If you love vibrant, flavorful rice that pairs perfectly with any Mexican-inspired meal or stands strong on its own, this Easy Mexican Style Rice Recipe is about to become your new kitchen hero. Bursting with colorful veggies, aromatic spices, and a comforting tomato-infused broth, it’s the kind of dish that feels both homey and special. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers that authentic, satisfying taste we all crave in Mexican-style rice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to this recipe’s success. Each item plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, creating a perfect balance between fluffy rice, savory spices, and wholesome vegetables.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The foundation for fluffy, separate grains with the ideal texture for this dish.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Helps toast the rice and soften the vegetables, enhancing their natural flavors.
- 1/2 onion, chopped: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth to the dish when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a lovely aroma and that unmistakable Mexican flair.
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced: Offers a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- 1/2 cup corn kernels: Whether fresh, canned, or frozen, corn adds a touch of sweetness and texture contrast.
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes: For juiciness and a fresh, tangy element that brightens the whole dish.
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce: Concentrates the tomato flavor and gives the rice that signature hue.
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice with rich, savory moisture, making every bite flavorful.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Provides a warm, earthy undertone that’s essential in Mexican cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a mild kick and complexity without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): A bright, herbal finish that brings everything to life at the end.
How to Make Easy Mexican Style Rice Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them gently soften until translucent and fragrant. This base layer is where your flavor journey begins, releasing sweet and savory notes that will infuse the whole dish.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the skillet, stirring frequently as it toasts for 2 to 3 minutes. This simple step not only enhances the rice’s nuttiness but also helps keep the grains fluffy and separate once cooked. Watch it carefully—it should turn a light golden color without burning.
Step 3: Mix in the Veggies and Tomato
Next, stir in the diced green bell pepper, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and the tomato sauce. These ingredients bring loads of texture, natural sweetness, and a rich, tangy flavor that sets this rice apart from plain versions. Mix everything thoroughly so the rice can soak up the tomato sauce and juices.
Step 4: Season and Add Broth
Now it’s time for the magic spices! Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. These create that iconic Mexican flavor profile you’re aiming for. Pour in the chicken broth to provide just enough liquid for the rice to cook perfectly tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Simmer the Rice
Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer quietly for 18 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid—this undisturbed cooking allows the rice to absorb all the savory goodness and finish cooking evenly.
Step 6: Rest and Fluff
Once the simmering time is up, turn off the heat but keep the lid on. Let the rice sit covered for another 5 minutes. This resting period lets the steam finish cooking the rice inside, making every grain perfectly tender. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving to separate the grains beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Mexican Style Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh, chopped cilantro sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and brightness that perfectly complements the warm spices. A squeeze of lime or a few slices of avocado are also fantastic garnishes if you want to amp up freshness and texture even more.
Side Dishes
This Easy Mexican Style Rice Recipe shines alongside grilled chicken, fish tacos, or classic enchiladas. It also pairs wonderfully with beans or a simple green salad to round out your meal. Its versatility makes it a great companion for any Mexican-themed dinner or casual weekday feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve this rice molded in a small bowl or ramekin to create perfect individual portions. You can also layer it in a burrito bowl or use it as a base for a vibrant grain salad with black beans and fresh veggies. This dish is as adaptable as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rice stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this recipe freezes well. Portion the rice into freezer-safe containers or bags, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat the rice gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to bring back moisture. You can also microwave it covered with a damp paper towel for 1 to 2 minutes, fluffing halfway through to prevent clumps.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and the recipe remains just as flavorful and satisfying without altering the cooking process.
What if I don’t have fresh corn or bell pepper?
No worries! Frozen or canned corn works just fine, and you can substitute bell pepper with diced zucchini or omit it altogether—though the veggie adds lovely crunch and color.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook and generally requires more liquid. Adjust cooking time to about 40-45 minutes and increase broth slightly for best results.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not overly. The chili powder adds gentle warmth rather than heat. Feel free to increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne if you like more kick.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Use a larger pan and adjust cooking times accordingly, making sure to maintain the liquid to rice ratio so your rice cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Mexican Style Rice Recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a dish that’s delicious, colorful, and comes together without fuss. It’s one of those comforting, flavorful recipes that quickly becomes a staple in your weeknight meal rotation. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and fall in love with it just like I did!
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 featuring long-grain white rice cooked with sautéed onions, garlic, bell pepper, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a blend of cumin and chili powder. Perfectly seasoned and fluffy, it pairs beautifully with Mexican and Tex-Mex meals or can be enjoyed on its own as a comforting, colorful dish.
Ingredients
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 Seasonings
- 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
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toast the Rice: Add the long-grain white rice to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until the rice grains turn lightly golden. This toasting step imparts a nutty flavor and helps keep the rice fluffy.
- Add Vegetables and Tomato: Stir in the diced green bell pepper, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Season and Add Broth: Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the rice is covered and evenly distributed.
- Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the rice simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the skillet from heat and keep it covered for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and fully absorb flavors. Then, use a fork to fluff the rice gently, separating the grains.
- Garnish and Serve: If using, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for added freshness and color. Serve the Mexican style rice warm as a delightful side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust the chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
- Using fresh corn is preferable, but canned or frozen corn works well too.
- For a richer flavor, sauté the rice in butter instead of oil.
- Leftover rice can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
