Mexican Rice Recipe

Easy, homemade Mexican Rice Recipe is the perfect side dish whenever you’re making Mexican food. So delicious & just like your favorite Mexican restaurant!

I absolutely love Mexican food. Whether I’m making tacos, enchiladas, or burritos I always make this Mexican rice recipe to go along with the meal. It’s also delicious as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak and turns out perfectly every time. It’s tender, flavorful, and never sticky. I’m even working on a way to make this recipe using Cauliflower Rice for a low-carb version!

MEXICAN RICE RECIPE
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Growing up, Mexican food wasn’t actually that common in our household. I think because my Mom grew up in Europe it wasn’t really something that she was accustomed to making. But as I’ve gotten older, it’s now one of my favorites. I usually make Mexican food at least once a week, and I always make Mexican rice as a side dish.

For this Mexican rice recipe, I wanted to make it really easy, totally family friendly, and 100% delicious. It’s not too spicy, and there are no onions (because I know a lot of kids and adults who aren’t big fans). There’s very little prep work that you actually have to do, so you can make the rest of your meal while the rice simmers. Best of all – the whole thing is made in one pan so that there’s less to clean up.

This recipe will definitely feed a crowd, so feel free to half it if you need. The cooking times will be about the same and you can simply half all of the ingredients.

How to Make Mexican Rice

1. First, get out a large skillet with high sides and a lid. You can also use a dutch oven if you prefer. Add the oil to the pan and heat over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add in the rice. Stir it gently as it starts to brown. After about 8-10 minutes, it will start to look golden.
3. Then add in the tomato sauce, vegetable stock, garlic, cumin, salt & pepper. Give it a stir, then close the lid and let the mixture gently simmer.
4. After about 20 minutes the rice will be cooked and have absorbed all the liquid.
5. I then like to garnish mine with a little cilantro and lime juice for more flavor.

What Substitutions Can I Make?

This best Mexican rice recipe is infinitely customizable. Sometimes I like to turn it into a meal by adding veggies & meat. I’ll throw in 1 cup of corn, 1 cup peas, and a few chopped carrots as the rice simmers. Then after the rice done cooking, I’ll stir in some cooked ground beef or chopped chicken breasts at the end. You can also substitute white rice for long-grain brown rice for a healthier option. And if you really love onion, feel free to add 1 medium onion that’s finely chopped when you brown the rice.

This Mexican rice is so easy to make and is the perfect side dish for any of your favorite Mexican dishes. After trying this easy Mexican rice recipe, you’ll never go back to the instant variety!

Looking for more easy side dish recipes?

• Southwest Quinoa Salad
• Mexican Mango Rice Salad
• Mexican Street Corn
• Super Easy Parmesan Crusted Zucchini
• Easy Balsamic Glazed Carrots
• Dirty Rice
• More side dish recipes…

Tools used to make this Mexican Rice Recipe

Large Skillet: This skillet is my go-to kitchen tool. It’s large circumference and high sides make it perfect for cooking anything from one pan meals to soups and sauces.

Wooden Spoon: Wooden spoons are a kitchen essential. I keep a bunch of them on hand for every meal from breakfast to dinner.

Serving Bowl: This large glass serving bowl is one of my favorite dishes. It’s perfect for everything from salads to pastas. Simple, classic, and a must have!