Go Back
Homemade Easy Mexican Rice Recipe photo
Print Recipe Save it for later

Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe is bursting with flavor and perfect as a side or base for your Mexican meals. Quick, vibrant, and utterly delicious!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Cheesy, Easy, Mexican Rice, Quick, Side Dish
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles with juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup Mexican Blend cheese
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce minced (optional)
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro plus more for garnish
  • 1 lime juice of

Instructions

  • Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water to remove excess starch, helping it cook evenly and preventing stickiness.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and sauté 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add 1 clove minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
  • Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat the grains in the oil and butter. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Stir to combine, then add 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles including juice. Mix well.
  • Pour in 2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  • Remove from heat and fluff rice with a fork. Stir in 1 cup Mexican Blend cheese, ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro, and juice of 1 lime. Add minced chipotle pepper if desired for heat.
  • Transfer rice to a serving dish, garnish with additional chopped cilantro, and serve warm.

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Notes

  • Toast the rice longer until golden brown for deeper flavor.
  • Make it vegetarian by using plant-based butter and omitting or substituting cheese.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for more texture and taste.
  • Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat with a splash of water to keep the rice moist.