Thank you—truly—for coming back for another recipe. Every time you try something new from my kitchen, it feels like we’re cooking together, laughing over the sizzles, the smells, and the oh-my-goodness moments. And this one? Oh, you’re going to LOVE it.
Cheesy Steak & Queso Rice is warm, creamy, savory, and unbelievably comforting. Think tender taco-seasoned steak, melty pepper jack cheese, fluffy rice, and buttery peppers all cooked in one skillet. It’s simple, hearty, and anything but boring!!
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What Is Cheesy Steak & Queso Rice?
This is a one-pan, Tex-Mex-inspired comfort dish where juicy seasoned steak meets creamy queso-style rice. It’s easy, cheesy, loaded with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-skillet convenience
- Warm, cheesy, melty, savory bliss
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Customizable to what you already have on hand
- Family-friendly and super satisfying
- Great leftovers (if you even have any!)
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine a bowl of creamy queso, but thicker, richer, and packed with tender steak and veggies.
The pepper jack cheese melts into the rice making it velvety and slightly spicy, while the taco seasoning gives the steak a smoky, savory flavor.
Every bite is cheesy, beefy, and perfect.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Only one pan—minimal cleanup
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- High in protein
- Great for meal prepping
- Easily adjusted for spice levels
- Freezer-friendly (just leave out the cheese until reheating)
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank or skirt steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet with lid
- Cutting board & knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater (if shredding fresh cheese)
Additions & Substitutions
Add-Ins
- Corn kernels
- Black beans
- Diced jalapeños
- Sautéed onions
- Rotel tomatoes
- A splash of hot sauce
Substitutions
- Chicken or turkey instead of steak
- Cheddar or Monterey Jack instead of pepper jack
- Chicken broth instead of beef broth
- Brown rice (increase broth & cooking time)
How to Make Cheesy Steak & Queso Rice (Step-by-Step)
1. Brown the Steak
Warm a skillet with olive oil over medium heat.
Add sliced steak, taco seasoning, salt & pepper.
Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring until browned.
Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Peppers
In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers.
Cook until soft, fragrant, and slightly caramelized.
3. Add Rice & Broth
Add rice to the skillet and stir.
Pour in beef broth.
Bring to a gentle boil.
Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15–20 minutes, until rice is fluffy.
4. Finish with Cheese
Stir steak back into the rice.
Add shredded pepper jack.
Mix until melty, creamy, and irresistible.
Serve HOT and enjoy every savory, cheesy bite.
What to Serve With Cheesy Steak & Queso Rice
- Warm tortillas
- Avocado slices
- Pico de gallo
- Cornbread
- Roasted veggies
- Simple green salad
Tips for the Best Cheesy Rice
- Slice the steak thin for tenderness.
- Let the rice sit covered 5 minutes after cooking—it finishes steaming and gets fluffier.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
- Want it creamier? Add ¼ cup heavy cream before the cheese.
- For extra depth, add a splash of lime at the end.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Up to 3–4 days
- Freeze: Up to 2 months (add cheese after reheating)
- Reheat: On the stove with a splash of broth or water
General Information
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Yes! Add it in at the end with the cheese.
Can I make this spicy?
Use hot taco seasoning, add jalapeños, or swap in spicy cheese.
Can I use instant rice?
You can—reduce broth to 1 cup and cooking time to 5 minutes.
Will cheddar melt well?
Yes! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all work great.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Steak & Queso Rice is creamy, hearty, flavorful, and so easy you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it forever. It hits every comfort-food craving in ONE pan—steak, cheese, rice, and all the Tex-Mex goodness.
If you liked this recipe, try these next:
- Cheesy Taco Rice Bake
- Queso Chicken Skillet
- One-Pot Steak Fajita Pasta
Share Your Creation!
Tried it? Tag me or share your photos on Pinterest—I’m obsessed with seeing your kitchen magic.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving — Approx.)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: varies based on taco seasoning & broth
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