Fiesta Rice
Fiesta Rice is a flavorful, spicy dish with tender rice, tomatoes, green chilies, and seasoned beef broth, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chopped onion, garlic, and oil in a 2-quart glass casserole.
- Cover and microwave on High for 2 to 2½ minutes until softened.
- Stir in remaining ingredients: rice, chopped tomatoes, chili powder, salt, chopped green chilies, and condensed beef broth.
- Cover and microwave on High for 10 minutes or until bubbly.
- Reduce microwave to Medium and cook for an additional 12 to 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also substitute the green chilies with jalapeños for a spicier kick. If you prefer brown rice, note that cooking times will change, so adjust accordingly. This dish is versatile, allowing you to throw in any leftover veggies you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Fiesta Rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp and can be served alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also use it as a filling for tacos or burritos, or serve it as a base for toppings like avocado, cheese, and sour cream. For a fun twist, try it with Tijuana Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water to keep the rice from drying out. Alternatively, this rice can be enjoyed cold in a salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fiesta Rice contains roughly 136 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2594mg per serving (113% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make Fiesta Rice vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omitting any meat. You can also add beans for protein and extra flavor. This makes it a great option for a meatless meal.
How can I add more protein to this recipe?
To boost the protein content, consider adding cooked chicken, ground beef, or black beans. You can mix these in during the final cooking stages to heat through. This will enhance the dish and make it more filling, perfect for a hearty family meal.
What can I serve with Fiesta Rice?
Fiesta Rice complements a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, tacos, or even as a standalone vegetarian option. For a festive touch, serve it with a side of guacamole and tortilla chips, or pair it with traditional Mexican recipes like Southwestern Chili Casserole.
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).