Easy Mexican Style Rice

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A bowl of Easy Mexican Style Rice brings warmth and vibrant flavors straight to your kitchen. This recipe transforms plain white rice into a colorful, zesty side dish packed with the earthy aroma of cumin, the sweetness of sautéed onions, and the tang of fresh tomatoes. Perfect for pairing with your favorite Mexican-inspired meals, this rice is simple enough for weeknights yet satisfying enough for a party table.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can dress it up with fresh cilantro and lime for a fresh pop or keep it mild for the kids. Whether you’re serving it alongside tacos, enchiladas, or grilled chicken, this rice is always a welcome addition to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Mexican Style Rice

This rice is ready in about 30 minutes and uses pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s naturally gluten-free, full of flavor, and reheats beautifully the next day. Best of all, it’s budget-friendly while making your dinner spread feel special.

What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

Long-grain white rice is traditional for this recipe because it stays fluffy and separate as it cooks. If you prefer a nuttier taste and chewier texture, you can also substitute brown rice, keeping in mind it will need a longer cooking time. Jasmine rice also works well for its subtle fragrance and soft texture.

Ingredients for the Easy Mexican Style Rice

Long-grain white rice forms the base of this recipe, giving it the ideal fluffy texture that doesn’t clump together. Onion and garlic add aromatic depth and savory flavor, while diced tomatoes bring a juicy sweetness and beautiful color. Tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the rice its signature reddish hue. Chicken broth infuses the rice with a rich, savory taste, though you can swap for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian. Finally, a pinch of cumin and chili powder lend warmth and a mild kick that ties everything together.

How To Make the Easy Mexican Style Rice

Step 1: Toast the Rice

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice and stir constantly for about 3-4 minutes, until the grains turn lightly golden and fragrant. This step gives the rice its signature nutty flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the toasted rice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, coating the rice thoroughly. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt to build that warm, earthy flavor.

Step 4: Simmer the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm.

Serving and Storing Easy Mexican Style Rice

This recipe yields about 4-6 servings, making it the perfect side dish for a family dinner or small gathering. Serve it warm alongside your main course for the best flavor and texture. If you have leftovers, let the rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.

What to Serve With Easy Mexican Style Rice?

Tacos

Whether it’s beef, chicken, or veggie tacos, this rice is the ideal complement to soak up all those delicious juices.

Enchiladas

Pair your favorite cheesy enchiladas with a scoop of this rice for a complete and hearty plate.

Fajitas

The smokiness of grilled peppers and onions in fajitas pairs beautifully with the earthy flavors of the rice.

Grilled Chicken

For a lighter option, serve the rice alongside juicy, seasoned grilled chicken breasts.

Chili

A warm bowl of chili with a side of this rice makes for a satisfying, comforting meal.

Fish Tacos

The mild tang of the rice is a great contrast to the spiced or battered fish in tacos.

Burrito Bowls

Build a hearty bowl with rice as your base, then layer beans, meat, veggies, and salsa on top.

Want More Rice and Side Dish Ideas?

If you love this easy Mexican style rice, you’ll probably enjoy these other flavorful dishes from my kitchen:

• Cajun Potato Soup for a spicy and creamy bowl of comfort.
• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a fun Tex-Mex twist.
• Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad as a cool and creamy side for summer.
• Creamy Corn Dip to pair with chips at your next party.
• Honey Butter Skillet Corn for a sweet-savory vegetable side.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra spice or keep it mild? Did you try it with brown rice?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated, flavorful recipes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dish!

Conclusion

This Easy Mexican Style Rice is a flavorful, dependable recipe that brings everyone to the table. With simple ingredients, bold flavors, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy every fluffy, savory bite!

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