Steak & Queso

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Introduction

If you’re a fan of savory, mouthwatering steak and creamy, melty queso, then Steak & Queso is a dish that’s destined to win your heart. This combination brings together two beloved flavors, transforming a simple steak meal into something special and indulgent. With perfectly cooked, tender steak and a rich, cheesy sauce, Steak & Queso offers the ideal blend of textures and flavors for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

In this article, we’ll explore why Steak & Queso is a must-try meal, provide step-by-step instructions on how to make it, and share some tips and variations to help you make this recipe your own. Whether you’re a steak lover, a queso enthusiast, or both, this fusion dish will have you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Savory: The combination of succulent, juicy steak with the velvety richness of queso creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile. The steak provides a meaty, savory foundation, while the queso adds a creamy, cheesy element.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its decadent taste, this recipe is simple and quick to prepare. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a fun option for a weekend BBQ.
• Versatile: You can adjust the recipe to suit your preferences, from the level of spice in the queso to the cut of steak you choose.
• Indulgent and Filling: This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it an excellent option for when you want a meal that’s both filling and packed with flavor.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether for a celebration or a casual dinner, Steak & Queso makes for a memorable and crowd-pleasing dish.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 45 minutes (10 minutes for prep, 30 minutes for cooking, 5 minutes for assembly)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings, depending on the size of your steak portions.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 600, Protein: 50g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 40g (Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients used).

Ingredients

Steak:

• 2 Ribeye Steaks (8 oz each): Ribeye is an excellent choice for this recipe due to its tenderness and marbling, which adds flavor. You can also use other cuts like sirloin or flank steak if you prefer.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the steaks.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: To sear the steaks and ensure a flavorful crust.
• 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness when finishing the steaks.

Queso:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: A sharp cheddar works well for a rich flavor. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
• 1 cup milk: To create a creamy consistency.
• 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the queso sauce.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: To thicken the queso sauce.
• 1 small jalapeño: Finely chopped, for a bit of heat. You can omit this for a milder version.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced, for added depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note to the queso.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Enhances the flavor with a bit of smokiness.
• Salt & pepper: For seasoning to taste.

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped cilantro: For a fresh, herby finish.
• Sliced green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Sour cream: For extra creaminess and tang.
• Sliced avocado: Adds a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the queso.

For Serving:

• Warm tortillas: Serve the steak and queso with flour or corn tortillas for a handheld meal, or over rice for a heartier option.

Step-by-Step

Preparation

First Step: COOK THE STEAK

1. Season the Steaks: Start by seasoning both sides of the ribeye steaks generously with salt and pepper. This helps bring out the natural flavor of the meat.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This ensures a nice sear on the steaks.
3. Sear the Steaks: Place the steaks in the hot pan, making sure they don’t overlap. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak and your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).
4. Finish with Butter: Once the steaks are seared, add the butter to the pan. As it melts, spoon the melted butter over the steaks for extra flavor and richness. Allow the steaks to rest for about 5 minutes after cooking.
5. Slice the Steaks: Once rested, slice the steaks against the grain into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. This will make them tender and easier to eat with the queso.

Second Step: MAKE THE QUESO SAUCE

1. Prepare the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux. This will help thicken the queso sauce.
2. Add Milk: Slowly add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
3. Add the Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
4. Melt the Cheese: Lower the heat to low and begin adding the shredded cheddar cheese, a little at a time. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Adjust Consistency: If the queso is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Third Step: ASSEMBLE THE DISH

1. Prepare the Plate: On a large platter or individual plates, arrange the sliced steak in the center. If using tortillas, warm them up and place them on the side for wrapping.
2. Pour the Queso: Generously drizzle the warm queso sauce over the steak, allowing it to pool around the meat. Be sure to cover every bite with the creamy, cheesy goodness.
3. Garnish: Top with your choice of garnishes—chopped cilantro, green onions, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the Steak & Queso with warm tortillas or over rice, and enjoy the hearty, indulgent combination of flavors.

How to Serve Steak & Queso

Steak & Queso is a versatile dish that can be served in several ways. Here are some great serving ideas:

1. As a Main Course with Tortillas

The classic way to serve Steak & Queso is by providing warm tortillas for wrapping the steak and queso mixture. This creates a handheld meal that’s perfect for a casual dinner or BBQ. You can also serve this as a taco-style dish with toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

2. Over Rice for a Hearty Meal

If you’re looking for a more filling option, serve the Steak & Queso over a bed of fluffy rice. The creamy queso complements the rice perfectly, and it makes for a satisfying, comfort-food-style dish.

3. As a Party Dish or Appetizer

This recipe can also be scaled up to serve as an appetizer or party dish. Set up a taco bar with all the toppings and let guests assemble their own Steak & Queso wraps or bowls. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy this delicious meal.

4. With a Side of Veggies

To balance the richness of the steak and queso, consider serving a side of grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. The lightness of the veggies contrasts nicely with the indulgence of the steak and queso.

Recipe Variations

While the base recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, there are several ways you can tweak it to make it your own:

1. Adjust the Spice Level

If you like your food spicy, you can increase the amount of jalapeño in the queso or add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder version, omit the jalapeño or use a milder pepper.

2. Use Different Cuts of Steak

While ribeye is a popular choice for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use other cuts of steak, such as flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin. Each cut offers a slightly different texture and flavor profile, so feel free to experiment.

3. Make it Gluten-Free

For a gluten-free version of this dish, simply substitute the flour in the queso with a gluten-free alternative, such as cornstarch or rice flour. You can also use gluten-free tortillas or serve the dish over rice for a satisfying, gluten-free meal.

4. Add Vegetables

To make the dish more balanced, you can add sautéed vegetables to the steak and queso mixture. Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms are all great choices that add extra flavor and texture.

Tips for Perfect Steak & Queso

1. Don’t Overcook the Steak: For the best results, be sure to cook the steak to your desired level of doneness. Overcooking it can lead to a dry steak, so keep an eye on the temperature and use a meat thermometer if necessary.
2. Keep the Queso Warm: To keep the queso creamy and pourable, serve it immediately or keep it warm in a slow cooker or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from thickening too much.
3. Choose High-Quality Cheese: The flavor of your queso depends on the cheese you use. Opt for a good-quality cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for the best results.
4. Rest the Steak: After cooking the steak, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender, juicy steak.

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Conclusion

Steak & Queso is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines two beloved foods into one irresistible meal. With juicy, tender steak paired with rich, creamy queso, this dish is perfect for a special occasion, a casual dinner, or a fun gathering with friends. Whether you serve it with tortillas, over rice, or on its own, Steak & Queso is sure to be a hit every time. Try it today and indulge in the ultimate combination of savory and cheesy goodness!