Mexican Rice

4.5
(3,250)

This Mexican rice recipe makes a wonderful restaurant-style side dish for any Mexican dinner.

176
A bowl of Mexican rice topped with fresh cilantro and served with lime wedges
176
176
176
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
4

This fluffy Mexican rice recipe, seasoned with garlic salt and cumin, will quickly become a go-to side dish in your household. 

How to Make Mexican Rice

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Mexican Rice Ingredients

These are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this Mexican rice recipe: 

  • Oil: Start with three tablespoons of vegetable oil.
  • Rice: A cup of uncooked long-grain rice should make about four servings. 
  • Seasonings: Season the Mexican rice with garlic salt and ground cumin. 
  • Onion: A chopped onion adds flavor and texture. 
  • Broth: Use store-bought or homemade chicken broth
  • Tomato sauce: Use store-bought or homemade tomato sauce.

How to Cook Mexican Rice

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade Mexican rice: 

  1. Season the rice and cook in oil until puffed and golden. 
  2. Add the onion and cook until the onion is softened. 
  3. Stir in the broth and tomato sauce, then bring to a boil. 
  4. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 more minutes. 

How to Serve Mexican Rice

Explore our entire collection of Mexican Main Dish Recipes for delicious inspiration. Here are a few of the top-rated recipes you’ll find: 

How to Store Mexican Rice

Store your leftover Mexican rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. If you’re worried about the rice drying out during the reheating process, stir in a dash of broth. 

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“Absolutely LOVE this recipe,” raves Jamie Snyder. “It’s my go-to and everyone loves it. You definitely have to use broth. I tried it with water once and it was bland.”

“Great rice,” according to Joanna. “I use it for chicken bowls so I add green chilies, corn, and rinsed black beans. Serve with cubed chicken, lettuce, salsa, cilantro, sour cream and chips.”

“The recipe was perfect,” says SmallGroup. “I made a big batch and we ate it for several days. The only thing I did differently was add a little cayenne.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice

  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin

  • ¼ cup chopped onion

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • ½ cup tomato sauce

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Ingredients to make Mexican rice

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and season with garlic salt and cumin; cook, stirring constantly, until puffed and golden.

    A small pan with toasted, seasoned rice

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Add onion; cook and stir until onion has softened.

    A small pan of toasted, seasoned rice with chopped onion

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Stir in chicken broth and tomato sauce; bring to a boil.

    A pan with rice cooking in simmering chicken broth and tomato sauce

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork.

    A pan of cooked Mexican rice, fluffed with a fork

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Serve and enjoy!

    A bowl of Mexican rice topped with fresh cilantro and served with lime wedges

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

3,898 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

291 Calories
11g Fat
42g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 291
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 2g 9%
Cholesterol 3mg 1%
Sodium 1096mg 48%
Total Carbohydrate 42g 15%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 5g 10%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 23mg 2%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 173mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.