Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe

This Instant Pot Mexican Rice recipe is easy to make, packed with flavor, and ready in under 20 minutes. With perfectly fluffy, restaurant-style rice and simple pantry ingredients, it's the perfect side dish for tacos, enchiladas, and family dinners.

After sharing my stovetop easy Mexican rice, so many of you asked for an Instant Pot Mexican Rice version. I went back to the kitchen to test and adjust the ingredients specifically for pressure cooking, and this recipe delivers fluffy, perfectly seasoned rice every time. It's simple to prepare, comes together quickly, and has become our go-to side dish for taco night.

Ingredient Notes

For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card below.

• Long Grain White Rice: Use long grain white rice for the best texture. It cooks up fluffy with separate grains in the Instant Pot. Brown rice can be used, but cook time will need to be adjusted.
• Vegetable Oil: Toasting the rice before pressure cooking helps prevent sticking and improves texture.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds color and flavor. Salsa can be substituted if desired.
• Water or Broth: Either works, but broth adds extra flavor.

How To Make Mexican Rice in the Instant Pot (Step-by-Step)

Step 1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and add oil. Once HOT, add the rice and cook 3-5 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 2. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute, just until fragrant.

Step 3. Pour in tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and water (or broth). Stir gently and scrape the bottom clean to prevent sticking.

Step 4. Turn off Sauté. Secure the lid, set valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes. Allow a 5-minute natural release, then quick release. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Tips For Success

• Use long grain white rice. It produces the fluffiest texture with separate grains in the Instant Pot.
• Measure liquid carefully. Too much liquid can make the rice soft or sticky.
• Let it rest. After releasing pressure, fluff gently and let the rice sit uncovered for a minute to finish setting up.
• Adjust seasoning to taste. Add cumin, chili powder, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor. This rice pairs especially well with my Frito Taco Bake or Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas.
• Double with confidence. You can double the recipe without changing the cook time.

How to Avoid the Burn Notice in the Instant Pot

• Toast the rice before adding liquid.
• Scrape the bottom of the pot well before sealing.
• Do not stir after adding the tomato sauce and water.
• Allow a short natural release before quick releasing.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Let the rice cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Sprinkle with a little water, cover, and microwave until warmed through, fluffing halfway. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
• Leftover Instant Pot Mexican Rice is great for meal prep and makes an easy base for my Easy Taco Bowls.

Instant Pot Mexican Rice Recipe FAQs

Recipes to Serve Mexican Rice With

Tried this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and let me know what you think in the comments! You can also follow me on Pinterest for even more easy, family-friendly recipes.