Uncle Louie'S Mexican Rice
Uncle Louie's Mexican Rice is a flavorful side dish with savory tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and spices, perfect for family dinners and festive gatherings alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 cup long grain rice ⓘ
- 5 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, minced ⓘ
- 2 large cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cilantro, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- water (hot) ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 pound cooked, crumbled ground meat (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté rice in hot oil, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown.
- Lower the heat; add minced onion, crushed garlic, chili powder, cumin, and minced green pepper.
- Sauté until the onion is glazed.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- Add hot water to the rice mixture slowly, covering over the top 1/2-inch.
- Bring to a boil; then turn down the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add more hot water during cooking if needed.
- If desired, add cooked, crumbled ground meat during the simmer stage.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider toasting the spices in the oil before adding the rice. You can substitute the ground meat with black beans or shredded vegetables for a vegetarian version. If you want a milder dish, reduce the chili powder or use a sweet variety of bell pepper instead of green.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mexican rice as a side dish to complement grilled chicken or fish, or use it as a base for a burrito bowl topped with your favorite ingredients. It pairs beautifully with Taco Chili Salad or can be used as a filling for Giant Tacos for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Mexican rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and warm it in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through. This will help prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Uncle Louie'S Mexican Rice contains roughly 627 calories, with 17g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (193% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (189% of the Daily Value), and calcium (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2154mg per serving (94% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. This dish holds up well and flavors can deepen overnight, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
What can I add for extra protein?
You can add cooked beans such as black or pinto beans for a vegetarian protein boost. Alternatively, shredded chicken or crumbled tofu can also enhance the protein content without compromising flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure the rice and all canned products are labeled gluten-free, this dish can be made suitable for a gluten-free diet. Always check labels for any hidden gluten.
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).