This Cheesy Queso Fiesta Rice is sure to tickle your taste buds! It’s creamy, cheesy and full of zesty flavor!
Monday’s deserve something with a little extra zing, don’t they?
I don’t know about you folks, but Mondays seem to drag, so when it comes time for dinner I need a little something special to add some pep to my step.
And this Cheesy Queso Fiesta Rice is a game changer when it comes to rice side dishes.
It’s super creamy and cheesy and perfect as a side for tacos, fajitas, chicken, fish or just about anything really. And it’s ready and on your table in roughly 30 minutes.
It’s a simple combination of rice, some red and yellow bell peppers, onions, jalapenos, garlic, salsa and of course the star of the show, some delicious cheesy queso.
This is one comfort food rice side dish everyone at the table will love.
Guaranteed, you’ll never want to eat plain rice again. Enjoy!
A few other favorite sides here at the BHK are my Cheesy Corn Casserole, my Creamed Spinach and Mushrooms and my Easy Broccoli Casserole.
A Few Cook’s Notes for Cheesy Queso Fiesta Rice Recipe:
You can seed your jalapeño or leave the seeds in for a spicier taste. Do whatever you prefer.
I know some people don’t like the flavor of cilantro, so if you’re not a fan, just omit.
This Cheesy Queso Fiesta Rice is sure to tickle your taste buds! It's creamy, cheesy and full of zesty flavor!
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 cups uncooked long grain rice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup queso cheese dip, I use Pancho's Original Queso
- 1 large jalapeno, seeded and chopped
- 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
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In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, peppers and salt and cook for three minutes, stirring often. Add the rice and garlic and cook for an additional two minutes, stirring often. Add the chicken broth and salsa and bring to a boil. Once the mixture starts boiling, lower the heat and simmer, covered until rice is tender, about 18 minutes. Add the Pancho's Original Queso and chopped jalapenos and mix until well combined. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Squeeze in the lime juice and top with the chopped cilantro, if desired.
Mondays definitely need an extra zing and this rice would just hit the spot! Love all the flavours going on here, Mary Ann! I wanna dive right in….Pinned :) Have a great week!
It’s so good Dawn! We love that queso addition!
Anything that is described as creamy and cheesy gets my attention straight away! What a delicious dish – perfect with so many things!
know right Alex?! Hope you have a great week!
Oh my word. I don’t need anything else for dinner, just give me a big bowl of this rice! It looks delicious!
I know you’d really enjoy it Kelsie! Tom couldn’t get enough. That queso is super delicious!
Love this! I love rice and am always looking for new ways to serve it, so this one is going to the top of my list, since cheese and rice is definitely calling my name :)
Yay! Hope you enjoy it Jennifer!
This is a flavor packed rice dish! We eat a lot of Mexican food and this would go perfect with our taco nights or with enchiladas. Looks delicious.
You’d really love it Kathy. It’s one zesty dish!
Monday definitely deserves something like this! A little “kick” to start the week? We love Mexican food, although I have to tone down the spice for the kids. Looks amazing!
This one is super tasty Katherine! Hope you give it a go!
If this isn’t next level rice, I don’t know what is!! Seriously, Mare, you have outdone yourself here!!! I mean queso in rice!?!? How brilliant is that!! (And why didn’t I think of it?? Lol) This rice is absolutely EVERYTHING I need in my life! I never thought I’d want to make rice my complete dinner, but now I do!! I’ll be eating this one straight from the pan with a spoon!! Pinned!
Thanks so much Chey!
This cheesy rice is definitely calling my name, Mary Ann! It would make a wonderful side, but, honestly, I’d be happy to make a meal of just this!
I know you’d really enjoy it Marissa! Thanks!
Could you substitute cauliflower for the rice? Recipe sounds so delicious, my mouth is watering. Love your posts:)
That would be delicious Trish. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. It may take a little less time to cook the cauli rice. Enjoy!
Creamy & cheesy? Count me in 100%!!
Thanks Naomi!