Mexican Rice
This Mexican Rice is simple to prepare and full of zesty flavors. Filled with fresh salsa, black beans, and spices, this rice is makes an easy side dish for just about any meal!
I think it’s obvious by now that I’m crazy for Mexican food. Tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and everything in between, I love them all. So with Cinco de Mayo coming up, it’s only natural that I share my love for this cuisine again.
When I made it home, I couldn’t wait to test out this Mexican Rice. It’s easy, full of Mexican flavor, and the perfect side dish to whip up for a Cinco de Mayo (or any day) celebration. Filled with fresh salsa, black beans, and spices, this rice is zesty and delicious.
If you love zesty rice, then this Mexican Rice was made for you!
I decided to put a unique twist on this dish and throw in some black beans. It gives it great flavor and a delicious taste. And since you can make it in the convenience of your own home, I guarantee it’ll be a dinnertime favorite.
This Mexican Rice cooks up full of zesty flavor and hearty beans. The salsa and seasonings give this dish a nice twist. If you’re looking for a Cinco de Mayo dish, then this is it!
Homemade Mexican Rice Ingredients
I kept the Mexican rice seasoning as simple as possible, but still tried to pack in as much flavor as I possibly could. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this homemade Mexican rice recipe:
- Long-grain rice
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Chunky salsa
- Black beans
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Salt and pepper
How to Make Mexican Rice
Did I mention how easy this Mexican rice recipe is to whip up? You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to transform some white rice into a dish flavored with salsa, garlic, and spices.
- Combine some uncooked rice, chicken broth, butter, salsa, garlic powder, black beans, salt and pepper into a medium pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice mixture is tender.
- Fluff with a fork and get ready to indulge in this spicy Mexican rice.
Can I Add Extra Veggies?
I’m sure you could! I bet sautéed bell pepper and onions or frozen corn would work well in this easy Mexican rice recipe.
Can I Freeze Mexican Rice?
Yep! This simple Mexican rice recipe freezes well. Simply seal tightly in a freezer container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, place in your fridge to thaw or gently reheat in a saucepan.
Tips for the Best Mexican Rice
I used long-grain white rice to make this Mexican rice recipe, but you can use any rice you have on hand. Just note that brown rice takes much more time to cook than white rice does.
If you wanted to make this simple Mexican rice a full meal, add some diced chicken to it once it’s been cooked.
For a spicier rice, add a dash of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or use a spicy salsa.
Looking for easy Mexican dishes? I’ve got you covered!
- One Pan Chicken Enchilada Bake
- Baked Chicken Tacos
- Easy Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Baked Salsa Chicken
- Baked Chicken Ranch Taquitos
Mexican Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup chunky salsa, (any kind)
- 15 oz canned black beans, , drained and rinsed
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, , to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, chicken brother, salsa, beans, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, and then let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice mixture is tender.
- Remove from heat and fluff with fork. Serve immediately.
It’s definitely Mexican food season. I got my Chipotle on last night!
And I can eat Mexican rice any day, all day. It’s the best!
I could definitely eat this every day, too! Thanks, Mir!
Mexican and Greek flavors are definitely my favorite. I usually make cilantro-lime rice when we have tacos or burritos, but I’m going to HAVE to make this Mexican rice next time. I love how easy it is and how I have all of these ingredients in my pantry at all times. Thank you for sharing with us!
Thanks for the kind words, Erin! I think you would love this Mexican Rice! It’s so easy to whip up and so full of flavor!
This Rice looks great Gayle! It reminds me of a dish my Mom used to make! I love how easy it is to make!
Thank you, Katie! I love easy dishes like this, too!
I love this! It reminds me of the Spanish rice my mom used to make when we were growing up! These are some of my favorite flavors!
Thanks, Annie! I love the zesty flavors, too!
Gayle, this Mexican rice looks so delicious!!! and we’re all over those taquitos .. Taquitos and mini frozen tacos are my weakness!!!
Aren’t these taquitos the best? Thanks for the kind words, Alice!
Mexican rice is totally my weakness and you totally nailed this, Gayle! This rice is definitely gonna have to make it on our Cinco de Mayo menu! It looks so hearty and satisfying. 🙂
Thank you, Sarah! My husband and I devoured this rice in no time!
I’m already feeling the Cinco De Mayo spirit with this recipe! I can’t wait to give it a try, I love that you added the black beans into the rice, YUM! I think this rice would pair nicely with a margarita 🙂 Great recipe, Gayle!
Thank you, Heather! I thought the black beans definitely jazzed it up a bit. Definitely perfect for Cinco de Mayo!
Your Mexican rice looks perfect and I love how easy it is to make!
Thank you, Christin!
Ohhh we love Mexican rice in my house but I have never added salsa before. Thats a great idea Gayle. I’m so trying that next time.
Thanks, Kathy! I hope you love this if you try it!
I loooove Mexican food. That’s why cinco de mayo is probably my favorite holiday. Eat all the mexican food! This mexican rice is just perfect Gayle : )
Yes! The more Mexican food, the better! Thanks, Natalie!
Ooooh yum!! I am obsessed with mexican food too. I love it our or in. This rice looks so good. Adding black beans is genius! Great idea! 😉 Pinned!!
Thanks so much for the kind words and pin, friend!
Yum, I love anything Mexican. This looks so good Gayle. I’d put some avocado and cilantro on top and make it a meal. 🙂
Avocado and cilantro would be perfect on top of this rice, Linda! Thanks!
love Mexican food! the rice looks delicious Gayle!
Thanks, Manali!
LOVE Mexican rice so much! This looks divine! 😀
Thank you, Jess!
This Mexican rice looks perfect, Gayle! I love the addition of salsa and pairs beautifully with the taquitos! This sounds perfect for Cinco de Mayo!
Thank you, Kelly!
I am obsessed with Mexican Rice! It is one of the highlights for me every time I go out to eat at a Mexican restaurant. This one looks SO much better though with those black beans added in there. Yum! Now I am craving Mexican food… :).
Thanks, Annie! And I’m craving your lo mein noodles…maybe we can swap dinners! 🙂
I love Mexican rice! Such a great side. Can’t wait to make this for cinco de mayo!
Thanks, Kelley!
Yum, this looks so delicious and flavorful! I can’t wait to add this as a side to my meals. Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks so much for the kind words and for stopping by! I hope you love this if you try it!
Yum! I love Mexican rice and love how easy this recipe is. Perfect side for cinco de mayo!
Thanks, Keri!
Mm… so yummy! I love rice and I love even more Mexican rice. In Brazil we have a recipe very similar to that. I bet it is so delicious and full of flavour 😉
Thanks, Olivia!
Gayle, this rice looks awesome! I love that you added the black beans and corn. Just in time for Cinco de Mayo! Ole!
Thanks, Rachelle! The black beans give this dish such great texture!
Mexican food is most definitely my favorite! I could eat a very large bowl of this rice 🙂
Thanks, Sues!
This looks delicious, Gayle! My family LOVES Mexican food like this, so I’ll have to keep my eye out for the frozen Delimex options…such a great resource for those nights that I don’t have time to cook. Also, the rice is a great side instead of the usual chips and salsa. Yum!! Pinned. 🙂
Thank you, Blair! I love the taquitos and tacos, definitely a favorite in my house!
My son is obsessed with Mexican Rice and black beans! Looking forward to trying your recipe the next time I make a Delimex meal! #client
Thank you, Emily! I hope you love this if you try it!
Omg Gayle my mouth is watering just looking at this!! Looks amazing!!
Thanks, Ami!
We can never get enough Mexican food here…I’d be happy if it were Cinco de Mayo every day. 🙂 This rice looks delicious, and perfect paired with those taquitos!
Thank you, Marcie!
I love Mexican rice! I definitely need this recipe in my life! 😉 YUM!
Thanks, Michele! You would love it!
Mexican rice is always welcomed in our house, we are leaving for our Mexican vacation on Sunday so I will have plenty next week.
Thanks, Katalina! Hope you have a great vacation!
I LOVE mexican food! This rice is calling my name. It looks so hearty and delicious!
Thank you, Jen!
I love love Mexican food! So simple to prepare and yet so packed with flavors! Gayle, this bowl of rice looks scrumptious! Pass me some, please! pinned, of course!
Thanks for the kind words and pin, Savita!
Mexican rice is the best and I love the look of those taquitos! Mexican food is so fun and delish 🙂
Thanks, Medha!
I love Mexican food too, and that rice looks delicious! I will definitely need to try it soon!
Thank you, Stacey!
I love Mexican rice! It is the perfect side dish and full of flavor. I love seeing all of the Mexican recipes this time of the year too.
Thanks, Ashley!
We are big rice eaters in my household! I’m usually pretty boring with just making brown or jasmine rice alongside beans, but lately I’ve gotten a bit fancier by making vegetable fried rice or throwing veggies in to cook with the rice. I think that this Mexican rice would go perfectly with some veggie quesadillas!
Sounds this rice would be perfect for you! Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by, Nicole!
Great recipe and very easy to vegan-ize, thanks!
Thanks for the kind words, Christine!
This post is making me so hungry, I LOVE Mexican food!! And your rice recipe look spot on – yum!! 🙂
Thanks, Christina!
Love Mexican food and Delimex taquitos are so good! That Mexican rice looks awesome Gayle! Pinned and will try to make it tonight, since I have pretty much everything needed 🙂
Thanks, Mira! Hope you love it if you try it!
Yay for mexican food of any kind!! I LOVE mexican rice – perfect to go with any dish! This version looks and sounds so flavorful!
Thanks, Ashley!
Gayle, I am loving this! Mexican rice is the best, and this recipe looks downright fantastic! This is so going on the list for Cinco de Mayo!
Thank you, Michelle!
Love mexican food…and this rice looks amazing Gayle! Pinned!
Thanks, Mariah!
Ohhh homemade Mexican rice is sooo much better than the box mixes!! So yum! And prefect for Cinco de Mayo coming up!! LOL, we always celebrate because it’s my dog’s birthday! 😛
Aww happy birthday to your dog! And yes homemade is definitely better than the boxes. Thanks, Jess!
What a tasty looking recipe, Gayle! I love beans and I love how easy and quick this recipe is to throw together. Great for a busy weekday.
Thanks, Neeli!
This is MY kind of meal, Gayle! I was just thinking about adding salsa to my rice the other day – this sounds truly awesome! I love the black beans in there too 🙂 I’m catching up on all your delicious recipes as I’ve been MIA with my thesis recently!! Hope you are doing well and pinned!
I hope your thesis is going well, Ceara! Thanks so much for the kind words and pin!
Wow! Mexican rice looks temptingly inviting! Super YUM! 🙂
Thank you! It’s one of my favorite side dishes!
I’m a great fan of Mexican spicy food. And right in combination with the beans I love it even more. Thanks!
Thanks for the kind words!
This looks delicious! Going to have to try it tonight!!
Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by, Kristin! I hope you love this rice!
Mmmmmm, looks fabulous. Can’t wait to try it! I’ve been looking for a homemade Mexican rice recipe to replace the box mix I’ve made in the past. This will be it. Question, will long grain brown rice take longer (and more liquid) to cook? Thanks!
Thank you for stopping by, Lori! This is my favorite version. To be honest, I’ve never tried it with long grain brown rice before, so I can’t say for sure, but it might take a little more liquid. I hope you love this if you try it!
Trying this recipe tonight with taco bake! Looks delicious. One question, when did you add the corn, and how much? Frozen or canned? Let me know if you can. Looking forward to trying this vs. packaged Spanish rice. Thanks!
Hi Meghan! I’m so glad that you trying this recipe! In regards to the mexican rice, I did not add any corn and it is not listed in the ingredients. Are you referring to another recipe on my site? Hope you love this and thanks for stopping by!
Oh, sorry. I saw in the post above that you wrote: I decided to put a unique twist on this dish and throw in some black beans and corn. It gives it great flavor and a delicious taste.
I will go ahead and make it, as is, with the beans. I love corn too, so was just curious!
Ahh ok sorry about that! If using corn, I would probably use 1/2 cup to 1 cup, depending on how much you want. I usually just use frozen corn (and thaw) but canned would work well, too. Hope you love this, Meghan!
Do you drain and rinse the black beans?
Hi Amy! Yes, you do drain and rinse the black beans. I’ve updated the recipe directions to include that. Thanks for asking!
Absolutely delicious! Doubled it for a work function – only had medium grain rice- added grilled chicken and topped with cheese! Perfection!
Hi Donna! I’m so happy to hear that you liked this! Great idea to add chicken and cheese on top, too. Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out!
Does freezing this rice ruin it? Or lose the flavor???
Hi Hannah! I’ve never tried freezing this recipe, so I really can’t say for sure how it would turn out. If you do freeze it, I would use it within two months. Hope you enjoy!
Can you make this ahead of time and put in fridge?
Hi Barbara! I’ve never done that before, but you probably could. The rice might get a little mushy..kind of like leftover rice. Hope you enjoy!
OMG, super easy and delicious. My husband went up for seconds and we have a young man from Dominican Republic staying with us and he went up for thirds, the entire family loved this recipe. I will definitely be making this again……I was a super hero tonight!!!! Thanks
I’m so happy to hear that, Lisa! So glad you all enjoyed!