If you’re on a quest for a simple yet flavor-packed side, Easy Mexican Style Rice is about to become your new staple. This dish is satisfyingly fluffy, each grain beautifully tinted with a rich tomato hue and perfumed with the warm aroma of garlic and spices. It’s the kind of rice you’ll find alongside tacos or tucked inside a burrito, but it’s so good you might just eat it by the spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for the family or putting together a quick and cheerful weeknight meal, this recipe brings big, comforting flavors without any fuss.

Easy Mexican Style Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Mexican Style Rice is that it transforms just a handful of pantry staples into something magical. Each ingredient in this recipe is essential for creating that irresistible taste, fluffy texture, and the vibrant orange-red color that makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.

Long-grain white rice: Perfect for absorbing flavors while remaining separate and fluffy; avoid short-grain varieties, which tend to clump.
Tomato sauce: Gives the rice its signature color and adds a sweet tang that balances the spices.
Chicken broth: Infuses each grain with savory depth; you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Onion: Adds gentle sweetness and a subtle bite—finely diced works best for even cooking.
Garlic: Delivers a warm, aromatic base that makes the rice truly crave-worthy.
Olive oil: Helps toast the rice, ensuring the perfect fluffy texture and adding rich flavor.
Carrots (optional): Shredded or chopped carrots add a subtle hint of sweetness and extra color.
Peas (optional): Pop in at the end for bursts of freshness and a pretty green touch.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors—season according to your taste as the rice cooks.
Cumin: Just a pinch adds warm, earthy depth; this is the secret spice for authentic flavor.

How to Make Easy Mexican Style Rice

Step 1: Toast the Rice

Start by heating the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice, stirring gently until every grain is coated with the oil. This toasting step should take about 4-5 minutes, and you’ll notice the rice start to turn just the faintest shade of golden—this is crucial for both flavor and that signature fluffy texture in Easy Mexican Style Rice.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once the rice is lightly toasted, stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté together for another 2-3 minutes, until the onions have softened and the kitchen fills with the irresistible scent of garlic. If you’re adding carrots, toss them in now so they get perfectly tender.

Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings

Next, pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle over the cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to evenly distribute the tomato and seasonings among the rice grains. You’ll notice the whole mixture turning a gorgeous rust-orange color that screams Easy Mexican Style Rice!

Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Simmer

Carefully add the chicken (or vegetable) broth and give the rice one last gentle stir. Bring the pot to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover tightly with a lid. Let the rice simmer undisturbed for about 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 5: Add Peas and Fluff

Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from heat and toss in the peas if you’re using them. Replace the lid and let it sit for another 5 minutes—the residual steam will warm the peas through and finish tenderizing the rice. Then, grab a fork and fluff gently to separate the grains, releasing a cloud of savory aroma that can only mean it’s time to eat!

How to Serve Easy Mexican Style Rice

Garnishes

This rice is fantastic on its own, but a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or thinly sliced scallions takes the flavor to the next level. A squeeze of lime or crumbled cotija cheese adds a lovely tang and creamy bite—small touches that make the dish irresistible.

Side Dishes

Easy Mexican Style Rice is a natural partner for all your favorite Mexican and Tex-Mex mains. Pair it with enchiladas, tacos, grilled chicken, or even just some refried beans for a truly comforting plate. It also shines next to grilled veggies or as a bed for spicy shrimp.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, use the rice as a base for burrito bowls and let everyone add their own toppings. You can also stuff it into bell peppers before baking, or even mix chilled leftovers with black beans for a simple yet satisfying salad. The beautiful color and aroma will make your table feel festive, no matter how you serve it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the rice cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, perfect for scooping out quick sides or repurposing in lunch bowls and wraps.

Freezing

Easy Mexican Style Rice freezes like a dream. For larger batches, divide into freezer-safe bags or containers. Flatten the bags for easy stacking, and label with the date. When stored properly, your rice will stay tasty for up to three months—talk about prepping ahead!

Reheating

To reheat from the fridge, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water over the rice and cover loosely before microwaving in 30-second bursts, fluffing in between. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before microwaving, or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to bring everything back to life.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just remember that brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Start with about 1/4 cup extra broth and plan on simmering 35-40 minutes, checking for doneness as you go.

Can I make Easy Mexican Style Rice without tomato sauce?

If you don’t have tomato sauce, substitute with a blend of tomato paste and water, or even canned diced tomatoes blended smooth. The goal is to add both color and a bit of tangy-sweet flavor to the rice.

Why is my rice mushy or sticky?

This usually happens if there’s too much liquid or if the rice isn’t toasted enough in the beginning. Make sure to measure your broth and toast the grains in oil until they’re fragrant and slightly golden for perfect Easy Mexican Style Rice.

Can I add extra veggies?

Definitely! Feel free to stir in corn, diced bell pepper, or even a handful of black beans for added color, flavor, and nutrition. Just add them in with the peas or at the end so they keep some bite.

Is Easy Mexican Style Rice spicy?

No, as written it’s full of savory flavor but not heat. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of chili powder or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onion, or finish with hot sauce at the table.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Easy Mexican Style Rice at home, now’s your moment! It’s quick to whip up, impossibly satisfying, and once you see how easy it is, you’ll want to pair it with all your favorite meals. Friends and family will be coming back for seconds, so don’t be surprised if it disappears fast. Give it a try and enjoy every savory bite!