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.

Steak and Queso Rice Recipe – 1 Bold Bowl for Comfort & Protein

Name: Steak and Queso Rice – The Ultimate High-Protein Comfort Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
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

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