Fluffy, flavorful, and foolproof! This Mexican Rice in a Rice Cooker is the easiest way to get restaurant-style, perfectly seasoned rice at home. Say goodbye to soggy or undercooked grains—your rice cooker does all the work! Infused with bold flavors from tomatoes, garlic, onions, and spices, this dish makes the perfect side for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or prepping for a fiesta, this one-pot recipe will save you time and effort while delivering incredible taste.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Rice (Easy & Authentic!)
- Foolproof Perfection: No more guessing water-to-rice ratios—your rice cooker ensures a fluffy, even texture every time.
- Bold & Authentic Flavor: A delicious blend of tomatoes, spices, and aromatics gives this rice its signature Mexican taste.
- Minimal Effort: Just dump, stir, and let the rice cooker work its magic. No stirring, no burning—just perfect rice.
- Perfect Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with tacos, grilled chicken, fajitas, and more.
- Customizable: Make it mild or spicy, add veggies or protein, or swap ingredients to fit your taste.
Ingredients for the Best Mexican Rice
This recipe keeps things simple but packed with flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role in making the rice taste just like your favorite restaurant-style Mexican rice.
- Long-grain white rice – The secret to light and fluffy rice. Basmati or jasmine rice also works.
- Tomato sauce – Adds a rich, slightly tangy depth of flavor and a beautiful red hue.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for an irresistible savory aroma.
- Onion – Chopped finely so it melts into the rice, giving it extra sweetness.
- Chicken or vegetable broth – Infuses the rice with extra savory goodness.
- Jalapeño (optional) – For a little heat! You can remove the seeds for a milder kick.
- Ground cumin – A must-have for that warm, earthy flavor.
- Salt – Brings out all the flavors. Adjust to taste!
- Peas or corn (optional) – Adds color, texture, and a little sweetness.
- Butter or oil – A little fat makes the rice extra rich and prevents sticking.
💡 Pro Tip: Want to make it even more flavorful? Try sautéing the rice in a bit of butter before adding it to the rice cooker. It enhances the nutty flavor!
👉 Ready to cook? Find the exact measurements in the recipe card below!
How to Make Mexican Rice in a Rice Cooker
Phase 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Rinse the rice: Give it a quick rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents mushy rice.
- Chop the onions and garlic: Dice them finely so they blend into the rice seamlessly.
- Decide on spice level: If using jalapeños, dice them up and remove the seeds if you prefer a milder heat.
Phase 2: Cooking the Rice
- Add the ingredients: Place the rinsed rice, tomato sauce, broth, garlic, onion, cumin, and salt into the rice cooker.
- Give it a stir: Mix everything to evenly distribute flavors.
- Set the rice cooker: Press the “white rice” setting (or standard cook function) and let the magic happen.
- Let it steam: Once done, let the rice sit in the cooker for 5 minutes before opening the lid. This helps it finish absorbing moisture.
Phase 3: Serving
- Fluff the rice: Use a fork to gently fluff it up for the best texture.
- Add extras: Stir in peas, corn, or a squeeze of lime for extra zest.
- Serve & enjoy: Pair it with tacos, grilled meats, or a dollop of guacamole for the perfect Mexican meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Mexican Rice
Want to make your Mexican rice even better? These expert tips will take your dish to the next level!
- Rinse the Rice: Always rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from turning gummy.
- Toast for Extra Flavor: Sauté the rice in a bit of butter or oil before adding it to the rice cooker. This enhances the nutty aroma and deepens the flavor.
- Use Broth Instead of Water: Swapping water for chicken or vegetable broth makes the rice extra flavorful and restaurant-quality.
- Adjust the Spice: Like it spicy? Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.
- Let It Sit: After the rice cooker finishes, let the rice rest for about 5 minutes before opening the lid. This helps it absorb any remaining moisture for perfect texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common pitfalls to make sure your Mexican rice turns out perfect every time!
- Skipping the Rinse: Not rinsing the rice can result in sticky, mushy rice. Always rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Using Too Much Liquid: Follow the correct rice-to-liquid ratio. Too much broth can make the rice too wet, while too little will leave it undercooked.
- Not Stirring Before Cooking: Mixing the ingredients before starting the rice cooker ensures the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Recipe Variations
Want to customize your Mexican rice? Try these delicious variations!
- Herb Lovers: Stir in fresh cilantro or squeeze in some lime juice after cooking for extra freshness.
- Cheesy Mexican Rice: Mix in shredded cheddar or cotija cheese for a rich and creamy twist.
- Protein-Packed: Add shredded chicken, black beans, or chorizo for a hearty one-pot meal.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
- Extra Spicy: Love the heat? Add extra jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or diced chipotle peppers.
How to Serve Mexican Rice
This flavorful Mexican rice pairs well with so many dishes! Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it part of a bigger meal, here are some delicious serving ideas:
Best Pairings
- Tacos: The perfect side for carne asada, chicken, or fish tacos.
- Burritos & Bowls: Use it as a base for burrito bowls or stuff it inside a burrito.
- Grilled Meats: Complements grilled steak, chicken, or shrimp beautifully.
- Breakfast Pairing: Serve with fried eggs and avocado for a Mexican-inspired breakfast.
Toppings & Garnishes
- Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled cotija or shredded cheddar for extra flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or green onions add a fresh touch.
- Citrus: A squeeze of lime brings out the flavors.
- Spicy Boost: Drizzle hot sauce or add diced jalapeños for heat.
Drink Pairing
- Classic Margaritas: The perfect refreshing pairing!
- Horchata: A sweet and creamy contrast to the savory rice.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes! Mexican rice is perfect for meal prep. Cook a batch ahead of time and store it for quick meals throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Let the rice cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until heated through.
- Rice Cooker: If you made it in a rice cooker, just reheat it on the “warm” setting!
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Just note that brown rice takes longer to cook and may need extra broth. Adjust the liquid ratio and cook time accordingly.
Why is my rice mushy?
Mushy rice usually means too much liquid was used. Make sure to rinse the rice and use the correct water-to-rice ratio for your rice cooker.
Can I add beans to this rice?
Absolutely! Black beans or pinto beans make a great addition for extra protein and texture.
What can I do if my rice is too dry?
If your rice seems dry, add a splash of broth or water, fluff it with a fork, and let it sit covered for a few minutes to rehydrate.
There you have it—perfectly fluffy, flavorful Mexican Rice in a Rice Cooker with minimal effort and maximum taste! Whether you’re serving it alongside tacos, stuffing it into burritos, or enjoying it with grilled meats, this dish is a total game-changer. The best part? Your rice cooker does all the work, so you can sit back and enjoy!
Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe, and let me know how it turns out. Did you add extra spice? Toss in some veggies? Drop a comment below and share your favorite variations!
Mexican Rice in Rice Cooker
Equipment
- Rice Cooker
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tomato diced
- 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup peas optional
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In the rice cooker, add the vegetable oil and rice. Stir to coat the rice with oil.
- Add the chicken broth, diced tomato, onion, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir everything together, close the rice cooker lid, and start the cooking cycle.
- Once the rice is cooked, let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Optionally, stir in peas before serving. Enjoy!