• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Laughing Spatula logo

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • YouTube
  • All Recipes
  • Most Popular
  • Chicken Recipes
  • Healthy Recipes
  • About
Laughing Spatula / Recipe Index / Side Dishes / Best Spanish Rice

Best Spanish Rice

By Kathi & Rachel

55187 shares
  • Share
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Easy One Pot Spanish Rice will quickly become a family favorite!  We use fresh ingredients that you most likely have on hand.  Chicken stock for added flavor along with mexican spices…even a pepper if you like a little heat!

 

What makes this Spanish Rice recipe the best?

  • We fresh veggies for some crunch.  Chicken stock instead of water to boost the flavor and lots of cumin for that authentic Spanish (or Mexican Rice) Rice that you have grown to love at your local Mexican restaurant!

What you need to make this dish:

  • peppers – red, green or a combination of both.  A jalapeno if you like the heat!
  • onion
  • chicken stock
  • uncooked rice – short grain is best for this dish
  • tomato paste
  • diced tomatoes
  • chili powder and cumin
  • see the recipe card below for full recipe and instructions

We start by cooking up the veggies.  

Uncooked rice added to the veggies while making Spanish Rice

Add the uncooked rice.  Toss in the tomatoes and spices.  Then in goes the chicken stock.

Now put the lid on and try not to peek!  I’m a pot stirrer so I allow myself one little stir about half way through. Just to check nothing is sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

After tomatoes and broth are added to the rice, simmer, cover and cook

Some tips to make the Best Spanish Rice!

  • I have made this with long and short grain rice and they both cook the same.
  • You can use broth or water but broth adds more flavor.  Stick with the low sodium stuff if you can.
  • MOST IMPORTANT:  Spices vary in intensity.  I kept the spice low on this recipe because it’s a lot easier to add some in than take it out.
  • Don’t cook this soooo long that there is no liquid left.  You want about a half cup that hasn’t cooked into the rice.  It will continue to absorb the liquid as it cools.
  •  Nice additions would be corn or black beans.  Toss them in after the dish is cooked to warm through so they don’t get to soft.

 

What can I serve this rice dish with?

Chicken Fajitas

Shrimp Fajitas

Salmon Fajitas

Taco Pie

Clink!

Kathi

 What do you think about this recipe? Have questions? Comment below! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook, and connect with us on Instagram and tag your @Laughingspatula recipes with #laughingspatula,while you’re at it…We love to see your pics!

Hey and check out our new YouTube Channel!

While you’re at it- check out our video of this Best Spanish Rice to see how great it turns out! 

Best Spanish Rice
4.02 from 65 votes
Print Pin Recipe  Comment
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 

This one skillet big flavored rice dish cooks up in about 30 minutes.  Even the rice goes in uncooked!

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 6 servings
: 229 kcal
: Kathi & Rachel
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup peppers, chopped - green, red or a combination of both
  • 1 cup yellow onion - chopped
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (optional) seeds removed and deveined
  • 2 cloves garlic - chopped
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup white rice, uncooked short rice works best but any will do
  • 1 15.4 oz can roasted diced tomatoes undrained
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated cheese for topping optional
Instructions
  1. In large skillet heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Saute peppers, onion and garlic until just tender.

  3.  Add tomato paste and cook for one minute.

  4. Add rice, broth, canned tomatoes , spices, salt and pepper.  Stir well.  Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low.

  5. Put lid on skillet.  Simmer for 10 minutes then give a little stir to be sure rice isn't sticking.  Return lid to pan and cook for another 10-12 minutes or until the rice is tender but about 1/2 cup liquid still remains in the pan. (Remaining liquid will be absorbed as the dish cools a bit.)   

  6. Taste for seasoning!  More cumin, chili powder, salt or pepper?

  7. Top with cheese if desired and serve with grilled chicken, taco's or your favorite Mexican main dish!

Recipe Notes

Be sure to check for seasoning.  Chili powder and cumin can vary in intensity. 

  • I have made this with long and short grain rice and they both cook the same.
  • You can use broth or water but broth adds more flavor.  Stick with the low sodium stuff if you can.
  • MOST IMPORTANT:  Spices vary in intensity.  I kept the spice low on this recipe because it's a lot easier to add some in than take it out.
  • Don't cook this soooo long that there is no liquid left.  You want about a half cup that hasn't cooked into the rice.  It will continue to absorb the liquid as it cools.
  •  Nice additions would be corn or black beans.  Toss them in after the dish is cooked to warm through so they don't get to soft.
Nutrition Facts
Best Spanish Rice
Amount Per Serving
Calories 229 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Cholesterol 9mg3%
Sodium 171mg7%
Potassium 270mg8%
Carbohydrates 31g10%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 620IU12%
Vitamin C 4mg5%
Calcium 101mg10%
Iron 1.4mg8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

 

55187 shares
  • Share
  • Email

Filed Under: Casseroles, Fast and Fresh, Most Popular Recipes, One Pot, Side Dishes

Never miss a Laughing Spatula recipe!

Sign up for free recipes delivered straight your in box ! Sign up Here

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brittany says

    May 23, 2017 at 10:52 pm

    5 stars
    Made this with brown rice in my rice cooker and it was so amazing! The spices really came together well and complimented my chickwn fajita dinner. My husband and 3boys enjoyed this so it’s a keeper.

    Reply
    • Kathi @ LaughingSpatula.com says

      May 24, 2017 at 1:53 am

      Wow Brittany! Way to make this recipe your own! Rice cooker and brown rice…yay! Thank you so much for the nice note!

      Reply
  2. Kathi @ LaughingSpatula.com says

    April 23, 2017 at 3:39 pm

    Thank you so much for the nice note Eileen! I am so glad you loved it!

    Reply
  3. Angela says

    June 26, 2016 at 2:17 pm

    5 stars
    By far, this was THE BEST “Spanish Rice” recipe which I’ve ever tried! All of the ingredients worked well together, and made this dish incredibly tasty. I liked the addition of chicken broth, since it gave the rice (yet) another layer of flavor. This recipe is a definite keeper! I served it as a ‘side dish’, to accompany dinner…. which consisted of Meatloaf, Italian Green Beans, and a Tossed Salad. Thanks Kathi, your recipes are terrific! .

    Reply
    • Kathi Kirk says

      June 28, 2016 at 3:37 pm

      Thanks for the rave review Angela! I am so glad you liked it!

      Reply
  4. Diane says

    August 15, 2015 at 10:44 pm

    I want to make this with short grain brown rice instead of white. Do u know how long would I cook the recipe using the brown rice? Thanks..

    Reply
    • Kathi Kirk says

      August 17, 2015 at 6:28 pm

      Hi Diane – I really don’t have an exact number for you as I haven’t tried it, but brown rice takes more liquid a a lot longer! Wondering if it wouldn’t be better to cook the rice in advance then add tomatoe’s and spices…
      Kathi

      Reply
  5. Sarai @ Confessions of an ex-ballerina says

    July 17, 2015 at 2:36 am

    I made this for dinner tonight and added ground beef to make it a full meal deal. It was tasty.

    Reply
    • Kathi Kirk says

      July 17, 2015 at 2:50 pm

      Great idea! I’m so glad you liked it!

      Reply
  6. Andrea says

    April 28, 2015 at 4:53 pm

    Found this to be too “soupy”. With the canned tomatoes & small can of tomato sauce the rice ended up a deep red. If I was to make this again I would leave out the tomato sauce & reduce the amount of broth.

    Reply
    • Chia says

      June 8, 2021 at 7:31 am

      The recipe uses Tomato Paste, not Tomato Sauce. Have switched those myself before, it is what made it soupy.

      Reply
      • Kathi & Rachel says

        June 8, 2021 at 8:59 am

        Thanks Chia! I should have caught that and responded!

        Reply
  7. Kathy says

    March 11, 2015 at 10:00 pm

    I didn’t have everything I needed to make it exactly like your recipe, but what I did have tasted awesome! I didn’t have any chili powder or fresh peppers, diced roasted tomatoes, or tomato sauce. I left out the chili and peppers, then substituted a can of Rotel to add a little bit of zip and a can of tomato paste mixed with 1 cup water. It tasted great!

    Thanks for this recipe. This will show up frequently on our dinner table and at some family functions coming up later in the year.

    Reply
    • Kathi Kirk says

      March 15, 2015 at 2:43 pm

      I think the use of Rotel is brilliant! So glad you liked it!
      Kathi

      Reply
  8. Amy says

    January 11, 2015 at 2:40 am

    Should the rice be uncooked when I put it in?

    Reply
    • Kathi Kirk says

      January 11, 2015 at 4:54 am

      Correct Amy. Uncooked. Thanks’
      Kathi

      Reply
  9. john says

    December 13, 2014 at 2:03 am

    Too spicy. Instead of 2 table spoons of spice try using at the most 2 tea spoons of the spice. This will improve the quality of the dish.

    Reply
    • Kathi Kirk says

      December 14, 2014 at 4:43 pm

      Hi John,
      I think it depends on your chili powder and how spicy you like your food. I get my spice from the Pike Place Market, so fresh! And it tends to be on the sweeter side – but I think you have good advice. If you don’t like to much heat then cut back.
      Thanks for the note!
      Kathi

      Reply
    • Lynda McDevitt says

      July 9, 2017 at 1:22 am

      2 stars
      I agree,John. Absolutely too spicy. I used double the rice, no tomato sauce and only 1 can of tomatoes. Still too spicy and too much liquid.

      Reply
  10. Pat says

    April 14, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    I have not made Spanish Rice/Mexican Rice in a long time and this sounds very good. I checked out your rub recipe which also looks good. Thanks, Kathi…:)

    Reply
  11. Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says

    April 10, 2014 at 4:07 pm

    5 stars
    I LOVE mexican rice! It’s one of my favorite parts of going to mexican restaurants. Can’t wait to make it at home : )

    Reply
    • Patricia says

      March 21, 2016 at 3:55 am

      Natalie, will you please explain to me how you can give this a five star, if you’ve never made this? What are you judging on?

      Reply
      • Amanda says

        May 25, 2016 at 1:09 am

        Patricia, get off your high horse

        Reply
  12. Anne|Craving Something Healthy says

    April 10, 2014 at 2:09 pm

    Great recipe Kathi and I love anything that makes leftovers too! Great in a tortilla with some sliced avocado the next day – I’m hungry 🙂

    Reply
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

mother daughter picture of Rachel and Kathi Kirk
Hi! We are Kathi and Rachel, a mother daughter blogging team creating easy to prepare foods made with fresh ingredients that your whole family will love!

FREE RECIPE EBOOK!
Join our free list below and receive our Ebook: TOP 10 EASY DINNER RECIPES! The best of the best all in one little book!

YOUR FAVORITE RECIPES!

Honey Glazed Salmon with Orange and Ginger

Margarita Cupcakes in silver liners

Margarita Cupcakes

Meatball Skillet with cheese

One Pan Meatballs and Pasta Skillet

A bowl of chorizo and white bean soup garnished with parsley

Chorizo and White Bean Soup

sauce being poured over creamy chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

mongolian beef with peppers in skillet with chopsticks

Mongolian Beef and Peppers

Footer

As Seen On

Laughing Spatula Featured on Buzzfeed
Laughing Spatula Featured on Fitness Magazine
Laughing Spatula Featured on The Huffington Post
Laughing Spatula Featured on MSN
Laughing Spatula Featured on NBC News
Laughing Spatula Featured on PBS
Laughing Spatula Featured on RedbookMag.com
Laughing Spatula Featured on Country Living

WE LOVE HELPING YOU MAKE FRESH, DELICIOUS AND SIMPLE RECIPES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

  • Main Course Recipes
  • Sheet Pan Recipes
  • Fast and Fresh Recipes
  • Most Popular Recipes
  • Salad & Dressing Recipes
  • Desserts
  • Soup Recipes
  • Side Dish Recipes
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2022 Laughing Spatula | Contact & Privacy Policy