Spanish Rice Recipe

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

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Feel free to use other types of oil
• Onion – Chop onions with a vegetable chopper
• Uncooked White Rice – We used long grain rice
• Chicken Broth – See Chicken broth substitutes if you are out
• Chunky Salsa – Picante Salsa is a great option but you can also use Homemade Salsa Recipe
• Garlic Salt – See The Best Garlic Salt Substitute if you are out
• Cumin – Check out Best Substitute for 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

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

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.

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.

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.

• Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
• Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe
• Crock Pot Smothered Beef Burritos
• Easy Crockpot Refried Beans Recipe
• Taco Casserole

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.