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Steak & Rice Bowl with Queso Sauce

Steak & Rice Bowl with Queso Sauce
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This Steak & Rice Bowl with Queso Sauce is a quick, easy, and flavor-packed meal combining tender, juicy steak, fluffy long-grain white rice, and a creamy, cheesy queso sauce. Enhanced with sautéed bell peppers and onions, fresh lime juice, and aromatic spices, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a comforting lunch. Customizable and gluten-free, this dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and rich tastes that will satisfy any craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak and Seasoning

  • 1 lb flank or skirt steak
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Juice of 1 lime

Rice

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups water or chicken/vegetable broth

Queso Sauce

  • 1 cup queso cheese blend
  • 1 cup milk (adjust for desired consistency)
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables

  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced

Optional Garnishes

  • Lime wedges
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Chopped green onions
  • Smoked paprika (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice: Cook the long-grain white rice according to package instructions using water or broth for added flavor. Aim for fluffy, separate grains that will soak up the queso sauce perfectly. While the rice cooks, prepare the remaining ingredients.
  2. Marinate and Cook the Steak: Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches your preferred doneness. Once cooked, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan used for the steak, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté until softened and slightly caramelized, which enhances their natural sweetness and adds a savory contrast to the bowl.
  4. Make the Queso Sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the queso cheese blend, milk, and chili powder. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the milk amount to achieve your desired creamy consistency.
  5. Assemble the Bowl: In each serving bowl, layer warm rice first, followed by the sautéed vegetables and sliced steak. Generously drizzle the creamy queso sauce over the top. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Notes

  • Rest your steak after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Use high-quality cheese for a smooth and flavorful queso sauce.
  • Cooking rice with broth instead of water adds additional depth of flavor.
  • Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  • Adjust milk quantity in queso sauce to control its creaminess.
  • Store leftover components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
  • Reheat steak and rice with a splash of water or broth to keep moist; warm queso sauce gently while stirring.

Nutrition

Keywords: steak rice bowl, queso sauce, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, gluten free, meal prep, Tex-Mex bowl, creamy queso, flank steak recipe

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/steak-rice-bowl-with-queso-sauce/