Spanish Rice Recipe is an easy and budget-friendly side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite Mexican Food. Made with simple pantry ingredients like rice, salsa, and chicken broth, this homemade version is full of flavor and much better than boxed mixes.
This Spanish rice recipe is one of my favorite side dishes to make because it’s so simple and uses ingredients I usually already have on hand. It pairs perfectly with many Main Dish Recipes and my family always loves it. I also like to make a double batch and freeze some for later because it makes busy weeknight dinners so much easier.
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
- Budget-friendly side dish – Rice is inexpensive and feeds the whole family.
- Simple pantry ingredients – Made with rice, salsa, broth, and a few spices.
- Better than boxed rice mixes – Homemade rice has fresher flavor and fewer additives.
- Perfect for meal prep – This rice freezes well for easy future meals.
- Great with Mexican dinners – Serve with tacos, enchiladas, burritos, or fajitas.
Ingredients
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Feel free to use other types of oil
- Onion – Chop onions with a vegetable chopper
- Uncooked White Rice – Long grain rice works best because it stays fluffy and doesn’t become sticky.
- Chicken Broth – Using broth instead of water gives the rice richer flavor. See Chicken broth substitutes if you are out
- Chunky Salsa – Picante Salsa is a great option but you can also use Homemade Salsa Recipe. Salsa adds tomato flavor, seasoning, and a little texture, making this recipe quick and flavorful.
- 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.
How to Make Spanish Rice
Step 1 – Cook Onion in large skillet – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 2 – Add Rice – Add 1½ cups uncooked rice to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice begins to lightly brown.
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 the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
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
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.
What is the Difference between Mexican Rice and Spanish Rice?
Mexican rice and Spanish rice are very similar dishes made with rice, tomatoes, and seasonings. Spanish rice is often slightly firmer and may include additional spices, while Mexican rice typically has a softer texture and tomato flavor. Both are delicious side dishes for Mexican-inspired meals.
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.
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! Spanish rice freezes very well and is great for meal prep.
- Allow the rice to cool completely.
- Store in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, place frozen rice in a microwave-safe bowl with ¼ cup water, cover, and heat for about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Long grain white rice works best because it cooks fluffy and holds its shape.
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.
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.
Easy Spanish Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup onion (chopped finely)
- 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cups chunky salsa
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp cumin
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Saute ¼ cup of onion in 2 Tbsp of oil over medium heat. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Mix 1 ½ cup of rice into skillet, stirring often. When rice begins to brown, stir in 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of salsa, 1 tsp of garlic salt and 1 tsp of cumin.
- Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes, until the liquid has been absorbed.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
More Easy Rice Recipes
This Spanish Rice Recipe is one of our favorite easy side dishes because it’s simple, affordable, and full of flavor. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating and let us know how your family liked it!
It was wonderful!! Thanks for sharing!! ??????
I’m so glad you enjoyed it Grace! Thank you so much for sharing and for the positive review!
Soo tasty and easy to make.
Carrie, this was such an easy recipe. I’ve tried several recipes for Spanish Rice that haven’t impressed me. Your’s on the other hand was just GREAT! It was such an easy recipe and turned out perfection! Family approves whole heartedly. I did use Basmati Rice and rinsed it prior to cooking in the skillet. Soooooo good! It will be my go to from now on! Thank You!
I love hearing that! Thank you for sharing and thank you so much for the positive review!
Made this a lot , always a fam fav
Easy recipe to pair with our taco Tuesday each week!
This recipe was super easy to make!
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.
So good, this is the only way I make Spanish rice now!
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!
Me and my family loved this rice!
I love adding this with any Taco Tuesday recipe!
Better than a box recipe! The only way I make Spanish rice now!
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.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing!
This was very good! Easy to make with ingredients I already had.
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!
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.
You can eliminate it completely and use chicken broth.
Quick and easy. A must try recipe.
Very easy and delicious! Served with chicken wings and green beans.
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.
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.
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!
Good to know that it works great with brown rice and I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe. Thank you for sharing!
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.
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.
This recipe is a true gem! Absolutely amazing and so simple. Made one batch to “try” and working on the second batch now. Bought 2 bags of bagged Spanish rice as a backup that are now heading for the trash can. Thank you so very much for sharing this. Will never do anything but this from here on out…
I’m so glad you enjoyed it – Thank you for sharing!
I made this last night to go with the amazing Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas and everyone loved every bite of both! I made the rice exactly as written except to add 1/2 chopped red pepper sauteed with the onion. Trying to get a little more veggies in the diet! So good. Thanks so much.
I’m glad you enjoyed the rice – thank you!
We are going camping and I will be freezing the rice, how can i reheat on a stovetop without a microwave.
Thank you!
I would heat it on low on the stovetop with 1/2 cup-1 cup of water so it doesn’t dry out. Put the lid on the pot to create steam to help defrost and re-heat the rice. Let us know how it works out! Thank you.
Using salsa makes it very easy to put together – one of the best Spanish rices I have ever had!
Woohoo! Great to hear – thanks for sharing!
I use stewed tomatoes and chili powder didn’t have salsa.
Great idea on the substitutions. I hope it tasted great! Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been told by my doctor to stay away from breads, white rice, and processed foods. I really enjoy Spanish rice with my taco-seasoned chicken recipes. Can you please recommend an alternative rice (i.e. will brown rice work and taste as good)? Thanks so very much!!
Brown rice would taste great in this recipe. Thank you.
I’m trying to follow the link for the silicone pans…it takes me to Amazon will tons of options…is there one particular pan that you prefer?
If i do not have chicken broth on hand can i use water?
yes water will work too.
The only way my rice has ever come out right is in my rice cooker. Going to try this recipe tonight. Wish me good luck! It looks delicious!
I like using brown rice. Can you tell me how to make this recipe with brown rice. Thank you!
This sounds fantastic! Can it be made in a rice cooker?
My mother used to make this a lot now I make it for her!
Can you make this in the Instant Pot too?
Can I use minute rice in this recipe?
Yes, but you would not need to cook as long. I would follow the minute recipe instructions and mix in the seasonings for flavor. Thank you.
Made this tonight for dinner. It was so easy and delicious I’m never going to go back to boxed Spanish rice ever again!
Great to hear. Thanks for sharing.
You can add shrimp or I use smoked sausage and a 14oz can of diced tomatoes.. yumm
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing 🙂
If adding the hamburger, would you cook with the onion and just continue with the recipe, or cook separately and add in the end?
I think you could do either way Jenna. Thanks!
This my new go-to recipe! Very tasty, simple recipe! Plenty for two, for at least two meals.
How much cumin and garlic salt is used?
I used about a 1/2 tsp of each.
Sounds yummy! 😀