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!
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?!?!
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, restaurant-style Mexican rice, 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!
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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!!
Nutrition
Tarina says
I was scared to try something new with my Hispanic family but I snuck this one in. Everyone loved it! This is my new go to as we eat rice weekly in this household. Thank you Leah!
Kristin Hayes says
Yay!! Love hearing this! So glad you enjoyed!!
Mary says
I’m writing this comment to save my own info, not to change or make suggestions for your recipe, which I have made and liked in the past. This time, I just baked my rice according to BIL John’s recipe, and spooned my way to soupy home made refried beans over top. I think I would do it the same way again, without the beans if necessary, and stir in enough salsa to my taste. I prefer to use less. Sorry for hijacking your post. 🙂
Kristin Hayes says
Glad you enjoyed the recipe, love the variation you make!
Debra says
I have to admit that this is the best
& easiest Mexican rice that I’ve
ever had or made. I tend to steer
away from recipes that say Spanish
rice bc I don’t like the green pepper taste. There is a big difference between Spanish & Mexican rice. I’ve tried so many kinds of mexican
rice & most of them are lengthy, take
alot of time to cook & have sometimes up to 10 ingredients. I love pace sauce, & I use it for many things. When I made this Mexican rice, I got so many compliments! I changed it a little, I added 1 TBLSP of garlic & & finely diced onion. That made it a little more authentic. LOVE ❤️ LOVE ❤️ this recipe! From now on this is my Mexican rice dish & I’ve told so many ppl & its a hit with my relatives. E’1 I know & their friends & relatives love this rice! This is the BEST MEXICAN RICE!
Thank you for this recipe!
I have an awesome mix for taco meat– It depends on how many ppl you’re serving, I use 1 lb ground beef, 1/4 to 1/2 onion finely diced & saute the ground beef & onion together, –add 1/2 to 1 cup pace piquante sauce, a little water if it starts to get a little too thick. For bigger crowds– 2lb ground beef + finely diced onion1/2 onion + 1 TBLSP powdered garlic, saute ground beef & onion with garlic & then adding pace, if it gets too thick, I added water. I’ve made my tacos like this for 20 yrs or more. its a crown pleaser!
Kristin Hayes says
Great feedback and love hearing how much you enjoy the recipe! Great tips and I will definitely have to try the recipe you included for the taco meat, yum!! Thanks for sharing!
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!!
Ali says
I am so happy I found this recipe. I am always searching for rice to serve on our taco nights and I found this a few months ago. I have now made it probably 10 times and I will never have to buy the boxed rice again! My husband says it’s his favorite. Thank you for making it so easy!!
Kristin Hayes says
Yay! Love hearing this and so glad it’s a recipe you all enjoy! Thanks for the fabulous feedback Ali!
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!