If you’ve ever tried to make restaurant-style Mexican rice at home and ended up with a mushy, flavorless disaster, I feel your pain. But don’t worry—this Easy Rotel Mexican Rice recipe is here to save your taco nights!
Mexican rice should be light, fluffy, and packed with flavor, not a sad, soggy mess that clumps together like last week’s leftovers. The secret? Toasting the rice, using Rotel tomatoes, and getting the perfect rice-to-liquid ratio. If you follow this simple method, you’ll get a restaurant-quality side dish every single time.
This rice pairs beautifully with Oven Baked Chicken and Rice or Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls if you’re feeling adventurous.
Why Use Rotel Tomatoes?
You might be thinking, “Can’t I just use regular diced tomatoes?” Sure, you could, but you’d be missing out on all the bold flavors that Rotel’s green chilies bring to the table.
Rotel tomatoes add a hint of heat and acidity that balances the richness of the rice. Plus, you don’t have to chop extra chilies—it’s all in the can! If you like a spicier kick, grab the hot version of Rotel, but if you’re serving picky eaters, the mild version works just fine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple, budget-friendly recipe requires just a handful of pantry staples.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice – Don’t use short-grain; it gets too sticky!
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies – The magic ingredient!
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth – Adds extra flavor instead of using water.
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter – Helps toast the rice for extra nuttiness.
- ½ tsp salt – Adjust based on your taste.
- ½ tsp garlic powder – Because garlic makes everything better.
- ½ tsp ground cumin – Adds depth and that signature “Mexican rice” flavor.
- ¼ tsp black pepper – A little extra spice.
- Fresh cilantro & lime juice (optional) – For garnish and a fresh burst of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Toast the Rice
Heat your oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the rice and stir it constantly until it turns golden brown. This step develops a rich, nutty flavor and prevents the rice from turning mushy later.
2. Add Seasonings and Rotel
Once your rice is golden, add the garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir for about 30 seconds, letting the spices wake up. Then, pour in the can of Rotel tomatoes (with the juice) and stir everything together.
3. Simmer to Perfection
Pour in the chicken broth, stir once, and bring everything to a boil. As soon as it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Fluff and Serve
When the liquid is fully absorbed, remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. This keeps the rice light and fluffy instead of gummy.
Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, and you’re good to go!
Tips for the Best Mexican Rice
1. Don’t Skip the Toasting Step
Toasting the rice before adding liquid prevents it from getting sticky and gives it that authentic restaurant-style flavor.
2. Adjust the Spice Level
Want it spicier? Add a dash of cayenne or use the “Hot” version of Rotel. Prefer it mild? Use regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel.
3. Let It Rest Before Fluffing
If you fluff your rice immediately after cooking, you risk breaking the grains. Let it sit for a few minutes for the best texture.
What to Serve with Easy Rotel Mexican Rice
This dish is a superstar on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with:
- Tacos & Enchiladas – Try it with Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole for a comforting meal.
- Grilled Chicken or Steak – A great way to round out a simple dinner.
- Refried Beans – The classic Mexican combo!
- Stuffed Peppers – Use this rice as a flavor-packed filling.
For more creative rice dishes, check out Fried Rice Veggie or this Best Ever Fried Rice for a different twist.
Easy Rotel Mexican Rice Variations
1. Make It Vegetarian
Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this recipe 100% vegetarian-friendly.
2. Add Protein for a One-Pan Meal
Toss in some cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or black beans to turn this side dish into a hearty main meal.
3. Try It with Brown Rice
Brown rice works great here, but it takes about 40 minutes to cook, so increase your broth amount to 2 cups to prevent drying out.
4. Turn It Into a Cheesy Fiesta
Mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese at the end for a cheesy, gooey version.
FAQs
Can I use instant rice?
Yes, but reduce the liquid and cooking time. Instant rice only needs about 5 minutes to cook.
Can I freeze leftover Rotel rice?
Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave with a splash of water.
Why is my rice mushy?
You probably used too much liquid or didn’t toast the rice enough. Stick to the 1:1.5 rice-to-liquid ratio for the best results.
Can I use jasmine or basmati rice?
You can, but the texture will be slightly different. Long-grain white rice is the best option for authentic Mexican rice.
Easy Rotel Mexican Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (with juice)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh cilantro & lime juice optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Toast the Rice – Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add rice and stir constantly until lightly golden brown.
- Add Seasonings & Rotel – Stir in garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Then, pour in the Rotel tomatoes with their juice.
- Simmer – Add chicken broth, stir once, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff & Serve – Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use Hot Rotel or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- To make it vegetarian, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
- If using brown rice, increase broth to 2 cups and cook for 40 minutes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Easy Rotel Mexican Rice is a game-changer for any weeknight meal. It’s quick, flavorful, and pairs with just about everything. Whether you’re making tacos, grilled chicken, or just need a quick side dish, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
If you love easy, delicious rice dishes, don’t forget to check out Oven Baked Chicken and Rice and Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls for more inspiration.
Now go grab a can of Rotel and get cooking—you won’t regret it!
