Cheesy Salsa Rice
Transform your weeknight meals with this easy and satisfying Cheesy Salsa Rice! This one-pot wonder combines perfectly fluffy white or jasmine rice with the zesty kick of your favorite salsa, melted cheddar cheese, and a touch of butter for rich, creamy flavor in every bite. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile recipe is perfect as a savory side dish or a standalone comfort food. Customize the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa, and elevate the presentation with fresh cilantro and green onion garnishes. Whether you're pairing it with tacos, grilled chicken, or enjoying it solo, this cheesy, tangy twist on classic rice will become your go-to for Tex-Mex-inspired dinners.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup white or jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot as desired)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons green onions (optional, sliced for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed.
Remove the cooked rice from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, still covered, to steam for fluffier grains.
While the rice is resting, warm the salsa in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
After the rice has rested, fluff it with a fork and stir in the butter until melted and evenly distributed.
Add the warm salsa to the rice and mix until well combined.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the rice and cover with the lid for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
Gently stir the melted cheese into the rice, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.
Transfer the Cheesy Salsa Rice to a serving dish and garnish with optional cilantro and sliced green onions if desired.
Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy on its own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
249 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.1 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.7 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 46 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 873 mg | 38% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.7 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.7 g | ||
| Protein | 9.4 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 236 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 210 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
