Taco Night Rice Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted a vibrant, flavorful side dish to perfectly complement your tacos, the Taco Night Rice Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a beautiful balance of tender, fluffy rice infused with warm spices, a pop of sweetness from peas, and a rich tomato base. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a mouthwatering dish that feels both festive and comforting, making every Taco Night celebration that much more special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward, relying on a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating that perfect blend of textures and flavors—from the toasty rice and sweet onions to the smoky spices that bring everything to life.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for toasting the rice evenly and preventing sticking.
- Long-grain white rice: The base of the dish, chosen for its fluffy, separate grains when cooked.
- White onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed alongside the rice.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Infuses the rice with savory richness and ensures it cooks perfectly tender.
- Tomato sauce (8 oz can): Brings a vibrant color and tangy, comforting flavor that makes this rice uniquely delicious.
- Frozen peas: Small bursts of sweetness and a lovely pop of green for color and texture contrast.
- Chili powder: Provides warm, earthy spice that’s key to making this a true Taco Night favorite.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlicky aroma that deepens the overall flavor.
- Salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors together perfectly.
- Ground cumin: Offers an earthy, slightly smoky note that rounds out the spice blend beautifully.
How to Make Taco Night Rice Recipe
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Start by rinsing the long-grain white rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This crucial step removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming gummy and helping it achieve that fluffy texture you want.
Step 2: Sauté Rice and Onions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and cook it, stirring often, until it turns a beautiful golden brown. This toasting step adds a subtle nutty flavor that’s essential for a rich and complex dish. Next, stir in the diced white onions and cook until they’re soft and fragrant—this sweetness will mellow the dish and give it a lovely base.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Pour in chicken or vegetable broth along with the tomato sauce, frozen peas, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and cumin. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients evenly. This mixture of spices and tomato lends a vibrant color and true Taco Night flair to the rice, making it the perfect partner for any taco ensemble.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring the pot to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover it with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, the rice absorbs all those bold flavors and the liquid fully cooks the rice until it’s tender and ready to savor.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Once the rice is cooked through, remove the pot from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Fluffing separates the grains and keeps the texture light and airy. Serve it hot alongside your favorite tacos or as a star side dish on Taco Night.
How to Serve Taco Night Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Taco Night Rice Recipe can elevate the dish visually and add exciting layers of flavor. Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice bring brightness and freshness. Sprinkle some shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for creamy richness that perfectly balances the spices.
Side Dishes
This rice is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with classic taco fillings—think seasoned ground beef, grilled chicken, or sautéed veggies. You can also serve it alongside beans, corn salsa, or a vibrant salad for a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this rice in colorful taco cups or stuffed into bell peppers for a festive presentation. Layering it with toppings in a taco bowl or using it as a base for a taco rice bowl with all your favorite fixings makes for a meal that’s as fun to build as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Taco Night Rice Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor. Leftover rice is perfect for quick meals or as a tasty addition to other dishes.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, this rice freezes well. Just cool it completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to 3 months when frozen properly.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice to add moisture, then warm it gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Stirring occasionally helps to prevent clumps and keeps every bite fluffy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add nuttier flavor and more chewiness, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly for best results.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don’t have tomato sauce on hand, tomato paste diluted with some water or diced tomatoes can work. Just be aware that the flavor might be slightly different, and the texture might vary a bit as well.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this dish completely vegetarian or vegan-friendly. It will be just as tasty and comforting.
How spicy is this Taco Night Rice Recipe?
The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the chili powder and cumin, but you can easily adjust it by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat if you like things spicier.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about sitting down to a meal with friends or family and sharing dishes that are both simple and bursting with flavor. The Taco Night Rice Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—friendly to make, delightful to eat, and perfect for adding a little extra joy to your dinner table. Give it a try next Taco Night and watch it quickly become your new favorite sidekick!
Print
Taco Night Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Taco Night Rice Recipe is a flavorful and colorful side dish perfect for complementing any Mexican-inspired meal. Made with long-grain white rice simmered in a savory blend of tomato sauce, broth, spices, onions, and peas, this dish offers a deliciously seasoned rice that pairs wonderfully with tacos, grilled meats, or beans. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an easy and satisfying option for a family dinner or casual get-together.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- ¼ cup white onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Rinse Rice: Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch to prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Sauté Rice and Onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot with a lid over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice grains turn a golden brown color. Then, stir in the diced onions and sauté until they soften and become translucent.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, tomato sauce, frozen peas, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and ground cumin into the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with the lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest covered for a few minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and serve hot as a flavorful side dish for your taco night.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust chili powder according to your spice preference for more or less heat.
- You can add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute vegetable oil with olive oil or butter.
- Make sure to keep the lid on during simmering to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
