Easy Spanish Rice – Barefeet in the Kitchen

This spicy and flavorful Spanish (or Mexican) Rice was a great side dish for the enchiladas that we enjoyed a few nights ago.

The rice turned out with a good amount of heat (completely optional) and the tomatoes balanced the dish well. Even my non-spice eater in the family ate two helpings of this rice.

Easy Spanish Rice

I love the simplicity of this recipe. The rice is cooked in broth to bring a bit of extra flavor. The cooked rice is set aside for a few minutes, as tomatoes, garlic, and onion are then simmered with spices in the same skillet.

At the end, you’ll add the rice back to the tomato mixture in the skillet and stir to combine. Serve warm and enjoy!

I typically use 2 tablespoons of red chile powder in this recipe. My family enjoys a little heat with our Mexican food recipes. Feel free to reduce the amount slightly, if you prefer a little less heat.

I made burrito bowls with the leftover rice the following day and it was delicious that way as well.

Easy Spanish Rice Recipe

1. In a large skillet, combine the rice and the chicken broth over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cover with a lid. Simmer for 18-20 minutes, just until done. , Fluff the rice with a fork. Transfer to a separate dish and cover with lid to keep warm.
2. Melt the butter in the hot skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and saute until translucent and slightly browned, approximately 2 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, toss to saute and cook about 30 seconds longer. Add the tomatoes and the spices and stir. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover with lid and reduce to simmer on medium-low for 10 minutes.
4. Add the cooked rice to the tomato mixture and stir well to combine thoroughly. Turn off heat and cover with lid to keep warm. If desired, garnish with cilantro just before serving

What to serve with Spanish Rice?

Add some Taco Meat to a skillet of this rice for a two thumbs up kid-approved favorite. Try these Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with rice and roasted broccoli on the side.

Buttered Steak Bites and Carnitas are awesome meal options as well. Add some leftover Spanish Rice to this classic 7 Layer Bean Dip for a hearty snack or a fun meal that everyone enjoys.

{originally published 5/3/12 – recipe notes and photos updated 3/15/22}