Tex-Mex Rice
A flavorful Tex-Mex rice dish featuring seasoned rice, chopped vegetables, and a hint of spice, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal with bold southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over low heat, cook rice, chopped onion, and minced garlic in vegetable oil until the rice is lightly browned, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the hot chicken broth, picante sauce, and chopped carrot.
- Cover and simmer until all liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use a good quality chicken broth. If you're out of picante sauce, salsa can be a great substitute. To add more vegetables, consider incorporating bell peppers or corn. Be sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a fluffier texture. If you prefer a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This Tex-Mex Rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or black bean tacos for a complete meal. Consider topping it with avocado slices or fresh cilantro for added flavor. It also makes a great base for dishes like Tex-Mex Chicken And Rice, where you can add proteins and other toppings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the rice in a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, adding moisture as needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tex-Mex Rice contains roughly 291 calories, with 4g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (99% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 925mg per serving (40% 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 use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so increase the simmering time to about 40-45 minutes and use about 3 1/4 cups of broth to ensure it's fully cooked and tender.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
To make this dish more filling, consider adding cooked beans, such as black or pinto beans, for added protein and fiber. You can also mix in cooked ground beef or shredded chicken for a heartier meal. Grated cheese on top before serving can also enhance richness.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a picante sauce that doesn't contain meat products. You can also boost the flavor with additional spices like cumin and chili powder.
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).