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    Home » One Pot Recipes

    Easy One Pot Mexican Rice

    Published: Jul 23, 2024 · Modified: Feb 15, 2022 by Deborah Rainford · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

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    One pot Mexican rice with avocado in a skillet.

    This easy Mexican rice recipe is packed with flavour and perfect for any meal. Ready in just 35 minutes, it's an ideal side dish for busy weeknights. Add chicken or beef to turn it into a satisfying dinner.

    One pot Mexican rice in a skillet with avocado and tortilla chips.

    You'll also love my easy fried rice, this prawn rice, my Jamaican-style peas and rice, and this easy pilau rice.

    Jump to:
    • ⭐️ Why this recipe works
    • 🧾 Ingredients overview
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Here's how to make it
    • 📖 Variations
    • 💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
    • 🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
    • ❓Recipe FAQ's
    • One Pot Mexican Rice Recipe

    ⭐️ Why this recipe works

    • Texture Variety: Using a mix of vegetables like courgette, carrots, and peas adds a satisfying variety of textures to the dish.
    • Easy Preparation: This recipe uses common pantry staples and can be prepared in one skillet, making it a convenient and minimal cleanup option.
    • Versatile Serving: Mexican Rice is a versatile side that pairs well with tacos, burritos, grilled meats, or can even be enjoyed on its own.

    🧾 Ingredients overview

    • Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
    • Garlic: Provides a fragrant, savoury base flavour.
    • Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
    • Basmati or white rice: Forms the bulk of the dish and absorbs flavors.
    • Vegetable or chicken broth: Infuses the rice with additional flavor.
    • Crushed tomatoes: Creates a saucy, rich base.
    • Corn: Adds sweetness and texture.
    • Carrot: Adds sweetness and crunch.
    • Courgette (zucchini): Adds a mild flavor and additional texture.
    • Frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and sweetness.
    • Chili powder: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
    • Cumin powder: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
    • Tomato puree: Intensifies the tomato flavor.

      For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Here's how to make it

    Easy One Pot Mexican Rice recipe step-by-step
    1. Prep the vegetables: Dice the onion, carrot, courgette, and mince the garlic.
    2. Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
    1. Toast the rice: Add the rice to the skillet and toast in the oil for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
    2. Combine with tomatoes and broth: Stir in the tomato puree, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a simmer for about 3 minutes.
    1. Add vegetables and spices: Add the diced carrot, corn, courgette, and peas. Sprinkle in the chilli powder and cumin, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
    2. Cook the rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer until the rice is cooked through, about 13-16 minutes for basmati rice. Refer to the rice package instructions for exact cooking times.
    3. Rest and serve: Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it stand for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Garnish with chopped coriander and serve with tortilla chips and lime wedges.

    📖 Variations

    • Brown Rice: Substitute white rice with brown rice. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
    • Spicier Version: Add chopped jalapeños or extra chilli powder for more heat.
    • Protein Addition: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or beans for added protein.

    💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips

    Drawing on a decade of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, I have compiled my top tips for recipe success.

    • Rinsing Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming sticky.
    • Acid Balance: Adding a squeeze of lime juice before serving brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast.

    🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers

    • Fridge: Store the cooled Mexican rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
    • Freezer: Place the cooled rice in a freezer-safe bag or container for longer storage and freeze for up to 3 months. *The texture of the vegetables will change slightly once defrosted.
    • Reheat: To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and microwave it on medium power until warmed through, or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water.

    ❓Recipe FAQ's

    Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

    Yes, you can make Mexican rice in an Instant Pot. Sauté the vegetables and rice using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 4-6 minutes, followed by a natural release.

    What can I use instead of vegetable or chicken broth?

    If you don't have broth, you can use water, though the flavour may be less rich.

    Can I make Mexican rice ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make Mexican rice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

    What type of rice is best for Mexican rice?

    Long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, is preferred for its light and fluffy texture, but regular white rice can also be used.

    How do I achieve a smoky flavour?

    To achieve a smoky flavour, you can add a small amount of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

    Looking for other easy rice recipes like this? Try these:

    • Easy One Pot Rice and Peas
    • Pilau rice in a white bowl with a spoon.
      Easy 30-Minute Pilau Rice (Rice Pilaf)
    • Prawn rice in tomato sauce
      30 Minute Prawn Rice
    • Easy egg-fried rice with vegetables in a skillet.
      The BEST Egg Fried Rice With Vegetables

    If you tried this Easy One Pot Mexican Rice please let me know in the comments below, and please leave a star rating while you're there!

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    For meal planning assistance, check out our weekly Aldi-only meal plans, free for subscribers.

    Craving more comfort food? Visit our sister site, Salted Mint, for easy, delicious recipes with everyday ingredients.

    One pot Mexican rice in a skillet with avocado and tortilla chips.

    One Pot Mexican Rice Recipe

    This delicious Mexican rice is a perfect side dish for any meal. It's packed with vegetables, easy to make, and perfect for meal prepping. This recipe is sure to become a family favourite.
    4.75 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Save This RecipeSaved!
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    Author: Deborah Rainford

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 250 g (1 ½ cups) basmati or white rice
    • 750 ml (3 cups) vegetable or chicken broth, or water
    • 400 g (14 oz) tin crushed tomatoes
    • 250 g (1 ½ cups) corn, tinned, fresh, or frozen
    • 1 large carrot, diced
    • 1 courgette (zucchini), diced
    • 75 g (½ cup) frozen peas
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
    • 1 tablespoon tomato puree

    For serving:

    • Chopped coriander
    • Tortilla chips
    • Lime wedges

    Instructions

    • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
    • Add the rice to the skillet and toast in the oil for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
    • Stir in the tomato puree, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a simmer for about 3 minutes.
    • Add the diced carrot, corn, courgette, and peas. Sprinkle in the chili powder and cumin, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer until the rice is cooked through, about 13-16 minutes for basmati rice. Refer to the rice package instructions for exact cooking times.
    • Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it stand for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
    • Garnish with chopped coriander and serve with tortilla chips and lime wedges.

    Notes

    • Cooking the Rice: If using brown rice, adjust the cooking time accordingly as it usually takes longer to cook than white rice and may require additional water.
    • Leftover Rice: Cool the rice completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
    • Reheating: To reheat, microwave the rice on high in 30-second intervals until piping hot, or heat the stovetop in a non-stick pan until hot.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 410kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 777mg | Potassium: 515mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 3457IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Tag Me @savvybites or tag #savvybites!
    Head shot of Deborah Rainford
    Meet the Chef!

    Hi, I'm Debs, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef dedicated to helping you create unforgettable meals on a budget. Discover more about my journey and dive into a world of foolproof recipes designed for those who love to eat well without overspending.

    Learn more about me →

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Phil

      February 26, 2024 at 6:47 pm

      Where does the tomato purée come in? No mention in the written recipe...

      Reply
      • Deborah Rainford

        February 26, 2024 at 8:45 pm

        HI Phil. Sorry about that. It goes in with the tinned tomatoes and vegetables. I've added it to the recipe card and it's also in the step by step section of the blog post. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Sabiha khayum

      July 22, 2023 at 1:08 am

      4 stars
      Nice delicious

      Reply
      • Deborah Rainford

        July 22, 2023 at 11:37 am

        So happy you liked this recipe. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and a rating. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Amy

      May 06, 2022 at 9:13 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe. Thank you!

      Reply
    4.75 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    One pot Mexican rice with avocado in a skillet.

    Hi, I'm Deborah! A Cordon Bleu graduate with more than 10 years of restaurant cooking experience. I now focus on helping you create easy, delicious and healthy(ish) budget recipes from scratch using only Aldi ingredients. Welcome to my virtual kitchen!

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