Easy Mexican Rice

Name: Easy Mexican Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Jack

Update : December 31, 2025

Bowl of easy Mexican rice garnished with herbs

why make this recipe

Easy Mexican Rice is a simple and delicious way to add flavor to your meals. This dish blends spices, tomatoes, and broth with rice, making it a perfect side for tacos, beans, or grilled meats. It’s quick to prepare and uses everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s great for feeding families or serving at gatherings!

how to make Easy Mexican Rice

Ingredients:

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.
Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

how to serve Easy Mexican Rice

Serve Easy Mexican Rice as a side dish with your favorite Mexican foods. It pairs well with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled chicken. You can also place it in bowls and top with extra cilantro or avocado for a colorful presentation.

how to store Easy Mexican Rice

If you have leftovers, let the rice cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. To reheat, simply microwave it or warm it on the stovetop, adding a little broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

tips to make Easy Mexican Rice

Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps keep the rice from being sticky.
Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preference. You can add more chili powder for extra heat or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
Adding bell peppers or corn can enhance the flavor and add some color to the dish.

variation

You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added protein, consider mixing in black beans or pinto beans.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, about 30-40 minutes.

Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely! You can add more chili powder or even jalapeños to increase the spice level to your liking.

Is it okay to use rice that’s not long-grain?
Yes, you can use other types of rice, but cooking times may vary. Adjust liquid and cooking time according to the type of rice used.