Cheesy Steak Rice Bowl Delight (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Steak Ingredients

01 - 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin steak
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
04 - 1 teaspoon paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Queso Sauce Ingredients

07 - 2 tablespoons butter
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 ½ cups whole milk
10 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
12 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
13 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Rice Ingredients

15 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
16 - 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
17 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
18 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
19 - Salt to taste

→ Optional Garnish

20 - Chopped fresh cilantro
21 - Sliced jalapeños
22 - Avocado slices
23 - Lime wedges

# Instructions:

01 - Rinse the rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic powder and rice, stirring to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in water or chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
02 - Pat steak dry and rub with olive oil. Season both sides with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak for 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness and desired doneness. Remove and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute. Pour in milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, allowing each batch to melt. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
04 - Spoon rice onto plates. Top with sliced steak. Generously spoon warm queso sauce over the steak. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, avocado slices, and lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - Flank steak or sirloin both work well for this recipe
02 - Can adjust spice level by modifying chili powder or adding jalapeños
03 - Best served immediately to maintain sauce and steak temperature