This Spanish Rice recipe, also known as red rice, is an easy and delicious side dish to serve alongside your favorite proteins, or as a part of your favorite Mexican meals. It is basically a rice pilaf with tomato flavor and easy to adapt and make your own.

My family loves Spanish rice in this Grilled Stuffed Burrito recipe and it is a perfect Mexican side dish for tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas.

For the love of Mexican recipes

My children and I are big fans of Mexican food. I have been making a cheese enchilada recipe for well over 30 years now and it is one of the many recipes my oldest son asked me for when he moved out on his own. We have one restaurant in particular back home that we used to love to go to. They made the best salsa, homemade tortilla chips, and Chili Rellenos I had ever eaten!

The last 20 years I have resorted to eating my favorite Mexican food at home. Hubby would rather go out for seafood, which is not a terrible thing, but he is not a fan of Mexican food. Although for some reason he doesn’t mind Taco Bell!

I decided to make this Spanish Rice recipe because I wanted to make a Grilled Stuffed Burrito that was similar to one that Grumpy liked to enjoy at Taco Bell. That way, I could make a better tasting meal right at home and he would not complain that I wanted to have Mexican food!

The Basics Needed To Make Spanish Rice

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Long Grain Rice is long and thin and stays fluffy after cooking. It is toothsome and has substance with a firm dry texture. It works best in side dishes and pilafs. 

Tomato Sauce is the ingredient that will give the rice its color and adds flavor. This is my favorite brand to use.

Bouillon Concentrate is so much easier to have in the fridge than a box of broth. I use it for everything I make that needs broth or a little boost of flavor. This is the brand I use and it has several different flavors such as vegetable, beef, chicken, and seafood.

It isn’t Spanish Rice without the flavors well known for Mexican food, so be sure to not skip out on the chili powder or cumin powder.

Recipe Tips and Substitutions

• Don’t skip the browning of rice. This adds a toasty flavor that you won’t get if you don’t do it.
• Stir the garlic and seasoning into the browned rice first to coat the rice with flavors.
• Use hot water to create broth and pour hot broth (not cold) into the skillet for reduced steam.
• Substitute your favorite salsa for the tomato sauce.
• Substitute 1 tablespoon of Homemade Taco Seasoning for the chili and cumin powder.
• Use a Green Enchilada sauce instead of tomato sauce and make a green rice.
• Add white onion, green or diced red peppers to the rice mixture with the seasonings.
• Add a protein, such as chopped leftover chicken, or cooked ground venison or beef to the rice before serving.

Recipes To Serve With Mexican Rice

Carne Asada

Chicken Carnitas

Cheese Enchiladas

Green Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Roasted Shrimp Enchiladas

Sweet and Spicy Pulled Pork Tacos

*If you made this recipe for Spanish Rice, please give it a star rating*

Yield: 4

Spanish Rice

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

A delicious side dish full of tomato and spice. Spanish Rice can also be used as a part of tacos, burritos, and more.

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Ingredients

• 1 cups long grain rice
• 1 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups hot water
• ½ tablespoon bouillon concentrate
• 1 (8 ounce) tomato sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Stir in the rice, and cook for 2 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Add the bouillon concentrate to the hot water and stir until dissolved. Set aside.
2. Add the garlic, cumin, and chili powder stir, cooking for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir the broth, tomato sauce, and salt into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet and let simmer for 30 minutes or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Stir in chopped cilantro (if using).

Notes

Recipe Tips and Substitutions

• Don't skip the browning of rice. This adds a toasty flavor that you won't get if you don't do it.
• Stir the garlic and seasoning into the browned rice first to coat the rice with flavors.
• Use hot water to create broth and pour hot broth (not cold) into the skillet for reduced steam.
• Substitute your favorite salsa for the tomato sauce.
• Substitute 1 tablespoon of Homemade Taco Seasoning for the chili and cumin powder.
• Use a Green Enchilada sauce instead of tomato sauce and make a green rice.
• Add white onion, green or diced red peppers to the rice mixture with the seasonings.
• Add a protein, such as chopped leftover chicken, or cooked ground venison or beef to the rice before serving.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 104Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 1mgSodium 339mgCarbohydrates 15gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 2g

Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy but will vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use. Please consult with your doctor regarding specific health needs.