Chili Rice
Chili Rice is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring seasoned rice infused with chili powder and savory beef broth. Its bold spices make it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, appealing to those who enjoy a mildly spicy, hearty meal with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in Wesson oil in a 2-quart boiler until translucent.
- Add rice, salt, and chili powder to the onion and oil mixture.
- Pour in beef broth and enough water to make a total of 16 ounces liquid.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or garlic when sautéing the onions. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for beef broth and use plant-based chili powder. You can also experiment with adding canned tomatoes or black beans for additional texture and taste. For heat, try incorporating chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Chili rice pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes like Beef Nachos or Green Chilli for a complete meal. Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or as a base for taco bowls topped with your favorite ingredients. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocados, or a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of broth or water to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Rice contains roughly 65 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2031mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a rice cooker. Simply sauté the onions in a pan, then add them along with the rice, broth, salt, and chili powder to the rice cooker. Follow your rice cooker's instructions for cooking rice, and you will achieve perfectly cooked chili rice.
What can I do if my rice is still hard after cooking?
If your rice is hard after the cooking time has elapsed, it may need more liquid. Add a bit of water or broth, cover, and let it steam on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes. This should help the rice absorb more liquid and become tender.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can enhance the dish by adding cooked ground beef or shredded chicken. Simply brown the meat with the onions before adding the rice and other ingredients. This will boost the protein content and make the dish heartier, perfect for serving as a main course.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).