Minced Garlic (2 cloves): Because who doesn’t love the scent of garlic sizzling in olive oil? Go ahead and add an extra clove if you’re a garlic lover like me!

• Spices (1 tsp each of paprika, cumin, chili powder): These are the flavor powerhouses! Spice it to your taste—adjust based on how bold you want the dish.

• Diced Bell Pepper (1): Feel free to get colorful! Red, yellow, or green peppers will all bring their own unique sweetness. If you’re trying to cut carbs, zucchini can be a wonderful substitute!

• Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Extra virgin is my preference for cooking; it adds richness and helps with that perfect sear on the steak.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings! Don’t be shy; they elevate the flavors like a little salt on a chocolate dessert. Trust me!

The cooking process explained

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Before you even think about turning on the heat, get your onion and bell pepper diced, and garlic minced. A little prep goes a long way!

2. Sear the Steak: Heat that olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, carefully lay the sirloin down and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden crust. 🍖 Once done, let it rest for a few minutes; this seals in those juicy flavors.

3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet—don’t you dare wash it just yet!—toss in those diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they’re fragrant and softened.

4. Mix in the Rice and Spices: Stir in that perfectly cooked rice (make sure it’s fluffy and not clumpy!). Sprinkle in the paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up until heated through—pro tip: toast the spices for an extra level of depth!

5. Cheese Time: Now comes the best part! Gradually sprinkle in the queso cheese, stirring until it’s all melted and creamy. It’s like a comforting blanket for that rice!

6. Combine Steak and Cheese Rice: Slice your rested steak into beautiful strips and gently fold it into the cheesy rice mixture. Give it a moment to meld, and voilà! You’re ready to serve.

Best way to enjoy it

Ah, plating! The art of presentation can elevate your dish from everyday to extraordinary. Serve it hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess, and a couple of avocado slices will make your meal look like a million bucks. Craving a refreshing side? A crisp salad dressed lightly with lime juice complements this dish beautifully!

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not pair it with some homemade pico de gallo? That burst of fresh citrus and crunch will make every bite even more delightful.

Storage and reheating tips

Life happens, and leftovers are a beautiful thing! Here’s what to do: let your dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy again, just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen it up.

Want to keep it longer? You can freeze it! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will be good for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Pro chef tips

Here are some insider secrets to make your Steak and Cheese Rice take center stage:

• Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing the steak to rest before slicing is key. It keeps the juices in, resulting in a much juicier bite.

• Customize Your Spices: Experiment with seasonings! A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a delightful smokiness, or don’t hesitate to toss in a pinch of oregano for a Mediterranean flair.

• Cheesy Variations: Try mixing in different cheeses—goat cheese, pepper jack, or even some cream cheese for extra creaminess.

• Meal Prep Ideal: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Make a batch at the start of the week for hearty lunches or quick dinners!

Recipe variations

Want to keep things fresh? Here are a few variations you might adore:

• Vegetarian Style: Substitute the steak with grilled mushrooms or tempeh for a delicious meatless twist.

• Xtreme Heat: If you’re a spice enthusiast, throw in some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.

• Taco Style: Use the same ingredients but serve it in taco shells or lettuce wraps topped with salsa and lime juice for a totally different vibe!

Ingredients list

• 1 lb sirloin steak
• 1 cup queso cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions to follow

1. Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned.
4. Let it rest before slicing.
5. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened.
6. Stir in the cooked rice along with paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until heated through.
7. Gradually add the queso cheese, stirring until melted into a creamy mixture.
8. Combine sliced steak with the queso rice and serve hot, topped with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and avocado slices.

Your questions answered

• What’s the prep time? About 10-15 minutes, tops!

• Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

• What can I use instead of rice? Quinoa or cauliflower rice works wonderfully for a low-carb option!

• How spicy is it? The spice levels are adjustable! Feel free to tone it down or ramp it up based on your preference.

• Can I substitute the steak? Yes! Chicken, pork, or even hearty veggies are fantastic alternatives.

I can already hear the sizzling and smell the spices. This dish is not just another meal; it’s a celebration of flavors, and the heart of your dinner table. So roll up your sleeves, step into the kitchen, and let’s whip up some Steak and Cheese Rice together. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Remember, cooking is an art of improvisation—enjoy the process and make it uniquely yours!

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Steak and Cheese Rice

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 35 hrs

Cooking Temp: medium-high  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 600

Best Season: Any

Description

This Steak and Cheese Rice combines tender sirloin steak with creamy queso atop fluffy rice, creating a delightful dish perfect for any occasion.

Main Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Essential Ingredients

• 1 lb sirloin steak (Good-quality sirloin guarantees tenderness and flavor.)
• 1 cup queso cheese (Monterey Jack or aged cheddar.)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (Fluffy and acts as the perfect canvas.)
• 1 medium onion, diced (Adding a lovely sweetness.)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (Extra clove can be added.)
• 1 tsp paprika (Adjust based on taste.)
• 1 tsp cumin (Adjust based on taste.)
• 1 tsp chili powder (Adjust based on taste.)
• 1 bell pepper, diced (Any color; brings unique sweetness.)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (Extra virgin preferred.)
• Salt and pepper (Essential seasonings.)

Cooking Instructions

Preparation

1. Prep Your Ingredients

   Dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
   Prep work will save time during cooking.
   Mark as complete

2. Sear the Steak

   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side.
   Rest the steak after cooking.
   Mark as complete

3. Sauté the Veggies

   In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes.
   These should be fragrant and softened.
   Mark as complete

4. Mix Rice and Spices

   Stir in the cooked rice along with the spices and mix well until heated through.
   Toast spices for added flavor.
   Mark as complete

5. Add Cheese

   Gradually add the queso cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
   Ensure even mixing for a comforting texture.
   Mark as complete

6. Combine and Serve

   Slice the rested steak and fold it into the cheesy rice mixture. Serve hot.
   Garnish with cilantro and optional toppings.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 8g40%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 70mg24%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 60g20%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 3g

Protein 38g76%

---

Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 30 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.2 mg

Riboflavin 0.3 mg

Niacin 5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.4 mg

Folate 30 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 25 mg

Zinc 6 mg

Selenium 35 mcg

Copper 0.3 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For variations, try substituting the steak with grilled mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Keywords: steak, cheese, rice, comfort food, easy dinner