Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Steak Queso Rice Bowl is a delightful dish that brings together the richness of flank steak, the creaminess of queso cheese, and colorful, fresh veggies. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering with friends, it’s a comfort food that checks all the boxes—tasty, filling, and super satisfying. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
"I made this for my family last week, and they can’t stop raving about it! Even my picky eater loved it!" – Happy Home Cook
How to Make Steak Queso Rice Bowl
Crafting this delicious bowl is a breeze! Begin by seasoning and cooking your flank steak to perfection while simultaneously heating your toppings. Then, combine your staples into a vibrant base of rice, black beans, and corn. Finally, layer it all together for an unforgettable meal that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Ingredients
To get started on this flavorful experience, gather the following items:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 pound flank steak sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup queso cheese sauce
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 avocado diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Substitution Tips: If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works beautifully in place of white rice. Alternatively, you could swap flank steak for grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist!
Directions
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced flank steak and season it with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the steak is browned and reaches your desired doneness. Set it aside.
In a separate pot, gently warm the queso cheese sauce on low heat until it’s smooth and creamy.
In a large bowl, combine your cooked white rice, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Mix everything well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
To build your bowls, divide the rice mixture among serving bowls. Top each bowl with a generous portion of cooked steak, a drizzle of warm queso cheese sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh diced avocado.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a fresh squeeze over the top.
Serving Suggestions
These steak bowls are packed with flavor and texture, making them a standalone meal. However, if you’re looking to round out your dining experience, consider pairing it with a fresh garden salad or some crispy tortilla chips. For an added crunch, think about topping your bowls with sliced jalapeños or crispy fried onions for texture and kick. They’re also fantastic with a side of guacamole or a refreshing mango salsa, adding even more depth to the dish.
Storage & Reheating
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to three days. If you want to save them for longer, consider freezing the steak mixture and the rice separately for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat your bowl on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s piping hot.
Pro Tips
- For optimal flavor, allow your flank steak to marinate in the spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the taste and tenderness of the meat.
- If you’re short on time, consider using pre-cooked rice or microwaveable rice packets to speed up your cooking process.
- Adding a splash of taco sauce or a sprinkle of cheese on top right before serving can elevate the flavors even further.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this dish! You can switch up the protein by using shrimp or tofu for different flavor profiles. If you’re in the mood for something spicy, try adding jalapeños or a chipotle sauce for a smoky kick. For a fresher flavor, diced bell peppers or corn salsa can be swapped in to make this bowl even more vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans?
Absolutely! Black beans can be replaced with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas, depending on your preference.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these bowls store well, allowing you to meal prep for the week. Just assemble ingredients separately for maximum freshness.
What’s the best cheese for a quesadilla?
Queso is great, but if you’re looking to shake things up, consider using shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese for an extra flavor boost.
- Quick Dinner Ideas
- Easy One-Pan Meals
Steak Queso Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful dish combining flank steak, creamy queso cheese, and vibrant, fresh veggies, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 pound flank steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup queso cheese sauce
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced flank steak and season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned to your desired doneness. Set aside.
- In a separate pot, gently warm the queso cheese sauce on low heat until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked white rice, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Mix well.
- Divide the rice mixture among serving bowls, topping each with cooked steak, warm queso cheese sauce, and diced avocado.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
For optimal flavor, marinate flank steak in spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Consider using pre-cooked rice for quicker preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg