Steak and Queso Rice – The Ultimate High-Protein Comfort Bowl

Steak and queso rice is your new favorite high-protein comfort meal—juicy sirloin, seasoned rice, and creamy queso all in one bold bowl.

By
Elena Brooks
Update on
June 29, 2025

Steak and Queso Rice – The Ultimate High-Protein Comfort Bowl

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There’s something truly comforting about the warm, savory combo of steak and queso rice—a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl but still packs enough protein to power you through the busiest days. In this article, I’ll walk you through my personal journey with this satisfying high-protein favorite, from how it became a staple in my kitchen to the ingredients, cooking steps, and flavorful add-ins that make it so crave-worthy. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for a crowd, this steak queso and rice dish is a total win.

Table of Contents

My Story Behind This Steak Queso Rice Bowl

Steak Queso Rice and Finding Strength in Food

Hi, I’m Elena Brooks from Denver, Colorado. I used to dread dinner—not just the cooking, but the guilt that came after eating something that didn’t fuel me. It all changed when I stepped into my first fitness class and realized food didn’t need to be restrictive. It just needed to work for me. That’s when I began experimenting with high-protein meals that felt indulgent but helped me rebuild energy and confidence.

One night, craving something cheesy and bold after a long run, I pulled together some leftover rice, steak slices, and a jar of white queso. What happened next was magic—comfort food that was nourishing, filling, and full of flavor. This simple but powerful combo of steak and queso rice became a weeknight hero for me. It’s fast, satisfying, and always leaves me feeling fueled rather than sluggish.

Why Steak Queso and Rice Just Works

There’s a reason this dish keeps showing up in my meal rotation. You get juicy sirloin steak, nutty rice seasoned with garlic, cumin, and herbs, all blanketed with warm white queso. It’s the kind of flavor layering you find in your favorite Tex-Mex bowl—but made at home with clean ingredients and no fuss. The richness of the cheese balances the lean protein from the steak and the starch from the rice in a way that hits every craving.

I love pairing it with a side like my Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl when entertaining, or following it with a lighter dish like the One Pan Bold Honey BBQ Chicken Rice for variety in my weekly meal prep.

This dish reminds me that healthy doesn’t have to be bland. It can be bold, cheesy, and exactly what your body needs.

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steak and queso rice bowl in ceramic dish

Steak and Queso Rice – The Ultimate High-Protein Comfort Bowl

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  • Author: Elena Brooks
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Total Time: 40
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Description

This steak and queso rice recipe is the ultimate high-protein comfort bowl. It’s loaded with seasoned sirloin steak, fluffy tomato-garlic rice, and creamy white queso—all layered together in one satisfying dish.


Ingredients

1 cup of long grain white rice

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon of minced garlic

2 cups of chicken broth

8 ounces of tomato sauce

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

1 teaspoon of ground cumin

1 teaspoon of dried cilantro

1 pound of sirloin steak, sliced

2 tablespoons of butter

Montreal steak spice, to taste

Pancho’s White Queso, for drizzling

Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnishing

Flour tortillas, for serving


Instructions

1. Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet. Toast rice until lightly browned.

2. Add onion and garlic. Sauté until translucent and fragrant.

3. Pour in chicken broth and tomato sauce. Stir well.

4. Add salt, pepper, cumin, and dried cilantro.

5. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 20 minutes.

6. Turn off heat and let rice sit covered for 10 minutes.

7. In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.

8. Add steak slices, season with Montreal spice, and sear until done.

9. Fluff rice and serve on a platter or bowls.

10. Top with seared steak and drizzle with queso.

11. Garnish with cilantro and serve with tortillas.


Notes

Use pre-cooked rice for a quicker version.

Pancho’s White Queso is best, but any smooth queso works.

Steak can be swapped with grilled chicken or tofu for variety.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Ingredients, Cooking Tips & Variations

Essential Ingredients for the Best Flavor

To make the perfect steak queso and rice bowl, it all starts with bold, balanced ingredients. Long-grain white rice provides a fluffy, neutral base that soaks up every bit of flavor from the cumin-spiced tomato broth. You’ll sauté onion and garlic first—these are the real flavor-builders—then simmer the rice in chicken broth and tomato sauce to make it savory and slightly smoky.

For the steak, go with sirloin. It’s lean, cooks quickly, and delivers big on beefy flavor. Slice it thin and season generously with Montreal steak spice before searing it in butter. This seasoning gives your steak a punchy crust without overpowering the dish. For the finishing touch, drizzle Pancho’s White Queso (or any creamy white queso) over the top—mild, rich, and smooth, it pulls everything together.

Don’t skip the fresh cilantro garnish—it’s a small addition that brightens up the whole bowl. For a quick wrap option, serve everything in a warm tortilla, much like we do in the Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wrap Recipe.

Best Substitutions and High-Protein Add-ins

This bowl is endlessly adaptable. You can substitute brown rice or even cauliflower rice if you’re watching carbs or want more fiber. Want a spicier kick? Stir in diced jalapeños or top with a splash of hot sauce before serving.

To pack even more protein into your steak and queso rice bowl, add black beans, chopped grilled peppers, or even a few avocado slices for creaminess. It’s similar to the heartiness you’ll find in our Smothered Chicken and Rice—but with a Tex-Mex edge.

If you’re short on time, try pre-cooked rice and leftover grilled steak. Just reheat with a splash of broth to freshen it up. And for meal-prep lovers, this recipe holds up well in the fridge for up to four days, making it perfect for weekday lunches or high-protein dinners.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Cook the Rice to Perfection

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the rice and stir constantly—this toasting step helps develop a deep, nutty flavor and gives the grains a slightly firmer texture. Once the rice begins to brown slightly (but not burn), stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the mixture is fragrant and the onions turn translucent.

cooking tomato rice for queso steak bowl
Sautéing seasoned rice to soak up all the flavor

Next, add chicken broth and tomato sauce. Season it with cumin, dried cilantro, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring everything to a boil. Let it boil for 2 minutes to activate the spices, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let the rice cook undisturbed for 20 minutes. Don’t lift the lid—this traps steam, which makes the rice tender and fluffy.

After 20 minutes, turn off the heat but keep the lid on. Let the rice sit for another 10 minutes to finish absorbing the flavors. This trick ensures perfect texture and helps the seasoning settle deep into the grains.

We use a similar simmer-and-sit technique in dishes like the Turmeric Chickpea Rice Bowl, which shows just how much flavor rice can carry when treated right.

Pan-Sear That Steak Just Right

While your rice rests, heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and let it melt completely. Drop in your thinly sliced sirloin steak and season it generously with Montreal steak spice. Don’t overcrowd the pan—give the steak room to sear.

Cook for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from heat and set aside. The butter helps caramelize the spice rub, locking in flavor while keeping the steak juicy.

steak searing in skillet for queso rice
Searing steak until tender and flavorful

Just like in our Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Pasta, a good sear is key to deep flavor.

Now you’re ready for the fun part: building your bowl.

Assembly, Serving, and Leftover Ideas

Bringing It All Together

Once your rice has finished resting, fluff it gently with a fork—no mashing or stirring too hard. Spoon the seasoned rice onto a serving platter or into bowls as your base. Layer the tender steak slices over the rice, then come in with the star: a liberal drizzle of warm white queso.

You want the queso to melt slightly into the hot steak and rice, forming a creamy coating that ties all the textures and flavors together. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve this hearty bowl with warm flour tortillas on the side—you can scoop, wrap, or devour it with a fork.

served steak queso and rice with tortilla
A high-protein dish worth repeating

This setup is perfect for family-style dinners or meal prep. Just like our Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles, it hits every note: savory, creamy, and deeply satisfying.

Leftovers & Creative Twists

If you have leftovers—and you might not—this steak and queso rice stores beautifully. Keep it in airtight containers for up to four days in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist, and heat gently on the stove or microwave.

Looking to remix your leftovers? Wrap them into a burrito with shredded lettuce and beans, or layer them into stuffed bell peppers and bake with extra cheese on top. You can also serve the mixture over salad greens for a steak queso rice bowl that’s lighter but still protein-rich.

For more ways to repurpose protein-packed meals, check out our Crockpot Steak and Potato Bake or Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps—they’re just as adaptable and crowd-pleasing.

FAQs About Steak and Queso Rice

Is queso good on rice?

Absolutely. Queso adds a rich, creamy texture that enhances the flavor of seasoned rice. It complements the spices in Tex-Mex–style dishes and gives the bowl a smooth, savory finish. It’s especially delicious when paired with garlic, cumin, or cilantro-seasoned rice.

Do cheese and steak go together?

Yes—steak and cheese are a classic pairing. Whether it’s a Philly cheesesteak or a steak and queso bowl, the umami of grilled beef balances beautifully with creamy or sharp cheeses. In this recipe, white queso brings mildness and melts into the savory steak.

What cheese works best with steak?

White cheeses like Monterey Jack, Queso Blanco, or Pancho’s White Queso work beautifully with steak. They melt smoothly, have a subtle flavor that won’t overpower the meat, and blend well with Tex-Mex spices. Avoid sharp cheeses if you want a mellow finish.

What rice does Texas Roadhouse use?

Texas Roadhouse serves a seasoned rice pilaf that’s typically made with long-grain rice, spices like paprika and garlic, and cooked in a flavorful broth. For this steak queso rice bowl, we use long-grain white rice simmered in tomato sauce and chicken broth for similar depth.

What sides to serve with steak?

Some great sides include roasted vegetables, black beans, corn salad, or tortillas. For a complete Tex-Mex vibe, consider a side of street corn or a light cabbage slaw. You could also pair this bowl with a citrusy avocado salad to balance the richness.

What makes Mexican restaurant queso so good?

Mexican restaurant queso is usually made with high-quality white cheeses, cream, and green chilies or jalapeños for flavor. It’s smooth, slightly spicy, and crafted to be ultra-melty. Heating it slowly and using fresh dairy ingredients gives it that signature restaurant taste.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt about it—steak and queso rice isn’t just a meal, it’s comfort and fuel in one bowl. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or stocking up your fridge with high-protein meals for the week, this recipe delivers on every level. Juicy steak, seasoned rice, and creamy queso come together in a way that’s satisfying, affordable, and completely crave-worthy.

Try it once and you’ll understand why it’s a regular in my kitchen. Fuel up, feel full, and enjoy food that works as hard as you do.
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