Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice Recipe

There's nothing quite like a warm, fragrant bowl of homemade Mexican rice to complete a meal. The vibrant color, the fluffy texture, and the perfect balance of spices make it an irresistible side dish. Whether you're serving it alongside tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats, this recipe is a must-have in your collection.

I first learned how to make this dish from my friend Andy, whose family has been perfecting their version for generations. He swore by a few simple techniques that make all the difference, and now, every time I prepare this rice, it takes me back to those kitchen conversations filled with laughter and the rich aroma of simmering tomatoes and garlic.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Mexican Rice

Get ready to fall in love with a side dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice is packed with flavor and has the perfect texture every time.

First off, it's incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can have a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes. No fancy ingredients, no complicated techniques—just pure comfort food at its best.

The flavors are spot-on. A combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and tomatoes infuses every grain of rice with a deep, savory taste. A touch of cumin and a dash of chili powder add just the right amount of warmth without overpowering the dish.

It’s budget-friendly, too! Rice is one of the most affordable staples out there, and this recipe transforms it into something truly special without breaking the bank. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just making a simple family dinner, this dish stretches your ingredients without sacrificing taste.

Best of all, it’s versatile. You can enjoy it as-is, stir in some veggies, or even add shredded chicken or beans for a heartier meal. Whatever you do, you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in creating that signature taste and texture.

Long-grain white rice is the foundation of this dish. It cooks up light and fluffy, making it the best choice for achieving the perfect texture. Avoid using short-grain rice, as it can turn mushy and clumpy.

Tomato sauce gives the rice its rich color and slightly tangy flavor. If you don’t have tomato sauce on hand, you can blend fresh tomatoes with a bit of water to create a smooth puree.

Garlic and onions are the secret to depth of flavor. Sautéing them before adding the rice ensures that their natural sweetness and aroma infuse the entire dish. Don’t rush this step—it makes all the difference!

Chicken broth adds a savory richness that water simply can't replicate. For a vegetarian version, swap it out for vegetable broth, and you’ll still get an incredible taste.

Cumin and chili powder bring the warmth and slight smokiness that make this dish so irresistible. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your spice preference.

A large, deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for cooking this rice to perfection. Make sure the lid traps steam efficiently, ensuring that every grain absorbs the flavorful broth evenly.

How To Make This Homemade Mexican Rice

Making this flavorful Mexican rice is easier than you might think. Follow these steps, and you'll get the perfect fluffy, savory dish every time.

Start by heating a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the uncooked rice and sauté, stirring frequently, until it turns a light golden brown. This step not only enhances the texture but also brings out a subtle nutty flavor that makes the final dish even better.

Next, stir in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for another minute until the onions are soft and fragrant. You’ll know you’re on the right track when your kitchen starts smelling amazing!

Pour in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, cumin, and chili powder, stirring well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice cook undisturbed for about 18-20 minutes. This is the crucial step—resist the urge to lift the lid! The steam is doing all the work, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid and cook perfectly.

After the time is up, turn off the heat and let the rice sit for about 5 minutes. Then, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains. You’ll be left with a light, fluffy, and flavorful batch of Mexican rice ready to serve.

Storage Options

This homemade Mexican rice stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. If you have any extra, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.

To reheat, warm the rice in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back the moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Mexican rice is how customizable it is. Here are a few fun ways to switch things up:

For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You can also add black beans or corn for extra texture and protein.

Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or toss in some diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions.

To make it a one-pot meal, stir in cooked shredded chicken, ground beef, or chorizo towards the end of cooking. This turns the dish into a satisfying, protein-packed main course.

If you prefer a firmer texture, reduce the broth slightly and keep a closer eye on the cooking time. Some people enjoy their rice a little drier, while others like it extra soft—adjust accordingly!

No tomato sauce? No problem. Blend a fresh Roma tomato with a little water, and you’ve got a great substitute with a fresh, homemade taste.

However you decide to make it, Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice is guaranteed to be a hit. Once you master this easy, flavorful recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions again!

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