Mexican Rice
This Mexican Rice is the easiest and most delicious, as if it came straight from the restaurant, only better! Just a few ingredients and in 25 minutes, you have a great side dish or the perfect foundation for burrito bowls.
Post update on 3/25/26
Recipe inspired by Tiffany, from Creme De La Crumb.
This Mexican Rice is not only so easy, it's flavorful and has the perfect texture. The rice turns out fluffy and is seasoned just right. The original recipe is delicious as is, but I did make a few small adjustments to boost the flavor even more.
We make Mexican and/or Spanish rice several times a month to go alongside our Mexican cuisines. I've tried many different recipes, but for my family, they usually end up too dry or too soggy.
This rice is perfectly fluffy and well seasoned, and you don't need a lot of ingredients for fantastic results - just a couple simple steps that make all the difference.
Highlighted Tip
We love to serve this as a side dish but it also makes a great foundation for burrito bowls.
Simple Ingredients You Need
- Long grain white rice
- Butter
- Chicken stock
- Tomato sauce
- Pantry seasonings- ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper
How To Make Mexican Rice
You'll love how easy and fast you can have delicious Mexican rice on the table. See these simple steps below, but make sure to check out the printable recipe card for extra details.
Step One. Melt butter in a skillet on medium heat and toast spices and rice.
Step Two. Stir in chicken broth and tomato sauce. Add a lid and simmer until you don't see any liquid.
Step Three. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Ang's Helpful Tips
- Toasting rice and seasonings adds a lot of flavor and depth. Don't skip this step. It only takes a few extra minutes and you'll be so glad you did.
- Sauce not fully absorbed- You will notice a little layer of tomato sauce around the outside of the rice once it is finished cooking and that's perfectly fine. Just fluff it in with the rice.
What To Serve With Mexican Rice
There are many main dishes to serve with Mexican rice, however, here are some of our favorites.
- Creamy Chicken Spinach Enchiladas
- Beef Enchiladas with Smoky Red Sauce (lower-carb)
- Oven Baked Tacos
- Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
- Beef Enchilada Casserole (Small Family Recipe)
Mexican Rice
Equipment
- medium skillet with fitted lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Heat a skillet with fitted lid to medium-high heat and melt butter. Add spices and rice, and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring continually.
- Add chicken stock and tomato sauce, then stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil and put the lid on. Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the moisture is absorbed and the rice is tender. You may have a little sauce around the edges and that's totally fine.
- Allow to stand 5-minutes with the lid on, then fluff with a fork and serve!
Notes
Nutrition
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Best Mexican rice I’ve ever made. This is hands down the simplest most flavorful way to make Mexican rice at home. I’ve tried Ree’s and Guy’s, nope, this is way better and easier trust me. Best side for taco Tuesday for sure or with the menu maids enchilada casserole which is another amazing flavorful dish to check out!
Thanks so much, Megs!