Cheesy Steak Rice is a hearty and flavorful one-pot dish that combines tender steak, savory rice, and gooey melted cheese for a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. The steak is cooked to perfection, then paired with seasoned rice and melted cheese, making each bite a perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and satisfying flavors. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you’re craving something that’s both easy and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Steak Rice is a deliciously comforting meal that’s full of flavor and texture. The tender, juicy steak pairs perfectly with the soft, seasoned rice, and the melty cheese adds that rich, creamy touch that makes it even more indulgent. It’s a one-pan dish that’s simple to make, packed with protein, and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you want a quick dinner, a filling lunch, or something to feed a crowd, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or your favorite cut), cut into thin strips
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups beef broth (or water)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the steak)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the steak: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the steak strips with salt, pepper, and optional cumin and paprika for extra flavor. Cook the steak strips for 3-5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Cook the onion and garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Cook the rice: Add the rice to the skillet with the onions and garlic, stirring for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice slightly. Pour in the beef broth, bring it to a simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Combine the steak and cheese: Once the rice is cooked, return the cooked steak to the skillet, stirring to combine. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the rice and steak, then cover the skillet for another 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Serve: Once the cheese is melted and everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Spicy Cheesy Steak Rice: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes to the onion and garlic mixture for a spicy kick.
Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the rice mixture for added color and nutrition.
Different Cheese: Swap the cheddar cheese for other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Ground Beef Version: Instead of steak strips, use ground beef for a quicker and more affordable version of this dish.
Low-Carb Version: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option while keeping the flavors the same.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Cheesy Steak Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth or water to keep it moist. You may want to add a small amount of cheese on top while reheating to get that melty cheese effect.

Cheesy Steak Rice

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of steak?

Yes! You can use any cut of steak you prefer, such as ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak. Just make sure to slice the steak thinly for easier cooking and better flavor absorption.

2. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes! You can cook everything ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat and enjoy.

3. Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! If you love cheesy dishes, feel free to add more cheese to the rice or top it with extra cheese before serving. A mixture of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar would work great.

4. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes! While long-grain rice works best, you can use other types of rice like jasmine rice or brown rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio for different types of rice.

5. How do I keep the rice from being too dry?

If the rice seems dry while cooking, add a little more beef broth or water and cover the skillet to let the steam cook the rice more evenly.

6. Can I use ground beef instead of steak?

Yes, you can use ground beef if you prefer. Just cook the ground beef thoroughly before adding it to the rice. Ground beef also cooks faster than steak, so it can be a quicker option.

7. Can I freeze Cheesy Steak Rice?

Yes, you can freeze the dish! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

8. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Yes, you can add any vegetables you like! Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the rice mixture to increase the flavor and nutritional value.

9. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture for more heat. You can also use a spicy cheese like pepper jack.

10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether. You can also substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative or omit it for a lighter version.

Conclusion

Cheesy Steak Rice is a hearty and flavorful meal that combines savory steak, seasoned rice, and gooey cheese into a comforting, one-pot dish. Whether you’re cooking for the family or making a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. The creamy cheese and tender steak pair beautifully with the rice, making it a filling and delicious meal. Try it out today, and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness in every bite!