This Mexican rice comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight meal 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. Trust me, you’ll want to add this into your rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s dive into the ingredients! For this easy Mexican rice, you’ll be using some simple staples that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s a breakdown:
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
How to Make Mexican Rice
Are you ready to get cooking? It’s super straightforward! Here’s how to make this delicious Mexican rice, step by step:
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove extra starch, that way, you avoid sticky rice! (About 2-3 minutes should do it.)
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want just enough to coat the bottom and help everything sauté nicely, about a minute is all it takes.
Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened, aim for 3-4 minutes, until the onions turn translucent, and the aroma just makes your mouth water!
Stir in the rice and cook for another 2 minutes, letting it toast slightly. Keep stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom!
Now it’s time to combine the flavors! Add the diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and give it all a good stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. This is where the magic happens! Let it cook for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Serve as a side dish or use it as a base for a burrito bowl. You could even jazz it up with some black beans or corn, so versatile!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I’m in need of something comforting yet simple. I mean, who doesn’t love a bowl of warm, cheesy goodness? And the best part is, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, my kids always ask for seconds! What’s better than that? Plus, I’m a real sucker for recipes that allow me to use whatever I’ve got on hand. Whether it’s a can of beans or some snack veggies about to turn, this dish lets you clean out your fridge in the most delicious way possible!
If you loved this easy Mexican rice, be sure to check out my my cheesy taco pasta, my easy vegetable stir-fry, or my homemade cornbread for more quick and delicious meals!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
The secret to a delicious easy Mexican rice? It comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy nights when you want to sit down as a family without spending all evening in the kitchen.
One-Pot Wonder
You know what I love the most? Minimal cleanup required! This dish comes together all in one pot, so once you’re done cooking, just rinse out the pan, and you’re free to relax!
Budget-Friendly
Here’s a fun little fact: this recipe uses affordable, everyday ingredients. You won’t find any fancy items here, just wholesome food that won’t break the bank, making it perfect for families looking to stretch a dollar!
Customizable
The beauty of this dish is in its versatility. You can easily switch up the ingredients based on what you have at home! Got leftover chicken? Toss it in. Some bell peppers you need to use up? Go for it! This recipe is super forgiving.
Comfort Food
This rice is loaded with tons of flavor and easy to make, so it’s bound to bring comfort with every bite. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those colder months when family and comfort food are extra important.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Easy Mexican Rice
So, what can you serve with this dish? Here are some ideas:
- As a side to grilled chicken or fish
- Layered under your favorite burrito toppings
- With a dollop of sour cream or some guacamole on top for a creamy finish
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last about 3-4 days. Reheating is a breeze, just pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes. Add a splash of broth while it heats to prevent it from drying out, and give it a quick stir!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! This easy Mexican rice is freezer-friendly. Just let it cool, then pop it in a freezer-safe bag. It should keep well for up to 2 months! When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned before!
Grab those ingredients and give this recipe a try, you won’t regret it!
Happy cooking, friends!
Print
Mexican Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious one-pot Mexican rice that comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the rice and toast slightly for 2 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and stir well.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cover for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with cilantro if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
