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My family just loves this Spanish Rice Recipe. Once you make this and can freeze it, there is no reason to use those box mixes for Mexican Rice.

Spanish Rice in a large skillet with a wooden spoon
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This recipe is an easy and delicious side dish to many Main Dish Recipes. You can get plain rice very cheap so homemade Spanish rice recipe is very friendly on the wallet. Simple ingredients combine to make homemade tex mex rice.

The entire family will love this easy Mexican rice dish and it is one of our favorite Mexican Side dishes. You may even like this Yellow Rice or Mexican Rice Recipe.

Why We Love Spanish Rice Recipe

This is the best Spanish rice recipe and making it from scratch allows your adjust the ingredients and add in fresh herb spices.

If you are looking for an easy recipe side dish to serve with your Mexican Food dishes, make this homemade Spanish Rice Recipe. It is full or flavor and cooks perfectly in your skillet.

Ingredients

Ingredients - Olive oil, onion, white rice, broth, salsa, garlic salt, cumin

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variation Ideas

  • Add in Ingredients – For a change, try adding diced tomatoes, black bean and a little chili powder to this rice recipe.
  • Tomato Sauce – You can use tomato sauce or tomato paste instead of salsa. We have even added a ½ cup of tomato sauce and it was delicious. Spanish rice with tomato sauce is amazing!
  • Tomatoes – Diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes work great instead of the salsa as well. Stir in the broth, tomatoes, garlic and cumin after the rice has browned.
  • Ground Beef – Make a meal out of it and try Spanish rice with ground beef. It’s a great way to stretch your meat.
  • Garlic – You can use minced garlic instead of garlic salt. Sauté the onion, garlic and rice in the olive oil then mix in the other ingredients. We have even added in green bell pepper and oregano for added flavor and texture.
  • Chicken Broth – Feel free to use chicken stock instead of chicken broth if you prefer. You can also use chicken bouillon for delicious flavor.
  • Black Beans – mix in black beans in with the spanish rice. I normally used canned black beans that has been drained and rinsed.

How to Make Spanish Rice

Cooking chopped onions in a skillet with melted butter

Step 1 – Cook Onion in large skillet – Sauté onion in oil over medium heat to high heat. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.

White rice in a skillet with cooked chopped onions

Step 2 – Add Rice – Add 1 ½ cup of rice into skillet, stirring often. Do not skip this step as it adds a ton of flavor to the rice.

Broth and seasoning mixed with the rice in a skillet with a wooden spatula

Step 3 – Stir in broth, salsa, and seasoning – When rice begins to brown, stir in 2 cups of chicken broth, salsa, garlic salt and cumin.

Cooked Spanish Rice in a skillet with a wooden spoon

Step 4 – Bring to Boil – Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cover with lid and simmer 20 minutes to cook the rice, until the liquid has been absorbed by the rice.

Tips for Spanish Rice

  • Freeze Onions – If you have ever wondered Can you freeze onions, the answer is yes! I chop onions in bulk and freeze them. It’s so nice to just grab what you need from the freezer for recipes.
  • Cook Onion – We recommend cooking the onion before adding in the rice. This helps to give the rice flavor but having the onions cooked.
  • Stirring Rice – When you add in the rice with the cooked onion, continue to stir the rice on the skillet. This adds flavor and keeps the rice from burning.
  • Adding in Liquid – After adding in the broth, salsa, and seasoning allow the mixture to come to a boil. Then cover and allow the rice absorb the liquid. I like to stir occasionally to make sure everything cooks evenly.
  • Measuring Ingredients – For the perfectly cooked Spanish Rice keep the amount of liquid and salsa measurements the same. This keeps the flavored balance and cooks the rice perfectly.

What is the Difference between Mexican Rice and Spanish Rice?

There is not much difference between these two rices. Spanish rice also has stronger flavor than Mexican Rice. Spanish rice has a firmer texture and the aroma is stronger.

Spanish Rice Toppings

Here are a few things that I love topping this Spanish rice with:

  • More Salsa
  • Green Onions
  • Fresh Cilantro
  • Diced Avocado
  • Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt
  • Pico de Gallo

What to Serve with Spanish Rice

This is the perfect side dish for your favorite Mexican meals. Here are a few of our favorites that we love serving with this rice.

Spanish Rice in a large skillet with a wooden spoon

Storage

Refrigerate the leftovers in an air tight container. As long as the rice is stored correctly, it should last up to 5-6 days in the refrigerator.

Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top for a few minutes and then the rice is ready to enjoy.

I really like to meal prep for the week. It saves me so much time and money. This Spanish rice is perfect make ahead of time. My husband and I prepare our individual containers and fill each one up with Spanish rice, a protein and a vegetable.

Can you Freeze this Spanish Rice?

Yes, you can easily freeze this homemade Spanish recipe. Anytime I make rice, I always double to recipe. Having my freezer stocked with meals and side dishes saves me so much time and money.

To freeze, allow your rice to cool completely. Then place the cooked rice in freezer bags in the amounts that your family needs for dinner.

Reheating Spanish Rice

When you are ready to eat, take the rice directly from the freezer. Place about ¼ cup of water in the container, cover and microwave for about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and then rice is ready to enjoy.

Spanish Rice on a plate with a spoon

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Rice to Use in Spanish Rice?

Any type of long grain rice works great in this recipe. I generally use long grain white rice but any type will work

Can You Use Brown Rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice in this recipe. You will need to increase the chicken broth amount by ½ cup as brown rice soaks up more liquid when it’s cooking.

How Much Rice to Make Per Person?

Generally, I plan approximately 1/4-⅓ cup uncooked rice per person. This amount will generally cook to be approximately 3/4-1 cup of cooked rice.
This recipe serves 6 people.

More Easy Rice Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make Spanish Rice Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Spanish Rice Recipe

4.92 from 79 votes
This recipe for homemade spanish rice tastes just like the restaurants.Try this easy Spanish rice recipe. Learn how to make spanish rice.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 people
Cuisine Mexican
Course Side Dish
Calories 226

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Saute onion in oil over medium heat. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Mix rice into skillet, stirring often. When rice begins to brown, stir in chicken broth, salsa, garlic salt and cumin.
  • Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes, until the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate the leftover rice in an airtight container for up to 5 days.  

Nutrition Facts

Calories 226kcal, Carbohydrates 40g, Protein 4g, Fat 5g, Sodium 700mg, Potassium 192mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 2g, Vitamin A 210IU, Vitamin C 1.3mg, Calcium 32mg, Iron 0.8mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

4.92 from 79 votes (58 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Roger says:

    5 stars
    Made this a lot , always a fam fav

  2. Garrett says:

    5 stars
    This recipe was super easy to make!

  3. Elizabeth says:

    5 stars
    I’ve made this for years and I think it tastes better than at a Mexica restaurant. I’ve even frozen leftovers to reheat for taco night.

  4. Lucy says:

    5 stars
    So good, this is the only way I make Spanish rice now!

  5. Karina says:

    5 stars
    I finally found an easy and delicious homemade recipe that I can serve with my other dishes, and not just plain or fried rice. Thank you!

  6. Lizzy says:

    5 stars
    Me and my family loved this rice!

  7. Haylee says:

    I love adding this with any Taco Tuesday recipe!

  8. Christina says:

    5 stars
    Better than a box recipe! The only way I make Spanish rice now!

  9. debby dye says:

    5 stars
    Once again another good recipe!! My husband loves Spanish rice so I gave it a try. I have never made Spanish rice and it turned out great. Full of flavor.

    1. Carrie Barnard says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing!

  10. Katie says:

    5 stars
    This was very good! Easy to make with ingredients I already had.

  11. Shawnae says:

    5 stars
    This Spanish Rice recipe is not only delicious; it is very easy and simple to make! I served it with Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas, and I happen to have everything in my pantry to make it! This will now be my go-to side dish, as well as a main option with ground beef! Thank you for sharing this ahhh-mazing recipe, Ms. Carrie!

  12. Karla Vetter says:

    5 stars
    Easy Spanish rice recipe came out great! I added chopped colorful bell peppers and roasted garlic with the onions. About 1/2 cup of extra broth. My family was very happy. I served the rice with some beef enchiladas.

  13. Carrie Barnard says:

    You can eliminate it completely and use chicken broth.

  14. Linda says:

    Quick and easy. A must try recipe.

  15. RENE F says:

    Very easy and delicious! Served with chicken wings and green beans.

  16. Michelle says:

    5 stars
    Very very good made it today with what was supposed to be enchiladas but had to make the enchiladas into a casserole but everything was delicious and the Spanish rice was easy and tasted just like one of the Mexican restaurant we go to. Will differently make again.

  17. Elizabeth Ann Birt says:

    4 stars
    I thought the seasonings in this were really good–I did add a bit of cilantro, because, well because I like cilantro. The only other suggestion I have is to NOT brown the rice. Either I browned it too much or,it just is not a good idea. I don’t know. I will make this recipe again, however, I will add the listed ingredients and place in a covered bowl in the microwave for 18 mins.

  18. Lacey says:

    5 stars
    My hubby loves restaurant-style Spanish rice and I always had bought the store bought stuff, he was never happy with it. Maybe tonight he’ll love it with the help of this recipe! ?
    I did make it with brown rice bc we’re trying to be “healthier” it’s not very fluffy but it has fantastic flavor!

    1. Carrie says:

      Good to know that it works great with brown rice and I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe. Thank you for sharing!

  19. Sabrina says:

    5 stars
    I always bought the package because I never learned how to exactly make my Nana’s. After this recipe, I am not buying the package anymore.

  20. Jennifer says:

    5 stars
    I’m never going back to box Mexican rice again. This is so easy, packed with flavor. Taste just like what you get from a Mexican restaurant.

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