Name: Easy Mexican Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 3/4 cups chicken broth; 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots; Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

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If you’re on the hunt for a restaurant-worthy rice dish that’s ready in about half an hour and absolutely bursting with flavor, this Easy Mexican Rice is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender grains of rice kissed with tomato sauce, savory broth, a touch of warming spices, and nestled around sweet bites of peas and carrots. This dish brings all the classic flavors of Mexican rice to your table with unbelievably simple steps you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Mexican Rice is just how approachable and pantry-friendly the ingredient list is. Every item here brings something essential to the table, whether it’s color, fragrance, or a perfectly balanced bite of flavor. Gather these ingredients and you’re halfway to a crowd-pleasing side!

Vegetable oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps toast the rice for a nutty, golden flavor.
Long-grain white rice: The star of this dish; long grains stay fluffy and separate when cooked.
Small onion, finely diced: Provides a sweet, aromatic backbone that melds beautifully with the rice.
Garlic, minced: Just two cloves wake everything up with a savory depth and mouthwatering aroma.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory flavor; swap for veggie broth to make it vegetarian.
Tomato sauce: Brings color and that craveable, tangy sweetness that’s signature to Easy Mexican Rice.
Chili powder: Gives a mild kick and deepens the warming spice profile.
Cumin: A classic Mexican spice that adds earthiness and a hint of smokiness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for perfectly seasoned rice—don’t skip these!
Frozen peas and carrots (optional): For pops of color and sweetness; stir in at the end for extra veggies.
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish: Adds freshness and a beautifully bright finishing touch.

How to Make Easy Mexican Rice

Step 1: Toast the Rice

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering and hot (test with one grain of rice—if it sizzles, you’re good!), add the rice. Stir frequently and toast for about 4–5 minutes. You’re looking for a light golden hue and a wonderful nutty scent filling your kitchen—this simple step ensures your Easy Mexican Rice turns out fluffy and flavorful, not mushy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add in the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for 2 minutes, until the onions start to soften and the garlic smells delightfully fragrant. This quick step transforms those basic pantry staples into a backbone of flavor for the entire dish.

Step 3: Simmer in Sauce and Spices

Stir in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give everything a thorough mix so the liquid is evenly distributed and the spices are well blended. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil—it should look vibrant and smell incredible. As soon as it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and let it cook undisturbed for 18–20 minutes.

Step 4: Add Veggies (Optional)

If you’re including peas and carrots (which I highly recommend for color and sweetness!), stir them in during the last 5 minutes of simmering. This lets them warm through without getting mushy, and the bright pops of color make your Easy Mexican Rice even more inviting.

Step 5: Rest and Fluff

Once the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, turn off the heat and leave the skillet covered for another 5 minutes. This rest allows any remaining steam to finish cooking the rice and makes fluffing a breeze. Open the lid, give everything a gentle fluff with a fork, and sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro before serving warm.

How to Serve Easy Mexican Rice

Garnishes

For that truly irresistible finish, scatter plenty of fresh chopped cilantro over the top just before serving. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness, or sprinkle on a little crumbled queso fresco if you want to dial up the creamy element. Sliced scallions, thin rings of jalapeño, or diced avocado also bring a fun and fresh twist to your Easy Mexican Rice spread.

Side Dishes

Easy Mexican Rice is incredibly versatile! Serve it next to sizzling tacos, cheesy enchiladas, or juicy grilled meats for a classic meal. It also pairs beautifully with beans, salads, and hearty stews—honestly, it’s hard to go wrong, and it even turns a simple weeknight dinner into something special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, spoon your Easy Mexican Rice into colorful bowls or serve as part of a build-your-own burrito bar. Use it as a stuffing for bell peppers or layered in a casserole. Arrange in a ring mold for a pretty presentation or pile high on a platter, topped with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a dinner party-worthy side!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Easy Mexican Rice to an airtight container as soon as it’s cooled. Stored in the fridge, it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors have a chance to mingle and deepen, so leftovers taste just as delicious—if not even better—than the day you made it.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Easy Mexican Rice! Let the rice cool completely, then transfer to zip-top bags or airtight containers. Press out any excess air and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To bring leftover Easy Mexican Rice back to life, simply reheat in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Cover loosely so the steam can help soften the grains. On the stovetop, warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, again adding a small amount of broth if needed until hot and fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice will need about 10–15 extra minutes to cook and a little more liquid. The end result will have a heartier texture and a slightly nuttier flavor, but still delivers that classic Easy Mexican Rice vibe.

How do I make it vegetarian or vegan?

Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Every other ingredient is plant-based, so you’ll have a tasty vegetarian or vegan Easy Mexican Rice without needing any extra modifications.

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Diced bell peppers, corn, or even zucchini can be added right in with the onions. Feel free to customize the veggies to suit your taste and make this dish your own.

What should I do if my rice turns out mushy?

Rice can get mushy if there’s too much liquid or if the heat is too high. Be sure to measure your liquid accurately, keep the heat low once simmering, and avoid stirring too much. Leaving the lid on undisturbed is key for light, fluffy grains!

Is Easy Mexican Rice spicy?

As written, it’s mild and family-friendly. To turn up the heat, feel free to add a minced jalapeño along with your onions, or sprinkle in a touch more chili powder to suit your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience how quickly this Easy Mexican Rice comes together and how it turns any meal into something truly memorable. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is a surefire way to bring warmth and big flavor to your table. Give it a try soon, and make it a new staple in your kitchen!

Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Mexican Rice recipe is a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite Mexican dishes. With a perfect blend of spices and vegetables, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 3/4 cups chicken broth
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional:

1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Toast Rice: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet, add rice, and cook until lightly golden.
Add Aromatics: Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
Cook Rice: Stir in chicken broth, tomato sauce, spices, and simmer until rice is tender.
Optional Vegetables: If using peas and carrots, stir in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, let rest, fluff with a fork, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm.