Looking for a quick, weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? Tired of the same old healthy recipes? Then you absolutely need Creamy Queso Rice Steak Strips in your life! These aren’t just your average steak strips; they’re tender, juicy pieces simmered in a creamy, cheesy queso sauce, served over fluffy rice. It’s unbelievably simple to make, packed with flavor, and surprisingly good for you. Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll make again and again, even on your busiest evenings. I bet even my kids love it!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, my Abuela always had a pot of rice simmering on the stove. It was a staple, a comforting base for everything from simple beans to elaborate stews. When I traveled through Mexico, I fell in love with the bold, spicy flavors of authentic queso. Combining those two influences, that’s how Creamy Queso Rice Steak Strips was born and it brings warmth and flavor that reminds me of home, wherever I am. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special.
Ingredients
For the Steak Strips:
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Queso Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded queso cheese (Monterey Jack or Oaxaca work well)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
For the Rice:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or your favorite)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
Prep the Steak: In a bowl, combine the steak strips with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat.
Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Queso Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Create the Creamy Base: Pour in the milk and bring to a simmer. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth.
Add Cheese and Flavor: Stir in the shredded queso cheese until melted and creamy. Add the chopped cilantro and minced jalapeño (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Heat: Add the cooked steak strips back to the skillet with the queso sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.
Serve: Spoon the creamy queso steak strips over the cooked rice. Garnish with extra cilantro, if desired. Enjoy your Creamy Queso Rice Steak Strips!
Creamy Queso Rice Steak Strips
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine the steak strips with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat.1 pound sirloin steak, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, to taste salt, to taste pepper
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.1 pound sirloin steak
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.1 tablespoon butter, 1/2 cup diced onion, 1 clove garlic
- Pour in the milk and bring to a simmer. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth.1 cup milk, 4 ounces cream cheese
- Stir in the shredded queso cheese until melted and creamy. Add the chopped cilantro and minced jalapeño (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.1 cup shredded queso cheese, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 jalapeño, to taste salt, to taste pepper
- Add the cooked steak strips back to the skillet with the queso sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.1 pound sirloin steak
- Spoon the creamy queso steak strips over the cooked rice. Garnish with extra cilantro, if desired. Enjoy your Creamy Queso Rice Steak Strips!2 cups cooked rice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
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