Name: Homemade Mexican Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup tomato sauce; 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 1/2 cup chopped carrots; Chopped cilantro for garnish

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If you’ve ever wished you could bring that warm, savory restaurant-style rice to your own table, you’re in for a treat! Homemade Mexican Rice is fluffy, vibrant, and loaded with comforting flavors from tomatoes, onion, garlic, and just the right hint of spice. It’s the perfect sidekick for tacos, enchiladas, or honestly, anything you’re craving. Once you try this easy method, you’ll never go back to boxed versions again. Get ready to make Homemade Mexican Rice a staple at your family dinners!

Homemade Mexican Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Homemade Mexican Rice lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient chosen for the flavor, texture, or color it brings to the dish. No fancy shopping trips required—just a handful of kitchen staples that work together to create that classic, irresistible taste.

Long-grain white rice: The backbone of this dish, it cooks up fluffy and separate, never sticky.
Vegetable oil: Essential for toasting the rice grains, which adds a nutty depth and helps keep the rice from clumping.
Yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a subtle aromatic base to the rice.
Garlic, minced: Just a little brings a punch of irresistible flavor.
Tomato sauce: Provides color and that signature tangy-sweet tomato note.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Infuses the rice with rich, savory flavor—vegetable broth works great for a vegetarian twist.
Ground cumin: Brings warmth and a hint of earthiness that makes the rice unmistakably Mexican.
Chili powder: Adds gentle spice and a touch of color without overpowering the dish.
Salt: Just enough to enhance and balance all the flavors.
Black pepper: A little goes a long way to add mild heat and complexity.
Frozen peas (optional): For a pop of color and sweetness—totally up to your preference.
Chopped carrots (optional): These add a subtle sweetness and a beautiful color contrast.
Chopped cilantro for garnish: Freshness on top! It’s the final touch that brightens every bite.

How to Make Homemade Mexican Rice

Step 1: Toast the Rice

Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir frequently, letting each grain toast until it turns a beautiful golden brown. This step is key for Homemade Mexican Rice—don’t rush it! You’ll notice a nutty aroma, and the texture will be spot on later.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Once your rice is toasted, stir in the finely chopped onion. Let it cook for a couple of minutes until softened and fragrant, then add the minced garlic. Give it just 30 seconds—enough to bloom that delicious garlicky aroma without burning it.

Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings

Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir so the rice is evenly coated in those vibrant flavors. This is where Homemade Mexican Rice gets its signature taste and color!

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the rice simmer for about 18 to 20 minutes. If you’re adding peas and carrots, toss them in during the last 5 minutes—this keeps them bright and tender.

Step 5: Rest, Fluff, and Finish

Once the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. This final rest lets the steam finish the cooking and makes the rice extra fluffy. Fluff with a fork, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Homemade Mexican Rice

Garnishes

Nothing beats a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro on Homemade Mexican Rice. You can also add a few squeezes of lime, a scattering of green onions, or even a crumble of queso fresco for an extra layer of flavor and color.

Side Dishes

This rice is the ultimate team player—serve it next to enchiladas, tacos, grilled chicken, or even as part of a burrito bowl. It soaks up sauces like a dream and never overpowers the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Try molding the rice into small bowls or ramekins, then invert onto plates for a restaurant-style presentation. Or stuff bell peppers with Homemade Mexican Rice for a fun, colorful twist that’s sure to impress at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade Mexican Rice keeps beautifully! Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, simply portion the cooled rice into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll last up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or reheat straight from frozen with a splash of broth to bring back its moisture.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a little water or broth over the rice, then cover and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. This keeps your Homemade Mexican Rice soft and fluffy, just like when it was freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to cook and may need additional broth. The flavor will be a bit nuttier, but still delicious.

What if I don’t have tomato sauce?

You can blend a couple of ripe tomatoes with a bit of onion and garlic to make your own sauce, or even use canned tomato puree in a pinch. It gives Homemade Mexican Rice an extra fresh flavor.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

If you love heat, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne with the seasonings. Or serve with your favorite hot sauce for a customizable kick!

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Corn, diced bell peppers, or even zucchini work well. Just add them in with the peas and carrots during the last few minutes of cooking so they stay crisp-tender.

How do I keep the rice from turning mushy?

The key is to toast the rice first and use the right rice-to-liquid ratio. Letting it rest covered after cooking also helps absorb any excess moisture, resulting in perfect Homemade Mexican Rice every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring the fiesta to your own kitchen, Homemade Mexican Rice is the way to go! It’s easy, family-friendly, and endlessly versatile—once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for anything less. Give it a try and let it become your new favorite side dish!

Homemade Mexican Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Homemade Mexican Rice recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish inspired by authentic Mexican cuisine. Featuring long-grain rice toasted to perfection and simmered with a blend of tomato sauce, spices, and broth, it delivers a vibrant and satisfying accompaniment perfect for any Mexican meal. Optional peas and carrots add color and nutrition, while fresh cilantro garnish brightens the flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup tomato sauce
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Ingredients

1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup chopped carrots
Chopped cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

Toast the Rice: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. This toasting enhances the rice’s flavor and texture.
Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their aroma into the oil and rice.
Add Liquids and Spices: Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly throughout the rice.
Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed, creating fluffy, flavorful rice.
Add Vegetables: If using peas and carrots, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through without losing their texture or color.
Rest and Fluff: Remove the pan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the rice as a bright, fresh garnish before serving to add a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute low-sodium vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
For a more authentic tomato flavor, blend fresh tomatoes with onion and garlic to replace the tomato sauce.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
This rice pairs beautifully with Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican