This Easy Mexican Rice is fluffy, savory, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, grilled chicken, or any Mexican-inspired dinner. Long-grain white rice is toasted with onion and garlic, then simmered in chicken broth with diced tomatoes, green chiles, cumin, and salt until tender.
It is simple to make in one skillet and tastes so much better than plain rice. The tomatoes give it color, the broth adds richness, and the cumin brings a warm, earthy flavor that makes every bite delicious.
Serve this Mexican rice with refried beans, tacos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, or grilled meats for an easy homemade side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Rice
This rice is quick, simple, and full of flavor.
You’ll love this recipe because it is:
- Easy to make in one skillet
- Ready in about 35 minutes
- Perfect for taco night
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Fluffy, savory, and lightly seasoned
- Great with beans, tacos, and enchiladas
- Budget-friendly
- Family-friendly
What Is Mexican Rice?
Mexican rice is a flavorful rice dish made with long-grain white rice, onion, garlic, broth, tomatoes, and seasonings. It is often served as a side dish with Mexican and Tex-Mex meals.
It is also sometimes called Spanish rice or red rice, though there are small differences. Mexican rice often includes tomatoes and cumin, while Spanish rice may be more yellow in color because it can include saffron.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired / Tex-Mex
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced, about ½ cup
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles, 14.5 ounces, drained
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Ingredient Notes
Rice
Long-grain white rice works best because it cooks up fluffy and separate. Brown rice can be used, but it will need more liquid and a longer cooking time.
Onion
Diced yellow onion adds sweetness and savory flavor to the rice.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic gives the rice a warm, aromatic flavor.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth gives the rice more flavor than water. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
Tomatoes with Green Chiles
Diced tomatoes with green chiles add color, flavor, and a little heat. You can use plain diced tomatoes for a milder version.
Cumin
Cumin adds the classic warm, earthy flavor often found in Mexican-style rice dishes.
Cilantro
Fresh cilantro adds color and freshness at the end.
How to Make Mexican Rice
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook the Onion
Add the diced onion and cook for 5–8 minutes, or until softened.
Stir occasionally so the onion does not burn.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 4: Toast the Rice
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet.
Stir often and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the rice is lightly toasted.
This step adds flavor and helps the rice cook with a better texture.
Step 5: Add the Liquid and Seasoning
Add the chicken broth, drained diced tomatoes with green chiles, cumin, and kosher salt.
Stir to combine.
Step 6: Simmer
Reduce the heat to low.
Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step 7: Rest and Fluff
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Mexican Rice
Use long-grain rice for the fluffiest texture.
Toast the rice before adding broth.
Drain the canned tomatoes so the rice does not become too wet.
Keep the lid on while the rice simmers.
Let the rice rest before fluffing.
Use chicken broth for the best flavor.
Add cilantro at the end for freshness.
Mexican Rice vs. Spanish Rice
The names Mexican rice and Spanish rice are often used interchangeably in the United States, but they are not exactly the same.
Mexican rice is usually made with tomatoes, onion, garlic, broth, and cumin, giving it a red-orange color and warm flavor.
Spanish rice can be more yellow and may include saffron.
Both are delicious, but this version is more of a Mexican-style red rice.
Easy Variations
Vegetarian Mexican Rice
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicy Mexican Rice
Add jalapeños, hot diced tomatoes, chili powder, or cayenne pepper.
Tomato Sauce Mexican Rice
Use a little tomato sauce in place of some of the diced tomatoes for a smoother texture.
Corn and Bean Rice
Add corn, black beans, or pinto beans after the rice is cooked.
Cheesy Mexican Rice
Stir in shredded cheese right before serving.
Lime Cilantro Rice
Finish with fresh lime juice and extra cilantro for a bright flavor.
What to Serve with Mexican Rice
Mexican rice is a perfect side dish for many meals.
Serve it with:
- Tacos
- Enchiladas
- Burritos
- Fajitas
- Quesadillas
- Refried beans
- Black beans
- Chicken burrito bowls
- Steak tacos
- Grilled chicken
- Carne asada
- Taco salad
- Guacamole
- Salsa
Storage Instructions
Let leftover rice cool completely.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
Mexican rice freezes well.
Place cooled rice in freezer-safe bags or containers.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips
Reheat rice in the microwave with a splash of broth or water.
You can also reheat it in a covered skillet over low heat.
Fluff with a fork before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice needs more liquid and a longer cooking time. Check the package instructions and adjust as needed.
Can I use water instead of broth?
Yes, but broth gives the rice much more flavor.
Can I make this rice vegetarian?
Yes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Why is my rice mushy?
Too much liquid or not draining the tomatoes can make the rice mushy. Use long-grain rice and measure carefully.
Why is my rice undercooked?
It may need a few more minutes of simmering. Add a small splash of broth, cover, and continue cooking over low heat.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Mexican rice reheats well and is great for meal prep.
Recipe Card
Easy Mexican Rice
Fluffy Mexican rice cooked with onion, garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chiles, cumin, and salt. A simple and flavorful side dish for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and more.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 5
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced, about ½ cup
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles, 14.5 ounces, drained
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook for 5–8 minutes, until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add rice and cook, stirring often, for 3–4 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Add chicken broth, drained tomatoes with green chiles, cumin, and salt.
- Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Cover with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
Use long-grain rice for the best texture.
Drain the tomatoes before adding them.
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Add jalapeños or chili powder for more heat.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Estimate
Per serving:
- Calories: 235
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Mexican Rice is a simple side dish that brings big flavor to the table. With toasted rice, garlic, onion, tomatoes, broth, and cumin, it turns basic pantry ingredients into a warm, fluffy, and satisfying dish.
It is perfect for taco night, family dinners, meal prep, and any meal that needs a flavorful side.