The Art of Ultimate Steak Queso Rice Casserole Perfection

Perfect Steak Searing Mastery

Master the technique of properly searing steak pieces to lock in juices and flavor.

Queso Sauce Excellence

Learn the skill of creating smooth, creamy cheese sauce without breaking or graininess.

Rice Cooking Perfection

Perfect the method of cooking rice to ideal texture that holds up during baking.

Flavor Layering Technique

Master the art of building complex flavors through proper seasoning and ingredient timing.

Casserole Assembly Strategy

Learn optimal layering and baking techniques for perfectly cooked, golden casserole.

Casserole Mastery Secrets for Perfect Steak Queso Rice Combination

Steak Quality: Use well-marbled cuts like ribeye for maximum tenderness and flavor in the casserole.

Rice Texture: Don't overcook rice as it will continue cooking in the oven during baking.

Cheese Melting: Remove sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent breaking and graininess.

Assembly Strategy: Layer ingredients evenly to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.

Resting Time: Allow casserole to rest after baking for easier serving and better texture.

Make-Ahead: Assemble casserole up to 24 hours ahead, add breadcrumbs just before baking.

Ultimate Steak Queso Rice Casserole with Tender Beef and Melted Cheese

Name: Ultimate Steak Queso Rice Casserole with Tender Beef and Melted Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: For the Perfect Steak:; 2 pounds ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon steak seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; For the Rice Base:; 2 cups long-grain white rice; 4 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon salt; For the Queso Sauce:; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 12 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; For the Flavor Enhancers:; 1 large onion, diced; 2 bell peppers, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; For the Vegetable Mix:; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1 can diced tomatoes, drained; 4 oz diced green chiles; 1/2 cup green onions, chopped; For the Seasoning Blend:; 1 tablespoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder

The ultimate steak queso rice casserole featuring perfectly seasoned tender beef, creamy melted cheese sauce, and fluffy rice baked to golden perfection. This hearty comfort food masterpiece combines the rich, savory flavors of seasoned steak with the creamy indulgence of queso cheese and perfectly cooked rice, creating an unforgettable casserole experience that elevates the classic rice casserole to extraordinary heights perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave the perfect balance of protein, cheese, and satisfying comfort flavors.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

45 Minutes

Total Time

65 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Perfect Steak:

2 pounds ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon steak seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Rice Base:

2 cups long-grain white rice

4 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon salt

For the Queso Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

12 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

For the Flavor Enhancers:

1 large onion, diced

2 bell peppers, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

For the Vegetable Mix:

1 cup frozen corn kernels

1 can diced tomatoes, drained

4 oz diced green chiles

1/2 cup green onions, chopped

For the Seasoning Blend:

1 tablespoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Addition:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup heavy cream

For the Topping Layer:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons melted butter

1/2 cup additional cheddar cheese

Fresh cilantro for garnish

For the Assembly:

Cooking spray for casserole dish

Aluminum foil

For Special Equipment:

Large cast iron skillet

9x13 inch baking dish

Large saucepan

Whisk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and spray 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook rice in beef broth with butter and salt until tender and fluffy.

Season steak pieces with steak seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Heat olive oil in large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear steak pieces in batches until browned on all sides but still tender.

Remove steak from skillet and set aside to rest while preparing vegetables.

In same skillet, sauté onion and bell peppers until softened and translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for additional minute until fragrant throughout.

Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder and cook spices for 30 seconds.

For queso sauce, melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk in flour to create smooth roux and cook for 2 minutes.

Gradually add milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Cook sauce until thickened, then remove from heat completely.

Stir in cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream until smooth.

Add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted.

Season queso sauce with salt and pepper to taste preferences.

In large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice with sautéed vegetables.

Add seared steak pieces, corn, diced tomatoes, and green chiles.

Pour queso sauce over rice mixture and stir until evenly coated.

Add Worcestershire sauce and chopped green onions, mixing gently.

Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and additional cheddar cheese.

Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over top of casserole surface.

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes until heated through.

Remove foil and bake additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Let rest 10 minutes before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro.

Ultimate Steak Queso Rice Casserole with Tender Beef and Melted Cheese

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Steak Queso Rice Casserole Perfection

Ultimate Steak Queso Rice Casserole with Tender Beef and Melted Cheese

Ingredients

Instructions