Mexican Rice Easy
Transform your next meal with this "Mexican Rice Easy" recipe—a quick and flavorful side dish that brings authentic Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen. Made with pantry staples like long-grain white rice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, this recipe is elevated by aromatic garlic, onions, and a perfect blend of cumin and chili powder for an irresistible depth of flavor. Toasting the rice before simmering ensures a light, fluffy texture, while diced tomatoes lend a subtle sweetness. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-pot recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or as a vibrant accompaniment to tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an optional burst of freshness and enjoy a restaurant-quality side dish at home.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.5 medium onion
- 0.5 cup tomato sauce
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 0.5 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cool water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well and set aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Mince the garlic and finely dice the onion. Add both to the hot oil and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and toast it, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes until it turns a light golden brown.
Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Mix well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer for 18-20 minutes, without stirring, until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve warm as a side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
623 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.6 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.2 g | 21% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3516 mg | 153% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 77.1 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.0 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.1 g | ||
| Protein | 14.0 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 146 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 798 mg | 17% | |
*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.
