This Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice comes together in about 30 minutes and requires just one pot for a delicious weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to match your pantry staples or even use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those pesky leftovers! Trust me, this dish is not just tasty; it’s also a big crowd-pleaser that reflects the heart of comfort food.
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s What You’ll Need
2 cups long grain white rice
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
4 cups water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Knorr Chicken Bouillon Powder
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice
Start by rinsing the rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse with cold water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial for getting rid of excess starch and ensuring your rice isn’t gummy. Set aside.
Melt the butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter. Let it melt and get nice and bubbly.
Sauté the garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fragrant and just starting to turn golden. Seriously, this smells heavenly!
Toasty rice, here we come: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet next. Stir it around to coat in that beautiful buttery garlicky goodness and let it cook for about 10 minutes. You’re looking for it to become toasty and lightly golden, it adds so much flavor!
Prepare the liquid mix: While your rice is toasting, grab a bowl! Whisk the water, tomato paste, and chicken bouillon powder together until smooth.
Combine and cook: When the rice is nicely toasted, pour that wonderful liquid mix over it. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well combined.
Bring to a boil: Increase the heat to high until it starts to boil, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the rice cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff and serve: Once it’s done, take a fork and fluff up the rice, this makes it nice and fluffy! Serve it right away, and enjoy this comforting dish.
Why I Love This Recipe
You know, this is my go-to recipe whenever I want something comforting and delicious without too much fuss. I’m a real sucker for a one-pot meal, less cleanup and more time to sit down with my family! Plus, it’s truly satisfying to watch everyone dig in and ask for seconds. The best part is it’s so versatile! You can throw in whatever you have on hand, vegetables, beans, or even some shredded chicken, and it’s still going to be a hit!
If You Loved This Recipe be sure to check out my Mexican Green Rice, my Easy Cilantro Lime Rice, or my Bobby Flay’s Crispy Rice! Each of these dishes brings its unique flavors and joy to the table!
Why This Recipe Works
One Pot Wonder
This recipe comes together all in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights! Minimal cleanup means more time for family and relaxation, and who doesn’t love that?
Comfort Food
Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice is loaded with tons of flavor! The combination of garlic, butter, and seasonings makes it a rich comfort dish that warms the soul. If you’re looking for a dish that makes you feel cozy inside, this is it!
Customizable
One of the best parts about this recipe? It’s incredibly customizable! Don’t have tomato paste? Use diced tomatoes instead! Want to add some protein? Feel free to stir in leftover chicken or black beans. You can use whatever ingredients you have, and that’s the beauty of home cooking!
Quick & Easy
With a total cook time of just 30 minutes, this dish is fantastic for those hectic weeknight dinners. You can whip it up in a flash and still enjoy a meal that feels homemade and special.
Budget-Friendly
Using simple and affordable ingredients, Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice is easy on the wallet. Perfect for families looking to stretch their grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve this flavorful Mexican rice alongside grilled chicken, fish tacos, or your favorite Mexican dish. It also pairs perfectly with beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for about 4–5 days. Just make sure to let it cool before putting it in an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, just add a splash of water to the skillet and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezer Friendly
Yes, this rice is freezer-friendly! Just allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as described above.
Conclusion
There you have it Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice! This dish not only brings together flavors that your family will love, but it also comes together in a pinch and allows for customization based on whatever ingredients you have on hand. I hope you find as much joy making and enjoying this dish as I do! Happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
Print
Andys Homemade Mexican Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy one-pot Mexican rice dish that is flavorful and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 4 cups water (or chicken/vegetable broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Knorr Chicken Bouillon Powder
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant and starting to turn golden.
- Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with the butter and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes until lightly toasted.
- In a bowl, whisk together the water, tomato paste, and chicken bouillon powder until smooth.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the toasted rice, stir well to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, until all liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve immediately.
Notes
This dish can be customized with leftover vegetables, beans, or proteins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
