Name: Easy Mexican Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups Minute Rice; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1/2 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup tomato sauce; 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Introduction

Skip the boxed rice mixes and make this Easy Mexican Rice in just 20 minutes! Using Minute Rice keeps this recipe quick and easy while still delivering the classic flavours of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and warm spices.

A touch of tomato sauce gives the rice a richer colour and deeper flavour, making it the perfect side dish for tacos, burrito bowls, grilled chicken, or your favourite Mexican-inspired meals.

📋 Quick Recipe Facts

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Rest Time	5 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes
Servings	6 servings
Difficulty	Easy
Course	Side Dish
Method	Stovetop
Diet	Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan Option

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 20 minutes using Minute Rice.
Naturally gluten free and made with simple pantry ingredients.
Rich tomato flavour from the addition of tomato sauce.
A perfect side dish for tacos, burrito bowls, fajitas, and grilled meats.
Family-friendly with mild, savoury Mexican-inspired flavours.
Easy enough for beginner cooks and busy weeknights.
Budget-friendly and made with ingredients you may already have on hand.
A versatile recipe that’s easy to customize with your favourite vegetables or seasonings.

🥣 Ingredients

2 cups Minute Rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
½ onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 ripe tomatoes, diced
½ cup tomato sauce
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
Stir in the tomato sauce, chicken broth, salt, cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Stir in the Minute Rice until evenly combined.
Remove the pot from the heat immediately, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it stand for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

💚 Tips from The Gluten Free Oven

Using tomato sauce instead of tomato paste creates a richer tomato flavour while blending smoothly throughout the rice.
Finely chopping the onion and tomatoes helps them cook quickly and distribute evenly throughout the dish.
Resist the urge to stir while the rice rests. Letting it sit undisturbed allows the rice to absorb the liquid evenly.
This recipe doubles beautifully, making it a great choice for larger family dinners or meal prep.

🌿 Make It Your Own

Stir in corn or black beans after the rice has finished cooking.
Add diced green chilies for a little heat.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Finish with fresh lime juice for brightness.
Top with shredded cheddar or tex-mex cheese before serving.

⭐ Perfect Pairings

This Easy Mexican Rice pairs beautifully with:

Mexican-inspired salads
Taco bowls
Burritos
Chicken fajitas
Beef fajitas
Grilled chicken
Honey Garlic Chicken

🥄 Kitchen Skills

Why Use Minute Rice?

Minute Rice is fully cooked before it’s dried, allowing it to rehydrate in just a few minutes. It’s a great shortcut for busy weeknights and produces consistently fluffy rice with very little effort. For recipes like this one, it saves time without sacrificing flavour.

🥡 Storage

Refrigerator: Store cooled rice in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Sprinkle the rice with a tablespoon of water before microwaving or reheating on the stovetop. The added moisture helps restore its fluffy texture.

❤️ From My Kitchen to Yours

Rice is one of those simple side dishes that can quietly elevate an entire meal. With a handful of pantry ingredients and a little patience, you can make fluffy, flavourful Mexican rice that’s every bit as comforting as it is versatile. Whether you’re serving it alongside tacos or enjoying leftovers in a burrito bowl the next day, I hope this recipe becomes a regular part of your dinner table. Happy Cooking!