Fast, flavorful, and made with simple pantry ingredients
Spanish rice (sometimes called Mexican rice) is fluffy, tomatoey, and packed with warm spices. This version is super easy — no fancy cookware or hard steps — and cooks in just one pan.
🍚 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons oil (olive or vegetable)
½ onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce or 1 can (8 oz) tomato puree
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ins
½ cup corn
½ cup peas
Diced bell pepper
A squeeze of lime juice
Fresh cilantro
🔥 Instructions
1. Toast the Rice
Heat the oil in a skillet on medium heat.
Add the rice and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring until lightly golden.
(Toasting adds flavor and keeps the rice fluffy!)
2. Add Onion & Garlic
Add the chopped onion. Cook until soft.
Stir in the garlic for about 30 seconds.
3. Add the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir so everything is well-coated.
4. Add Broth and Spices
Pour in:
Broth
Salt
Cumin
Paprika
Pepper
Stir once to combine.
5. Simmer
Cover the pan with a lid.
Cook on low heat for 15–18 minutes, or until:
The liquid is absorbed
The rice is fluffy
Don’t open the lid while it cooks — this keeps steam inside.
6. Rest & Fluff
Turn off the heat.
Let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes.
Then fluff with a fork.
⭐ Tips for the Tastiest Spanish Rice
Don’t skip toasting the rice — it makes a big difference.
If the rice dries out too quickly, add a splash more broth.
Want more flavor? Add a small pinch of chili powder.
Stir in peas or corn at the end for color and sweetness.
For extra brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lime.
🍽️ How to Serve Spanish Rice
It goes great with:
Tacos
Burrito bowls
Grilled chicken
Beans
Fajitas
Veggie bowls
Eggs (yes, really — try it!)
Or enjoy it on its own!
🌶️ Fun Variations
Veggie Spanish Rice
Add peas, corn, bell peppers, and chopped tomatoes.
Cheesy Spanish Rice
Stir in ½ cup shredded cheese at the end.
Spicy Spanish Rice
Add diced jalapeño or ¼ tsp chili flakes.
Tomato-Chicken Spanish Rice
Add cooked shredded chicken during the last 5 minutes of simmering.