Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
- In a bowl, mix powdered garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Rub mixture over steak and let rest for 15–30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add rice and stir to coat in oil.
- Pour in broth, season with a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce to a simmer for 18–20 minutes until rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook steak 3–4 minutes per side (depending on thickness).
- Rest steak for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Step 4: Make the Queso Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic and jalapeños (if using).
- Stir in milk, bring just to a simmer.
- Slowly whisk in cheese, one handful at a time, until smooth.
- Add cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
- Scoop rice into bowls.
- Top with sliced steak.
- Generously drizzle with warm queso sauce.
- Add avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve immediately!
Notes
🥄 Variations
Chicken Queso Bowl: Substitute grilled chicken for steak Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or hot sauce to the queso Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice Loaded Version: Add black beans, corn, or pico de gallo Vegetarian: Swap steak for grilled mushrooms or tofu 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store components separately for 3–4 days Reheating: Microwave or gently heat on the stove (add a splash of milk to queso) Freezer: Queso doesn’t freeze well, but rice and steak can be frozen for up to 2 months ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use store-bought queso?
Yes, but homemade queso tastes fresher and richer. How do I keep queso from clumping?
Add cheese slowly and whisk constantly over low heat. Can I use instant rice?
Yes—adjust cook time accordingly. Is it spicy?
It’s mildly spicy; omit jalapeño for a milder version. Can I marinate the steak overnight?
Yes—longer marination boosts flavor. What steak cut works best?
Flank, sirloin, or skirt steak are all great options. How do I make this gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free broth and ensure cheese is GF. Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely! Just store rice, steak, and queso separately. What cheese melts best?
Monterey Jack and cheddar both melt smoothly and taste great. Can I add a fried egg on top?
Yes! It adds richness and looks beautiful. 🏁 Conclusion
This Steak & Queso Rice Bowl is everything you crave in a single dish—tender meat, creamy cheese, hearty rice, and fresh toppings. Whether it's taco night, meal prep Sunday, or a casual dinner with friends, this bowl hits the spot every time. 🥩🧀🌿 Grab your fork (and maybe a tortilla chip), and dig into this bold and satisfying Tex-Mex treat!
Chicken Queso Bowl: Substitute grilled chicken for steak Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or hot sauce to the queso Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice Loaded Version: Add black beans, corn, or pico de gallo Vegetarian: Swap steak for grilled mushrooms or tofu 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store components separately for 3–4 days Reheating: Microwave or gently heat on the stove (add a splash of milk to queso) Freezer: Queso doesn’t freeze well, but rice and steak can be frozen for up to 2 months ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use store-bought queso?
Yes, but homemade queso tastes fresher and richer. How do I keep queso from clumping?
Add cheese slowly and whisk constantly over low heat. Can I use instant rice?
Yes—adjust cook time accordingly. Is it spicy?
It’s mildly spicy; omit jalapeño for a milder version. Can I marinate the steak overnight?
Yes—longer marination boosts flavor. What steak cut works best?
Flank, sirloin, or skirt steak are all great options. How do I make this gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free broth and ensure cheese is GF. Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely! Just store rice, steak, and queso separately. What cheese melts best?
Monterey Jack and cheddar both melt smoothly and taste great. Can I add a fried egg on top?
Yes! It adds richness and looks beautiful. 🏁 Conclusion
This Steak & Queso Rice Bowl is everything you crave in a single dish—tender meat, creamy cheese, hearty rice, and fresh toppings. Whether it's taco night, meal prep Sunday, or a casual dinner with friends, this bowl hits the spot every time. 🥩🧀🌿 Grab your fork (and maybe a tortilla chip), and dig into this bold and satisfying Tex-Mex treat!