Hearty Cheesy Steak & Rice Comfort

Category: Satisfying Entrées for Any Occasion

Layered with melted mozzarella and cheddar, fluffy rice meets juicy steak in this cozy bowl. Add sautéed onions and peppers at the start for bold flavor—paprika bumps it up even more if you want to toss some in. Once steak is chopped, mix it back into the cheesy rice base so every bite’s extra tasty. Grab it hot, top with green onions plus sour cream for coolness, and you’ve got a dinner that works for laid-back hangouts or busy evenings. It’s quick, filling, and keeps everyone happy.

Dana
Updated on Thu, 10 Jul 2025 18:29:51 GMT
A bowl with hearty steak, rice, peppers, and melted cheese all mixed together. Pin
A bowl with hearty steak, rice, peppers, and melted cheese all mixed together. | chefsnaps.com

Cheesy Steak and Rice tosses sizzling steak, buttery grains, and loads of melted cheese all together in one easy skillet. When I want a dinner that feels cozy but I’m low on groceries and time, I go for this one. It’s super forgiving and everyone at my place wipes their plate clean every time.

The first time I made this was just to use up odds and ends in the fridge. Now, it’s always on request anytime we’re in the mood for something rich and filling. Hot rice with steak and cheese hits the spot every single time.

Irresistible Ingredients

  • Sour cream to top: gives the best tang and creamy vibe, especially if you use the full-fat one
  • Spring onions: slice up for a fresh green pop. Choose ones that look perked up and green
  • Paprika (totally optional): adds a little warmth and color; smoked is lovely for extra flavor
  • Salt & pepper, as much as you like: brings out all the other flavors
  • Fresh garlic cloves: minced up for earthy flavor; fresh is always best
  • Yellow onion: chop for that savory punch. Grab ones with crisp skins and no mushy bits
  • Bell pepper: red or yellow, pick whichever you like best for sweetness and crunch. They should feel solid when you pick them up
  • Cheddar and mozzarella, shredded: use your own shredded cheese for max meltiness. Both kinds make it really gooey
  • Cooked rice: brown or white works. Old rice is great here because it stays nice and fluffy
  • Ribeye or sirloin steak: pick a steak with good marbling. That makes it juicy and full of flavor

Easy Step-by-Step

Dish It Out:
Scoop everything onto plates while it’s still hot. Top with dollops of sour cream and scatter more green onions over. That cool topping with the cheesy rice just works wonders
Toss Back the Steak and Cheese:
Chop up the rested steak and put it back in the skillet. Throw in the shredded cheese next. Fold everything gently until you get those gooey cheesy strands and the steak and rice are mixed up just right
Add the Rice:
With the skillet still warm, add in your rice. Break it apart with a spoon and get it mixed up with those veggies. Give it a couple minutes so it soaks up all the goodness
Sauté the Veggies:
Reduce heat to medium, drizzle a little oil if needed, and toss in bell peppers with the onions. Stir often—when the onions are tender and sweet, add garlic and cook for one more minute so it all smells amazing
Get That Steak Searing:
Dry your steak off, then season really well with salt and pepper. Get a skillet really hot and lay the steak in. Give each side four or five minutes for a major crust. Take it out, set it on a board, and loosely cover so it stays juicy
A bowl of pasta with meat and vegetables. Pin
A bowl of pasta with meat and vegetables. | chefsnaps.com

My household is all about the mozzarella here. Every forkful has cheese stretching everywhere—my kiddo calls it the magic dinner because the smell pulls him away from whatever he’s doing. We’ve had some epic nights at the table thanks to this one.

Keeping It Fresh

Wait until leftovers cool down before closing them up in an airtight box for the fridge. You’ve got about three days to eat it. Best way to reheat is on the stove with a little splash of broth or water. If you’re thinking freezer, just leave out the sour cream and green onions—they’re way better added fresh after thawing.

Swap Ideas

No ribeye or sirloin around? Any steak cut works, or use shredded cooked chicken instead. If you want a meatless version, pan-fried mushrooms drive the flavor. Monterey jack or pepper jack cheeses make it melty too. You can totally go with a frozen veggie mix if prepping fresh isn’t doable.

Serving Ideas

Spoon it into bowls and call it a day, or pair with a crunchy green salad for something lighter. Want a Tex Mex feel? Throw on some salsa, jalapeños, or hot sauce. I’ll even wrap leftovers in tortillas for super speedy steak and cheese wraps the next day.

A bowl of pasta with meat and tomatoes. Pin
A bowl of pasta with meat and tomatoes. | chefsnaps.com

A Bit of Backstory

You’ll find different versions of steak and rice from Korean dishes to Brazilian plates. This twist is all about bubbly cheese and a bit of steakhouse feel, all in one pan. It’s classic comfort food with roots from all over.

Recipe FAQs

→ Which steak should I pick?

Go for ribeye or sirloin if you want juicy bites, but really, any cut you like will do just fine.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Of course! Mix in whatever melting cheeses you like best—Monterey Jack and provolone are tasty options.

→ How do I get that steak crust?

Blot steak dry, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot pan undisturbed. That’s how you get a beautiful golden edge.

→ Can I make this ahead for the week?

Definitely! Pop leftovers in a sealed container and heat them up gently when you’re hungry.

→ What other veggies taste good here?

Sure thing—zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms add color and a nice nutrition boost, too.

Steak Cheese Rice

Dig into steak, gooey cheese, and rice for a filling meal that’s easy to tweak and super comforting.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min
By: Dana

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (About 4 cups)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 teaspoon paprika if you'd like (totally optional)
02 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
03 A big handful each of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese
04 Two cups of brown or white rice, already cooked
05 Some salt and pepper, as much as you want
06 1 medium yellow onion, chopped up
07 1 bell pepper (go red or yellow), dice it up
08 450 grams ribeye or sirloin steak

→ For Serving

09 120 ml sour cream
10 A couple of sliced green onions

Steps

Step 01

Ladle everything onto your plates while it's steamy, then top with a good scoop of sour cream and those green onions.

Step 02

Cut up your rested steak into little chunks. Toss it in the pan. Sprinkle in the shredded cheese, give it all a gentle stir, and keep at it till the cheese melts and everything’s nice and hot.

Step 03

Go ahead and add the cooked rice to the pan full of veggies. If you're using paprika, shake it in now. Give it all a good mix so every bite gets something.

Step 04

Drop your onions and bell peppers into that same pan. Keep the heat on medium. Cook, stirring once in a while, until they're soft—takes about 3–4 minutes. Garlic goes in last for a minute just till you can smell it.

Step 05

Get your skillet good and hot over medium-high. Pat the steak nice and dry. Hit both sides with salt and pepper. Sear each side for about 4–5 minutes til it looks deep golden and forms a crust. Pull it out and let it rest for now.

Notes

  1. Letting your steak chill out for a bit after searing keeps it juicy and stops it drying out when you toss it back in the pan.
  2. If you want a spicy kick, toss in a dash of chili flakes or swap in some hot paprika.

Required Tools

  • Cutting board
  • Big frying pan or skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • A sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergen Information

Check every ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Has milk from the cheese and sour cream

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

These details are for reference purposes and don't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 480
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Protein: 32 g