Mexican Rice is easy to make and goes great with enchiladas, tacos, or fajitas!
Mexican Rice is a staple menu item in many Mexican restaurants, usually accompanying beans (either refried, Borracho, Charro or black) as the side dish to the entree. Unfortunately, sometimes the rice at the restaurant is bland, with little or no flavor. This recipe boasts a nice flavor that is not over-powering and it’s as easy to make as plain white rice…just add a few seasonings and you’ve got a full-fledged Mexican rice!
What Type of Rice Should I Use for Mexican Rice?
Traditionally, Mexican rice is made with long-grain white rice, however, you can use a long-grain brown rice if you want a healthier version. Brown rice doesn’t taste any different than white, but it is a bit more healthy.
How Do I Brown the Rice if I Need to Double the Recipe?
If you need to double the recipe, you’ll want to brown the rice (in oil) in batches, because the skillet isn’t big enough to brown all the rice at once. Just brown 1-2 cups of rice at time, then add all the browned rice to the stockpot and continue with the recipe, adjusting ingredients accordingly.
Can I Make Mexican Rice in Advance?
This recipe can be made in advance; however, when re-heating, you may need to add a little water or broth. Mexican rice can be re-heated in the microwave or on the stove top.

Perfectly seasoned Mexican rice like you find at your favorite restaurant-but with no MSG!
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 2-3 tablespoons oil vegetable or canola
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
- 3 cups broth chicken or vegetable
- 1-2 teaspoons chile powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup frozen peas thawed (optional)
- 1/2 large red bell pepper chopped fine (optional)
- cilantro garnish; (optional)
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In a large, non-stick skillet, add oil; bring to medium high heat and add rice; cook rice until it begins to turn slightly brown
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Pour rice into large stock pot; add remaining ingredients
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Bring to boil, stirring continuously
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Once mixture has reached boiling point; cover, reduce heat to simmer; simmer for 20-25 minutes
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Option: once rice is done, add green peas and chopped red bell pepper; combine well; plate and serve
- Note: there is no salt added to this recipe; feel free to add salt once the rice is done
Need something delicious to go with your Mexican rice? Try Beef Fajitas!