Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound flank or sirloin steak
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 and 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for rice)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for rice)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional garnish)
- Avocado slices (optional garnish)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in whole milk and gently simmer.
- Rinse rice under cold water. Heat olive oil in a pot, add rice and garlic powder, toast for 2 minutes. Add broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to boil, cover, reduce to low, simmer 18-20 minutes until tender.
- Transfer steak to a board, let rest 5-10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Pat steak dry, rub with olive oil, and season evenly with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to warm milk, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Slice cilantro, lime, avocado, and jalapeños for garnish.
- Heat a large skillet until very hot. Sear seasoned steak for 4-5 minutes per side until desired doneness (4 min for medium-rare, 5 min for medium).
- Divide rice among plates, arrange steak on top, spoon warm queso sauce over both. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, avocado, and lime as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Let the steak rest before slicing for juicier meat.
- Toast rice before cooking to enhance flavor.
- Adjust queso seasoning to taste for spiciness and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing & Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg