Description
Mexican Spiced Steaks with Chile Con Queso is a vibrant dish that combines tender, juicy steaks seasoned with a smoky and spicy Mexican spice rub, topped with a rich, creamy chile con queso sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe delivers bold flavors, satisfying textures, and customizable spice levels, making it a delightful and impressive meal that’s simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Steak and Spice Rub
- 1 to 1.5 lbs ribeye, sirloin, or flank steaks
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
For the Chile Con Queso Sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 fresh green chiles, chopped (mild to moderate heat)
- 1 cup shredded White American or Monterey Jack cheese
- 3/4 cup milk or cream
For Garnish and Serving
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Mexican Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create a balanced, smoky, and spicy blend.
- Season and Marinate Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Rub the spice blend generously on both sides of each steak. Let the steaks rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavors and come to an even temperature for cooking.
- Cook the Steaks to Perfection: Heat a cast iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the steaks about 4-5 minutes per side for medium rare, adjusting cooking time depending on thickness. Once cooked, let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes to retain juices.
- Make the Chile Con Queso Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add the chopped fresh green chiles, then stir in shredded cheese and milk or cream. Cook gently, stirring constantly, until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble and Serve: Place the rested steaks on serving plates. Spoon warm chile con queso generously over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime to brighten the rich flavors.
Notes
- Use freshly ground chili powder and cumin for the most vibrant flavor.
- Let steaks rest after cooking to keep them juicy and tender.
- Melt cheese on low heat to prevent separation or burning.
- Adjust the heat of the chile con queso by varying the amount and types of peppers.
- Choose well-marbled steaks for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with chile con queso
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Mexican steaks, chile con queso, spicy steak recipe, creamy cheese sauce, smoky steak, Mexican cuisine, gluten free steak dinner
