If you’re craving a flavorful, colorful side dish that practically sings with every bite, this Easy Mexican Style Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant combination of tender long-grain rice infused with the warm, inviting spices of cumin and chili powder, complemented by fresh veggies and a rich tomato base. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or adding it to your fiesta spread, this dish is straightforward, comforting, and guaranteed to impress without any complicated fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, each playing a key role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and bright color that make this dish so addictive. From the aromatic garlic and onion to the sweet crunch of corn and the rich tomato accents, every element brings something special to the table.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Provides a fluffy, light base that perfectly absorbs all the spices and flavors.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Helps to toast the rice and sauté the veggies for enhanced depth.
- 1/2 onion, chopped: Adds aromatic sweetness and a bit of bite.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory foundation to the dish.
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced: Offers a fresh crunch and slight earthiness.
- 1/2 cup corn kernels: Adds bursts of natural sweetness and delightful texture.
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes: Contributes juiciness and a tangy touch.
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce: Deepens the tomato flavor and gives the rice a beautiful red hue.
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory richness while cooking it tenderly.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Imparts a warm, earthy undertone essential to Mexican cuisine.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds subtle heat and smoky complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): Provides a bright, herbal finish and appealing color contrast.
How to Make Easy Mexican Style Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Start by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they’re tender and aromatic. This is where the base flavor builds — get that wonderful soft sweetness from the onions and pungent notes from the garlic to kick things off right.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Add the rice to the skillet and stir it around for 2 to 3 minutes. Toasting the rice is a game-changer; it gives the grains a slightly nutty flavor and helps them hold together better during cooking.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Tomato
Next, stir in the diced green bell pepper, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Mixing these in at this stage lets all the fresh and juicy flavors marry with the rice, enhancing both texture and color.
Step 4: Season and Add Broth
Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then pour in the chicken broth. These spices infuse the rice with that trademark Mexican flair, while the broth gently cooks everything to tender perfection.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cover the skillet tightly, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. This slow cooking method allows the rice to absorb all those delicious flavors and the rich broth, resulting in a moist, flavorful dish.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Fluff
Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat, but keep the skillet covered for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period lets the rice finish steaming, ensuring each grain is perfectly tender. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you like, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens up the whole dish.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Style Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh chopped cilantro is my favorite way to elevate this rice — it brings a fresh, herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the hearty, spiced rice. You can also try a squeeze of lime juice or a dollop of sour cream for extra flair.
Side Dishes
This rice is the perfect partner to grilled meats, tacos, or beans. It’s also fantastic alongside roasted veggies or topped with avocado slices for a simple yet satisfying meal. Its versatility makes it a staple for casual dinners or celebratory feasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the rice in small, individual bowls topped with a sprinkle of cheese or a few pickled jalapeños. You can even bake it with some melted cheese on top for a comforting casserole vibe. It’s an easy way to impress your guests or switch things up for your family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover rice in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes for a quick side or base for your next meal without any extra prep.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover rice by transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to cool the rice completely before freezing to maintain the best texture when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice to restore moisture, then warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. Give it a gentle fluff before serving to bring back its light, fluffy texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Mexican Style Rice Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and make sure your tomato sauce doesn’t contain any animal products. The flavors will remain vibrant and delicious without the meat-based broth.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and separate after cooking. Avoid short-grain rice, which tends to be stickier and could result in a mushier texture.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned diced tomatoes work perfectly here and are a great option when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season. Just drain any excess liquid if your canned tomatoes are very watery.
How spicy is the rice?
The recipe offers a mild heat level thanks to the chili powder, which you can adjust up or down based on your preference. For more kick, add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Is this rice recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your chicken broth and tomato sauce are gluten-free. It’s a safe and tasty choice for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easy Mexican Style Rice Recipe is like giving yourself a little delicious gift every time. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet flavorful enough to be the star of your meal. I hope you enjoy cooking and sharing this dish as much as I do — it’s one of those comforting recipes that always brings a smile to the table.
Print
Easy Mexican Style Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Easy Mexican Style Rice is a flavorful and vibrant side dish that combines toasted long-grain white rice with sautéed vegetables, tomatoes, and fragrant spices like cumin and chili powder. Perfectly cooked in chicken broth, this recipe delivers a savory and slightly spicy taste, with an optional fresh cilantro garnish to brighten every bite. It’s a quick and simple dish that pairs beautifully with Mexican or Tex-Mex meals.
Ingredients
Rice and Base
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Sauce
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
Liquids and Seasoning
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until they are soft and fragrant, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Toast the rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the pan and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the rice turns a light golden color. This step enhances the nutty flavor of the rice.
- Add vegetables and sauce: Stir in the diced green bell pepper, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, mixing everything thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Season and add broth: Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the rice mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently to mix all ingredients well.
- Simmer the rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet tightly, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Rest and fluff: Turn off the heat and allow the rice to sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Then, uncover and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Garnish and serve: If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top before serving. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this dish vegetarian.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.
- Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes will add a fresher flavor but may require a slight increase in cooking liquid.
- Leftover rice can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of water.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure that the chicken broth and tomato sauce used do not contain any gluten additives.
