Name: Cheesy Steak & Queso Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon taco seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 small onion, sliced; 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or Mexican-style); 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon flour; 1 cup milk (or half-and-half); 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

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This Cheesy Steak & Queso Rice is a bold, hearty dish that brings together tender strips of steak, fluffy rice, sautéed peppers, and a rich pepper jack queso sauce. I love how it packs in smoky, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors all in one skillet. Best of all, it’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that still feels indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, filling, and layered with flavor. The steak is seasoned and seared until tender, the peppers add color and crunch, and the queso ties everything together with creamy, spicy richness. It’s a versatile dish too—I can serve it as a skillet meal, wrap it in tortillas for cheesy steak burritos, or even top it with fresh salsa and guacamole for a Tex-Mex feast. Cheesy Steak & Queso Rice

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or Mexican-style)
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Directions

I season the sliced steak with taco seasoning and set it aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I heat olive oil and sear the steak strips for 2–3 minutes per side until browned but still tender. I remove them and set aside.
In the same skillet, I sauté the peppers and onion until softened and slightly charred, then set them aside with the steak.
In a saucepan, I melt butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux. I slowly pour in the milk, whisking until smooth and thickened.
I stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese until melted into a creamy queso sauce.
I add the cooked rice, steak, peppers, and onions back into the skillet and pour the queso sauce over everything. I stir until well combined and heated through.
I season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4–6 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in around 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap steak for chicken or shrimp for a different protein.
For extra spice, I add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the queso.
I like topping it with avocado slices, pico de gallo, or sour cream for freshness.
To make it low-carb, I use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet with a splash of milk to loosen the queso sauce. I avoid freezing this dish since the cheese sauce can separate.

FAQs

What cut of steak works best?

I prefer flank or skirt steak because they’re flavorful and cook quickly, but sirloin also works well.

Can I make the queso sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare it ahead and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to smooth it out before mixing with the rice.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild kick from the pepper jack, but I adjust the heat with more or less taco seasoning or chili flakes.

Can I use store-bought queso?

Yes, when I want to save time, I stir in premade queso instead of making the sauce from scratch.

What sides go well with this dish?

I like serving it with a simple salad, tortilla chips, or roasted corn on the cob.

Conclusion

Cheesy Steak & Queso Rice is a quick, flavorful skillet meal that combines tender steak, colorful veggies, and creamy pepper jack queso into one irresistible dish. I love making it for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings when I want something fun, filling, and delicious on the table fast.