The Best Mexican Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fluffy, flavorful rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, a staple in many Mexican dishes. This mexican ready in about 35 minutes pairs long-grain rice, onion, tomato for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add rice, cumin, and salt. Stir for 2 minutes until the rice is coated in the spices.
  3. Step 3: Add diced tomatoes and 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Fluff the rice with a fork and serve as a side dish or base for tacos and enchiladas.

Frequently asked questions

How long does The Best Mexican Rice take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover The Best Mexican Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep long-grain rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in The Best Mexican Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale The Best Mexican Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with The Best Mexican Rice?

Mexican mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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