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Mexican Rice

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This Mexican Rice is simple to prepare and full of zesty flavors. Filled with fresh salsa, black beans, and spices, this rice is makes an easy side dish for just about any meal!

homemade mexican rice in dark bowl

I think it’s obvious by now that I’m crazy for Mexican food. Tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and everything in between, I love them all. So with Cinco de Mayo coming up, it’s only natural that I share my love for this cuisine again.

When I made it home, I couldn’t wait to test out this Mexican Rice. It’s easy, full of Mexican flavor, and the perfect side dish to whip up for a Cinco de Mayo (or any day) celebration. Filled with fresh salsa, black beans, and spices, this rice is zesty and delicious.

If you love zesty rice, then this Mexican Rice was made for you!

I decided to put a unique twist on this dish and throw in some black beans. It gives it great flavor and a delicious taste. And since you can make it in the convenience of your own home, I guarantee it’ll be a dinnertime favorite.

This Mexican Rice cooks up full of zesty flavor and hearty beans. The salsa and seasonings give this dish a nice twist. If you’re looking for a Cinco de Mayo dish, then this is it!

bowl of homemade mexican rice with fork in it

Homemade Mexican Rice Ingredients 

I kept the Mexican rice seasoning as simple as possible, but still tried to pack in as much flavor as I possibly could. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this homemade Mexican rice recipe: 

  • Long-grain rice
  • Low-sodium chicken broth
  • Chunky salsa
  • Black beans
  • Garlic powder
  • Cumin 
  • Salt and pepper 

bowl of simple mexican rice on wood cutting board

How to Make Mexican Rice

Did I mention how easy this Mexican rice recipe is to whip up? You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to transform some white rice into a dish flavored with salsa, garlic, and spices.

  1. Combine some uncooked rice, chicken broth, butter, salsa, garlic powder, black beans, salt and pepper into a medium pot.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice mixture is tender.
  3. Fluff with a fork and get ready to indulge in this spicy Mexican rice.

Can I Add Extra Veggies? 

I’m sure you could! I bet sautéed bell pepper and onions or frozen corn would work well in this easy Mexican rice recipe. 

Can I Freeze Mexican Rice? 

Yep! This simple Mexican rice recipe freezes well. Simply seal tightly in a freezer container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, place in your fridge to thaw or gently reheat in a saucepan. 

bowl of Mexican rice

Tips for the Best Mexican Rice

I used long-grain white rice to make this Mexican rice recipe, but you can use any rice you have on hand. Just note that brown rice takes much more time to cook than white rice does. 

If you wanted to make this simple Mexican rice a full meal, add some diced chicken to it once it’s been cooked. 

For a spicier rice, add a dash of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or use a spicy salsa. 

Looking for easy Mexican dishes? I’ve got you covered!

This Mexican Rice is simple to prepare and full of zesty flavors!
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Mexican Rice

This Mexican Rice is simple to prepare and full of zesty flavors. Filled with fresh salsa, black beans, and spices, this rice is makes an easy side dish for just about any meal!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword rice recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 204kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¾ cup chunky salsa (any kind)
  • 15 oz canned black beans , drained and rinsed
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper , to taste

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, chicken brother, salsa, beans, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, and then let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice mixture is tender.
  • Remove from heat and fluff with fork. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 204kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 382mg | Potassium: 294mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 234IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @pumpkin_n_spice or tag #pumpkin_n_spice!

 

By Gayle |

Comments

  1. Mir says

    It’s definitely Mexican food season. I got my Chipotle on last night!
    And I can eat Mexican rice any day, all day. It’s the best!

    Reply

  2. Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says

    Mexican and Greek flavors are definitely my favorite. I usually make cilantro-lime rice when we have tacos or burritos, but I’m going to HAVE to make this Mexican rice next time. I love how easy it is and how I have all of these ingredients in my pantry at all times. Thank you for sharing with us!

    Reply

    • Gayle says

      Thanks for the kind words, Erin! I think you would love this Mexican Rice! It’s so easy to whip up and so full of flavor!

      Reply

  7. Heather - Butter & Burlap says

    I’m already feeling the Cinco De Mayo spirit with this recipe! I can’t wait to give it a try, I love that you added the black beans into the rice, YUM! I think this rice would pair nicely with a margarita 🙂 Great recipe, Gayle!

    Reply

    • Gayle says

      Thank you, Heather! I thought the black beans definitely jazzed it up a bit. Definitely perfect for Cinco de Mayo!

      Reply

  16. Annie @ The Garlic Diaries says

    I am obsessed with Mexican Rice! It is one of the highlights for me every time I go out to eat at a Mexican restaurant. This one looks SO much better though with those black beans added in there. Yum! Now I am craving Mexican food… :).

    Reply

  23. Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says

    This looks delicious, Gayle! My family LOVES Mexican food like this, so I’ll have to keep my eye out for the frozen Delimex options…such a great resource for those nights that I don’t have time to cook. Also, the rice is a great side instead of the usual chips and salsa. Yum!! Pinned. 🙂

    Reply

  24. Emily says

    My son is obsessed with Mexican Rice and black beans! Looking forward to trying your recipe the next time I make a Delimex meal! #client

    Reply

  26. marcie says

    We can never get enough Mexican food here…I’d be happy if it were Cinco de Mayo every day. 🙂 This rice looks delicious, and perfect paired with those taquitos!

    Reply

  34. Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness says

    We are big rice eaters in my household! I’m usually pretty boring with just making brown or jasmine rice alongside beans, but lately I’ve gotten a bit fancier by making vegetable fried rice or throwing veggies in to cook with the rice. I think that this Mexican rice would go perfectly with some veggie quesadillas!

    Reply

  37. mira says

    Love Mexican food and Delimex taquitos are so good! That Mexican rice looks awesome Gayle! Pinned and will try to make it tonight, since I have pretty much everything needed 🙂

    Reply

  43. Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says

    This is MY kind of meal, Gayle! I was just thinking about adding salsa to my rice the other day – this sounds truly awesome! I love the black beans in there too 🙂 I’m catching up on all your delicious recipes as I’ve been MIA with my thesis recently!! Hope you are doing well and pinned!

    Reply

  47. Lori says

    Mmmmmm, looks fabulous. Can’t wait to try it! I’ve been looking for a homemade Mexican rice recipe to replace the box mix I’ve made in the past. This will be it. Question, will long grain brown rice take longer (and more liquid) to cook? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Gayle says

      Thank you for stopping by, Lori! This is my favorite version. To be honest, I’ve never tried it with long grain brown rice before, so I can’t say for sure, but it might take a little more liquid. I hope you love this if you try it!

      Reply

  48. Meghan says

    Trying this recipe tonight with taco bake! Looks delicious. One question, when did you add the corn, and how much? Frozen or canned? Let me know if you can. Looking forward to trying this vs. packaged Spanish rice. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Gayle says

      Hi Meghan! I’m so glad that you trying this recipe! In regards to the mexican rice, I did not add any corn and it is not listed in the ingredients. Are you referring to another recipe on my site? Hope you love this and thanks for stopping by!

      Reply

      • Meghan says

        Oh, sorry. I saw in the post above that you wrote: I decided to put a unique twist on this dish and throw in some black beans and corn. It gives it great flavor and a delicious taste.

        I will go ahead and make it, as is, with the beans. I love corn too, so was just curious!

      • Gayle says

        Ahh ok sorry about that! If using corn, I would probably use 1/2 cup to 1 cup, depending on how much you want. I usually just use frozen corn (and thaw) but canned would work well, too. Hope you love this, Meghan!

    • Gayle says

      Hi Amy! Yes, you do drain and rinse the black beans. I’ve updated the recipe directions to include that. Thanks for asking!

      Reply

  50. Donna says

    Absolutely delicious! Doubled it for a work function – only had medium grain rice- added grilled chicken and topped with cheese! Perfection!

    Reply

    • Gayle says

      Hi Donna! I’m so happy to hear that you liked this! Great idea to add chicken and cheese on top, too. Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!

      Reply

    • Gayle says

      Hi Hannah! I’ve never tried freezing this recipe, so I really can’t say for sure how it would turn out. If you do freeze it, I would use it within two months. Hope you enjoy!

      Reply

    • Gayle says

      Hi Barbara! I’ve never done that before, but you probably could. The rice might get a little mushy..kind of like leftover rice. Hope you enjoy!

      Reply

  53. Lisa says

    5 stars
    OMG, super easy and delicious. My husband went up for seconds and we have a young man from Dominican Republic staying with us and he went up for thirds, the entire family loved this recipe. I will definitely be making this again……I was a super hero tonight!!!! Thanks

    Reply

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