Easy Mexican Rice
A flavorful and easy Mexican rice dish featuring tender rice cooked with onions, garlic, and a spicy chili seasoning for a satisfying side or main course.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion and garlic in melted margarine in a skillet until the onion is tender.
- Pour hot water into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Add minced garlic, rice, cooked onion, and 3/4 cup of the chili seasoning mix to the casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the rice mixture before baking. If you're out of margarine, olive oil or butter can be a suitable substitute. Feel free to adjust the amount of chili seasoning mix to match your spice preference. This recipe is also a great base for other Mexican recipes; try adding black beans for extra protein.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Mexican Rice pairs beautifully with dishes like grilled chicken or tacos. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Blondie'S Refried Beans or a fresh salad. You can also top it with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. Consider serving with Spicy Orange Salsa for a zesty kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water to the rice and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Mexican Rice contains roughly 854 calories, with 14g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2608mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so increase the baking time to about 60-70 minutes, and make sure to use 2 cups of hot water for the extra moisture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is mostly gluten-free, but you should check the chili seasoning mix for any gluten-containing ingredients. Many brands offer gluten-free versions, so look for those if needed.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the margarine with a plant-based oil or vegan butter. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making it a great option for vegan recipes.
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).