Looking for the perfect side dish that never disappoints? Spanish Rice is here to save your dinner. It’s a cozy mix of tender rice, zesty tomato, onion, garlic, and spices—super simple, but somehow it brings a whole lot of flavor. This is the rice you want next to your tacos, inside burritos, or piled under grilled chicken. One pot, a handful of pantry staples, and boom—dinner just got way better.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Full of flavor with minimal ingredients
Perfect side for any Mexican or Tex-Mex meal
One pot = easy cleanup
Customizable with veggies, beans, or spice
Way better than anything in a box
What You’ll Need
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups chicken broth (or veggie broth)
1 cup canned tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped cilantro, lime juice, peas, or corn
Let’s Make It Happen
Step 1: Toast the rice
Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until it’s golden and smells nutty. This is the secret to that deep flavor.
Step 2: Add flavor
Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the onion softens.
Step 3: Simmer it down
Pour in the tomato sauce and broth. Add cumin, chili powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, bring 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 absorbed.
Step 4: Fluff and finish
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff it with a fork. Stir in a little lime juice and chopped cilantro if you want to take it to the next level.
Tips and Tricks
Use basmati or jasmine rice for extra aroma
Add frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes for a veggie boost
Leftovers are awesome in burritos or bowls
Double the batch—it reheats like a dream
People Also Ask
Q: Can I make this with brown rice?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to increase the liquid and cook time—brown rice takes longer.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Totally. Add diced jalapeño with the onion or a dash of cayenne.
Q: What’s the difference between Spanish rice and Mexican rice?
A: They’re often used interchangeably, but some say Spanish rice includes saffron. This version is more like classic Mexican rice.
Spanish Rice: Your Easy, Flavor-Packed Sidekick
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Looking for the perfect side dish that never disappoints? Spanish Rice is here to save your dinner. It’s a cozy mix of tender rice, zesty tomato, onion, garlic, and spices—super simple, but somehow it brings a whole lot of flavor. This is the rice you want next to your tacos, inside burritos, or piled under grilled chicken. One pot, a handful of pantry staples, and boom—dinner just got way better.
Ingredients
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups chicken broth (or veggie broth)
1 cup canned tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped cilantro, lime juice, peas, or corn
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the rice
Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until it’s golden and smells nutty. This is the secret to that deep flavor.
Step 2: Add flavor
Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the onion softens.
Step 3: Simmer it down
Pour in the tomato sauce and broth. Add cumin, chili powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. Stir everything together, bring 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 absorbed.
Step 4: Fluff and finish
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff it with a fork. Stir in a little lime juice and chopped cilantro if you want to take it to the next level.
Notes
Use basmati or jasmine rice for extra aroma
Add frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes for a veggie boost
Leftovers are awesome in burritos or bowls
Double the batch—it reheats like a dream
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~180 per serving