Spanish Rice is the kind of dish that quietly steals the show. Fluffy, savory, and bursting with vibrant tomato flavor, this classic side dish is anything but boring. It’s quick enough to whip up on a weeknight, but tasty enough to serve at a family gathering or dinner party. Every bite is packed with comforting, familiar flavors that pair beautifully with just about anything—from grilled meats to beans or tacos. And the best part? It all comes together in one pan, with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Fuss-Free: Made in one pot and ready in under 30 minutes. Ideal for busy nights when you need something fast, filling, and delicious.
Incredibly Flavorful: The rice is infused with garlic, onion, tomato, and warm spices that give it that signature Spanish-style taste.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and stretches easily to feed a crowd—without breaking the bank.
Versatile Side or Main: Serve it with chicken, tacos, enchiladas, or just load it up with beans and avocado for a complete vegetarian meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into making the perfect Spanish Rice—and why each ingredient matters:

Long-grain white rice: Fluffy and light, it’s the ideal texture for soaking up all the flavors without becoming mushy.
Onion: Adds depth and savory sweetness that builds the flavor base.
Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and enhances every other ingredient.
Tomato sauce: The heart of the dish—it coats the rice in rich, tangy flavor and that beautiful red color.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory goodness; vegetable broth works great if you want a vegetarian option.
Olive oil: Helps to lightly toast the rice before simmering, adding a delicious nutty flavor and preventing clumping.
Cumin and chili powder: These spices give the rice that warm, earthy, and slightly smoky taste you expect from Spanish-style cooking.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
Optional: Fresh cilantro or lime juice: For garnishing and a fresh, bright finish.

Variations

Spanish Rice is incredibly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to play around with it:

Add Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, peas, or corn for color and crunch.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat.
Swap the Rice: Use brown rice for extra fiber (just increase the cooking time and liquid), or try cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
Make it a Meal: Stir in cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or beans to turn this side into a satisfying main.

How to Make Spanish Rice

Step 1: Toast the Rice

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the grains start to turn golden brown. This step brings out a toasty, nutty flavor that’s key to authentic Spanish Rice.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in Tomato Sauce and Spices

Add the tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the rice evenly and deepen the color.

Step 4: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5: Fluff and Finish

Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Toast the Rice Well: Don’t skip this step—browning the rice adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Simmer Gently: Once the liquid is added, avoid stirring too much. Let the rice gently absorb the broth and flavor.
Keep it Covered: Lifting the lid while cooking releases steam and can leave the rice undercooked or uneven.
Use the Right Pot: A heavy-bottomed pan helps distribute heat evenly and prevents scorching on the bottom.

How to Serve

Spanish Rice is wonderfully versatile. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy it:

###As a Side:
Serve it with tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, carne asada, or fish for a full-on fiesta plate.

###In Bowls:
Create burrito bowls with rice, beans, grilled veggies, salsa, and avocado.

###In Wraps or Burritos:
Spoon the rice into tortillas with some protein and cheese, roll it up, and enjoy.

###With a Fried Egg:
Top leftover rice with a sunny-side-up egg for a quick and hearty breakfast or brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

###Storing Leftovers
Cool the rice completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner.

###Freezing
Spanish Rice freezes well! Place it in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

###Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to bring back the moisture. Stir occasionally until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can! Just be aware that brown rice takes longer to cook and may need more broth. Keep it covered and simmer gently until tender.

Is Spanish Rice the same as Mexican Rice?
They’re very similar and often used interchangeably. Both are seasoned rice dishes made with tomatoes and spices, though variations exist depending on the region or family tradition.

Why is my rice mushy or undercooked?
Mushy rice means too much liquid or overcooking. Undercooked rice usually needs a bit more simmering time or possibly more liquid. Keep the lid on and let the steam do its job!

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a fully plant-based version that’s just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

Spanish Rice is that trusty, go-to side that always delivers. It’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely loaded with flavor. Whether you’re rounding out a Mexican-inspired meal or just need a reliable, tasty dish on the table fast, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make something this good!

Spanish Rice Recipe