The BEST Mexican Rice that is so flavorful and easy, it will quickly become your new go to side dish to make with any and all Mexican dishes! With only a few ingredients needed, forget the boxes and mixes and stick to this simple version!
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If you have ever gone to a Mexican restaurant, you know good rice. Each restaurant has its own version of course, but most of the time (with a few exceptions), its delicious! To me, there is nothing better than combining the rice and beans into one bite and enjoying the flavor combination. Anyone else do that too or just me?!?!
Jump to:
- This Easy Mexican rice is packed with flavor, and can go toe-to-toe with some of the best rice I’ve had!
- Looking for some other great Mexican recipes to pair with this rice? Check out my favs below!
- Be sure to check out my recipe card below. Press print to have an always available copy!
- Easy Mexican Rice
This Easy Mexican rice is packed with flavor, and can go toe-to-toe with some of the best rice I’ve had!
Over the years, I have tried my hand at making an authentic, homemade rice that mirrors the restaurants. This version, click here, is quite close, but every now and then I need something realllllyyyyy simple. A dump and go version because I am short on time and want rice, but don’t want to work for it.
Several weeks ago, a few moms and I were talking about dinner ideas (because that is what you do when you put a bunch of moms together, right?) and one of the gals mentioned her simple rice recipe. She claimed (I was a bit skeptical at the time, but now I am a believer) that using only rice, salsa, and chicken broth….you could have a quick and easy Mexican rice that is flavorful and better than the boxes.
I was hesitant because that sounded way too simple, and let’s be honest, I am a bit picky since I compare to my favorite restaurant. Since I was making tacos that night, I decided to give it a try and hope for the best. I added the rice, salsa, and broth together in a skillet, crossed my fingers, made a wish, and hoped for the best. Twenty minutes later, I went to fluff it with a fork (and take a bite), and to my surprise, it was great!
The rice isn’t too “wet”, but its also not “firm”. It was perfectly flavored and complimented the tacos perfectly. I decided to test my hubby and not tell him the recipe up front, rather than ask his opinion first. I first asked if he thought it was from a box or homemade. He immediately said it was homemade. I then asked him to judge it and give me his honest opinion and he said it was his new favorite. Wow, right?! Who knew that something so simple, could be so quick and flavorful!
I definitely will be keeping this recipe on hand for those taco nights!
Looking for some other great Mexican recipes to pair with this rice? Check out my favs below!
Now, I understand this isn’t truly “authentic”, but hey, its better than a box, haha!
Be sure to check out my recipe card below. Press print to have an always available copy!
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Easy Mexican Rice
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chunky salsa (I used Pace)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
- Mix rice in and stir often.
- Once rice begins to brown, stir in the chicken broth and salsa.
- Reduce heat to low, cover skillet with lid, and allow to simmer 20 minutes, or until all liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove lid and fluff with a fork.
- Serve!!
Marci Brown says
Despite growing up with a Mexican mother who makes excellent rice, every time I try to make it I mess it up. But it was SO delicious and easy with your recipe, it turned out perfect. Thank you! It’s on my favorites list for sure!
Kristin says
Yay!! Love hearing this! So glad you enjoyed the recipe!!
Leah says
I think there might be a step missing to bring the rice to a boil before covering to simmer. I followed the recipe and I’m going on 30 minutes with undercooked crunchy rice.
Kristin says
How did it end up turning out? Hope you enjoyed!
Janice says
Leah, simmering usually implies it has been brought to a boil. Yours prbably took longerbut should have worked fine after the edtra cooktime. 🙂
Denise K says
Do you make this with white minute rice or white long grain rice?
Kristin says
Long grain rice! Hope you enjoy
Renee Cabrera says
Bar far my favorite rice recipe! My kids never like the same thing but they both love this rice! Super easy and full of flavor! I usually add a little extra salsa just for a little more flavor but it is amazing!! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Kristin says
Yay!! Love hearing this and so glad you all enjoy! Great idea on the additional salsa!!
donna mclean says
can this also be done in a rice cooker…
Kristin says
Im sure it can, I am just not sure how to convert it as I don’t use a rice cooker. Sorry I am not more help 🙁
Lisa says
Could you make this in a rice maker?
Kristin says
I don’t see why not, I haven’t personally tried it, but should work!
Judy Maes says
I’m from San Antonio Texas and that’s the ONLY WAY I eat my beans and rice!!!
Kristin says
Great minds think alike! Glad to hear I am not the only one, haha!