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This Homemade Mexican Rice is simple, budget-friendly, and packed with bold flavor using pantry staples you probably already have on hand.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make that perfectly fluffy, flavorful rice you get at your favorite Mexican restaurant, you’re in the right place.

Light, fluffy, and infused with savory spices and tomato richness, this rice is the perfect side dish for taco night, enchiladas, or even served on its own with a squeeze of lime.

This recipe is so easy to make, and I have discovered that cooking your rice in chicken broth versus water adds so much more flavor to the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Comes together in one pan
• Tastes just like restaurant-style Mexican rice
• Perfect side dish for so many meals
• Easy to customize with veggies or heat

September is National Rice and National Whole Grains Month. The fourth week of September is National Wild Rice Week. Whole grains are nutritious and are great to make delicious food right from appetizers, salads, breads, and main courses to desserts. In our #FestiveFoodies, we are celebrating the grains this month by sharing our favorite recipes showcasing any grains and Radha of Magical Ingredients  is hosting this event. We are sharing 30 different recipes using whole grains and join us in the celebration.

What is Homemade Mexican Rice?

Mexican rice (sometimes called Spanish rice) is a flavorful rice dish made by toasting rice in oil, then simmering it in a seasoned broth with tomato and spices. The result is a fluffy, slightly savory, and perfectly seasoned side dish that pairs beautifully with classic Mexican-inspired meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Mexican Rice

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups long grain white rice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

How to Make Homemade Mexican Rice

You can have this on the table in 20 minutes or less, and it goes great with that delicious Mexican feast you are making. Seriously -one cup of rice will make a ton of this delicious homemade Mexican rice.

Step 1: Toast the Rice

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes lightly golden and fragrant. This step is key for that authentic flavor!

Step 2: Add Seasoning

Stir in the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Let the spices toast for about 30 seconds to bring out their flavor.

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

Whisk the tomato paste into the chicken broth, then pour it into the skillet with the rice. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 5: Fluff and Finish

Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and stir in the fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.

If you really want to make this dish soar, you can pair it with my Restaurant Style Mexican Cheese Dip.

I can serve this rice with any of my delicious Mexican dishes like Chicken Verde Casserole, Mango Salsa Chicken, Roasted Pork Tacos, or homemade chips and salsa.

Rice is an essential side dish when fixing a Mexican meal for your family. If you are really up for a challenge, why not create a Mexican-themed night and make it a family fun night?

• Watch a movie
• Make string art
• Do a Mexican hat dance and act silly with your family
• , and then serve a delicious Mexican meal to round out the night!

All of these things I have done with my own family — especially when we have studied those countries when we homeschooled!

Tips for Perfect Mexican Rice

• Don’t skip toasting the rice – this gives it that signature flavor
• Use long grain rice for the best fluffy texture
• Keep the lid on while simmering to trap steam
• Let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing

Variations You Can Try

• Add diced onions and sauté before adding rice
• Stir in peas, carrots, or corn for a veggie boost
• Add jalapeños for a spicy kick
• Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice

What to Serve with Mexican Rice

This rice pairs perfectly with:

• Tacos
• Burritos
• Grilled chicken or steak
• Fajitas
• Enchiladas

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat with a splash of broth or water to bring back moisture
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months

For More Mexican Inspired Dishes Check Out These Recipes

• Restaurant Style Mexican Cheese Dip
• Southwestern Chicken Quinoa Bowl
• Pork Burrito Bowl
• Easy Restaurant Style Salsa
• One Pan Steak Fajitas

What is your favorite Mexican cuisine?

Check out the other bloggers and their delicious whole grain recipes

• Italian Basil Fried Rice by Magical Ingredients
• Stuffed Acorn Squash by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Healthy Whole Wheat Apple Banana Bread by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Cherry Almond Multi Grain Cereal by That Recipe
• Beef with Barley Soup by The Spiffy Cookie
• Apple Risotto with Bacon by Take Two Tapas
• Toasted Brown Rice with Mushrooms by Making Miracles