This Spanish Rice Recipe is a simple, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite Mexican-inspired meals. Made with long-grain rice, tomato sauce, chicken bouillon, and pantry seasonings, this easy recipe is full of savory flavor with a beautiful fluffy texture.
Whether you’re serving tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, or grilled chicken, this homemade Spanish rice is an easy side dish you’ll make again and again.
Servings, Prep Time & Cook Time
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy pantry ingredients
- Fluffy, flavorful rice
- Perfect Mexican-inspired side dish
- Great for weeknight dinners
- Budget-friendly
- Pairs with countless main dishes
Ingredients for Spanish Rice
The Rice
1 cup long-grain rice
3 teaspoons oil
Toasting the rice before adding the liquid gives it a rich, nutty flavor and helps create the perfect texture.
The Seasoned Cooking Liquid
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
2 cups water
1 small can tomato sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
The tomato sauce and chicken bouillon create a savory, lightly seasoned rice that’s packed with classic Spanish rice flavor.
Equipment We Love for This Recipe
- 2-quart saucepan with lid
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons we love these because they’re magnetic!
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Spanish Rice Recipe: Easy Homemade Mexican-Style Spanish Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 2 tsp chicken bouillon
- 2 cups water
- 3 tsp oil
- 1 small can tomato sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- In a 2 quart saucepan, combine oil and rice
- Cook till rice slightly browns
- Add tomato sauce and water and stir gently
- Add bouillon and seasonings
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes
- Stir and serve
How to Make Spanish Rice
Heat the oil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the long-grain rice and cook, stirring often, until it begins to lightly brown. This extra step adds wonderful flavor and helps keep the rice fluffy.
Pour in the tomato sauce and water, stirring gently to combine. Add the chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper, then give everything one final stir.
Cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all of the liquid has been absorbed.
Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
What to Serve with Spanish Rice
This flavorful side dish pairs perfectly with:
- Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
- Slow Cooker Taco Soup
- Pico de Gallo Recipe
- Corn and Avocado Dip Recipe
It’s also delicious served alongside:
- Beef or chicken tacos
- Chicken enchiladas
- Steak fajitas
- Grilled shrimp
For a complete Tex-Mex meal, serve with Homemade Guacamole, tortilla chips, and fresh salsa.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store leftover Spanish rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooled rice for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or warm gently on the stovetop until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you brown the rice first?
Lightly toasting the rice adds flavor and helps create fluffy, separate grains.
Can I use chicken broth instead of water?
Yes! Chicken broth adds even more savory flavor and can be substituted for the water.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Diced onions, bell peppers, peas, or corn are all delicious additions.
Is this spicy?
No. This recipe is mild, making it a great family-friendly side dish. If you’d like a little heat, stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Final Thoughts
This Spanish Rice Recipe is an easy, classic side dish that’s packed with flavor using simple pantry ingredients. It’s the perfect companion for taco night, grilled meats, or your favorite Tex-Mex dinners, and it’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
If you make this recipe, tag us so we can see. We love seeing how you style your food and bring a little Southern hospitality into your home.
Enjoy!
McKaylee & Michele
MckMich Collective
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