This Spanish Rice comes together in about 30 minutes and uses just one pot for a easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver for those busy evenings when you need something comforting yet simple!
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful Spanish Rice:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice: I love using long-grain rice because it cooks up fluffy and separate, perfect for soaking in all those delicious flavors.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Using broth instead of water gives the rice tons of flavor, feel free to use whatever broth you have on hand!
- 1 medium onion, diced: The onions add a sweet base flavor that forms the backbone of this dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic makes everything better, right? Trust me, you don’t want to skip it.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies: These bring a spicy kick and acidity, which is exactly what you want in a great Spanish Rice.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: This adds some warmth without overwhelming heat.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Cumin is essential for that authentic Spanish flavor; it really ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Just a couple pinches, you know?
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic; you could use another oil if that’s what you have.
- Optional: Taco-seasoned beef or your favorite protein. I sometimes add shredded chicken or black beans for extra protein.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s dive in! Here’s how to make this wonderful Spanish Rice:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. You’ll want to wait until it’s shimmering, this is when it’s ready to rock! (About 1-2 minutes.)
Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, which should take about 4-5 minutes. The smell is going to be amazing, sweet and fragrant.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Keep stirring to prevent it from burning.
Toss in the rice and let it toast for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until it starts to turn a light golden color, about 2-3 minutes. (This adds a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.)
Pour in the broth, the diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Stir it all together, scraping the yummy bits off the bottom of the pan for extra flavor!
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and all the liquid is absorbed. The steam should work its magic, trust me, it’s going to smell heavenly!
Once the time’s up, carefully remove the lid. Fluff the rice with a fork, and if you want to turn this into a heartier meal, you can fold in some taco-seasoned beef or your favorite protein.
And there you have it! A fantastic Spanish Rice that’s flavorful and ready to be devoured.
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Spanish Rice comes together in under 30 minutes. Seriously, it’s almost a ‘set it and forget it’ type of dish! It’s perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need a quick meal without compromising on flavor.
One Pot
Minimal cleanup is the name of the game! Everything is made in just one pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash, yay for easy post-dinner cleanups.
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable, everyday ingredients makes this recipe so accessible. You can whip this up on a tight budget and still impress everyone at the dinner table!
Comfort Food
This rice is loaded with tons of flavor that wraps around you like a warm hug on a chilly night. It’s comforting and feels like home!
Customizable
This is one of my favorite parts. You can literally use whatever ingredients you have in your pantry or fridge. Got some leftover chicken? Toss it in! Extra veggies? Go for it! This Spanish Rice is as flexible as it gets.
Personal Connection
I have to say, this is my go-to recipe when I’m in a rush or just need a little comfort food that doesn’t take too much time to make. Every time I whip up this Spanish Rice, it fills my kitchen with warm, enticing aromas that remind me of family dinners. I’m a real sucker for meals that feel like a hug, you know? And the best part is that you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, making it the ultimate solution for those last-minute meals!
If you loved this Spanish Rice, be sure to check out my Louisiana Dirty Rice, my Easy Mexican Green Rice, or my Filipino Garlic Fried Rice!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Spanish Rice
This dish is incredibly versatile! You can serve it as a standalone star, or use it as a bed for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even veggies. Top it with fresh herbs, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of yum. You could also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage
This Spanish Rice keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your leftovers, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through, this usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Freezer Friendly
Yes, this dish is freezer friendly! Just let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
Spanish Rice is truly a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic go-to for any weeknight meal. It’s comforting, bursting with flavor, and doesn’t skimp on the deliciousness. So next time you’re in a pinch, remember this quick and easy Spanish Rice recipe. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!
And before I forget…don’t shy away from making this your own! Experimenting is half the fun in the kitchen. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and let me know how your Spanish Rice turns out! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
Happy cooking, friends!
Print
Spanish Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Spanish Rice comes together in about 30 minutes and uses just one pot for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: Taco-seasoned beef or your favorite protein
Instructions
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the rice and toast for a few minutes until it starts to turn light golden, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Stir together.
- Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 20 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, and fold in taco-seasoned beef or your favorite protein if desired.
Notes
Serve as a standalone dish or as a bed for grilled proteins or veggies. Top with fresh herbs or sour cream for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
