This Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice comes together in about 30 minutes, all in one pot, for a quick and easy side dish that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those odds and ends hanging out in your pantry. Trust me, this rice is not just a sidekick; it’s the star of any meal!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Long Grain White Rice
- Butter
- Minced Garlic
- Water
- Tomato Paste
- Knorr Chicken Bouillon Powder
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Rinse the Rice: First things first, rinse your rice until the water runs clear to get rid of excess starch. This little step makes all the difference in achieving that perfect fluffy texture, trust me on this! (About 2 minutes).
Melt Butter and Cook Garlic: In a large skillet, melt your butter over medium heat and add your minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Seriously, the smell is heavenly!
Toast the Rice: Now, add the rinsed rice to your skillet. Stir it around and cook until it’s toasty and slightly golden. This usually takes about 10 minutes. You’ll start to see it turn a lovely shade of nutty brown, and the aroma is just out of this world, consider yourself warned!
Mix Water and Seasoning: While the rice is toasting, whisk together the water, tomato paste, and Knorr chicken bouillon powder in a bowl. This part is super quick, and you’ll want to make sure it’s well combined!
Add Water Mixture to Rice: Once the rice is toasted, pour in the water mixture and give it a good stir! Bring it to a boil, and don’t forget to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the skillet while you’re at it!
Simmer: Once boiling, turn the heat down to low, cover it, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Keep the lid on, letting out the steam is a big no-no! You want that moisture to make perfect rice.
Fluff and Serve: After the time is up, remove it from the heat. Fluff with a fork and season with a couple pinches of salt and pepper to taste. Then serve alongside your favorite main dish, and just WAIT for the compliments to roll in!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, and there’s something about the simplicity that just makes my heart happy! I’m a real sucker for recipes that can be adjusted depending on what I have on hand, so I love how versatile this Mexican rice is. You can use whatever veggies, spices, or proteins you have just hanging out, so you never have to feel stressed about cooking!
And the best part? I often make this when family comes over because historically, I’ve never seen anyone turn their nose up at good ol’ Mexican rice. Actually, the last time I made this, my picky 8-year-old asked for seconds! Yes, you read that right.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Boursin Collard Green Rice, my Southern Style Dirty Rice, or my French Onion Butter Rice!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights! Seriously, who has time to fuss? You’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together.
One Pot Wonder
Minimal cleanup required! Everything is prepared in one pot, meaning you’ll have more time to relax once dinner is over. It’s just you, your family, and the absolutely delicious dinner ahead, no mountain of dishes to dread afterward.
Budget-Friendly
We’re talking about some of the most affordable, everyday ingredients, which makes this a fantastic option, especially when you’re feeding a crowd or tight on budget.
Customizable
The fun part is you can easily switch it up! Throw in some frozen corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers based on what you have on hand. The possibilities are endless, and the whole family will love getting involved in the process!
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor and heartiness, this Mexican rice is just the kind of comfort dish that makes life a little brighter. It’s perfect for pairing with all sorts of meals, from tacos to grilled chicken or even just some chips and salsa on a movie night.
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve This Mexican Rice
You can serve this flavorful rice alongside grilled meats, tacos, or even as a base for a hearty burrito bowl. Trust me; it brings a fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with your favorite dishes!
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mexican rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before popping it in the fridge.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, I recommend using the stovetop method. Just add a splash of water to the pan, cover it, and heat it up on low until warmed through. This will help retain moisture! You can also pop it in the microwave, but I find that the stovetop method keeps it from getting dry.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can absolutely freeze this Mexican rice. Just let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe bags, and it will keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, you can thaw it overnight in the fridge or microwave it directly, adding extra liquid to help it steam!
So there you have it, Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice, your new favorite go-to recipe for cozy family dinners. It’s quick, silly easy, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting. You’ll definitely want to make this again and again. Happy cooking, friends! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Andy’s Homemade Mexican Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and cook until slightly golden, about 10 minutes.
- While the rice is toasting, whisk together the water, tomato paste, and Knorr chicken bouillon powder in a bowl.
- Pour the water mixture into the skillet with toasted rice and give it a good stir. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until all water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.