Belly Full

Easy recipes for busy families!

  • home
  • Partner/PR
  • 30 Min or Less
  • Dessert
  • Breakfast
  • Appetizer
  • Recipes By Category
    • All Recipes

Home » Grains » Simple Spanish Rice

Simple Spanish Rice

April 29, 2014 by Amy 14 Comments

This Simple Spanish Rice is the perfect accompaniment to Mexican foods, chicken, steak, in burritos, or all by itself!

Simple Spanish Rice in white bowl

I absolutely love rice. Most grains, really. I grew up on them. My mom was always making stir-fry recipes, pilaf, or Spanish rice (although I think she made hers with tomato paste ??)

In fact, if a bowl of rice and a bowl of pasta were sitting in front of me and I could only choose one…I’d go for the rice. Oh, yes. I can do make a meal out it, no problem.

bowl of Simple Spanish Rice

So, it should come as no surprise that my rice cooker is one of my most beloved and used appliances. It was also my very first appliance ever owned! I got it as a gift 15 years ago. It’s a Zojirushi. I was sort of floored when they sent me a new one and was asked to work with them.

When it arrived, I jumped up and down and clapped my hands.

 

Zojirushi Rice Cooker

Paul: What did you get?
Me: A brand new Zojirushi rice cooker.
Paul: Oh wow. Are you ok? Do you want to sit down?
Me: *smirk*
Paul: So, are you going to get rid of the old one?
Me: *death stare*
Paul: I guess that’s a no?
Me: I’ve had it for 15 years! And it still works perfectly! I can’t just get rid of it….
Paul: It’s not like it’s a pet bird.
Me: Hush. Now I’ll have two. And love them both.

I immediately made this Simple Spanish Rice and also my favorite rice pilaf

Butter, onions, and beef consommé completely transform white rice into something flavorful and creamy, in this fast and simple pilaf.

Some people scoff at the idea of a rice cooker. Why don’t you just make the rice in a pot on the stove??? Grumble, grumble. Well, you certainly can! But my rice cooker cooks the grains perfectly and knows when to stop on its own. It knows the difference between white rice, brown rice, sushi rice, porridge, and whether I want the grains to have a softer or harder texture! Plus it has a “warm” setting. My rice maker is super smart, y’all. I use it even when I’m only cooking up two cups.

Simple Spanish Rice

BUT, if you don’t have a rice cooker and don’t want one, that’s ok! You can definitely make this Spanish rice in a good ‘ol fashioned pot. Still easy and delicious.

Great with grilled chicken, steak, alongside refried beans, or all on its own!

other Mexican inspired dishes we love!

Mexican Rice Skillet

Mexican Rice and Grape Salad

Chili Relleno Casserole

0 from 0 votes
Print
Simple Spanish Rice
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 

This Simple Spanish Rice is the perfect accompaniment to Mexican foods, chicken, steak, in burritos, or all by itself!

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Easy Mexican Rice, Mexican Rice, Spanish Rice
Servings: 6
Calories: 308 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 medium sweet onion , diced small
  • 1 small red bell pepper , seeds and ribs removed, diced small
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cups long grain white rice
  • 10 ounce can ROTEL (diced tomatoes with green chilies) , undrained
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • fresh chopped cilantro
Directions
  1. In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high, heat the olive oil and butter until melted and bubbly. Add in the onions and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally until softened, about 3 minutes. Add in the garlic, cumin, salt, and rice and cook for another minute, stirring constantly so the rice doesn’t burn.

  2. At this point, add the mixture to a rice cooker if you have one.** Add in the Rotel and chicken stock; stir to combine and set the cooker to “quick cooking.” When the timer goes off in about 20 minutes, fluff with a fork, serve, and sprinkle with the chopped cilantro.

Recipe Notes

**If you don’t have a rice cooker, at this point, you’ll want to add the Rotel and chicken stock to the pan with the onion mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Rice should not be sticky. Serve and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Nutrition Facts
Simple Spanish Rice
Amount Per Serving
Calories 308 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Cholesterol 5mg2%
Sodium 134mg6%
Potassium 331mg9%
Carbohydrates 58g19%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 7g14%
Vitamin A 500IU10%
Vitamin C 23.3mg28%
Calcium 52mg5%
Iron 1.5mg8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*this post contains affiliate links

You may also love:

  • Quick and Easy One Pot Jambalaya
  • These Sushi Slacker Bowls are California Rolls deconstructed - all the ingredients, but served in a bowl, without the rolling. But just as yummy!
    Slacker Sushi Bowls
  • ONE-PAN BEANS AND RICE WITH KIELBASA - rice, pinto beans, and smoky pork kielbasa is combined for a delicious and quick skillet meal!
    Skillet Beans and Rice with Kielbasa

Filed Under: Grains, Non-Dairy, Side Dish Tagged With: rice, spanish rice

« 6 Awesome Asparagus Recipes
Ombre Cake »

Comments

  1. Fille says

    September 24, 2014 at 3:50 am

    I use my Redmond 4500 (it’s multicooker) and I really happy with the result. Some more recepies like that are in cook book of Redmond. It’s very fast and tasty, thank u! Give more resepes

    Reply
  2. Joelen says

    May 2, 2014 at 7:23 am

    Rice is necessity and I love how this came out! Looks delicious and perfect for any Cinco de Mayo menu!

    Reply
  3. Mom says

    May 1, 2014 at 8:19 am

    The recipe is quite different from mine that you grew up with (originating from Nan) but looks very good. I just use a combination of tomato sauce, water, salt and a generous amount of black pepper. I also saute the rice in rendered pork fat which gives a different flavor. I’ll try yours and see how it fares!

    Reply
    • Amy @Very Culinary says

      May 1, 2014 at 8:40 am

      Ah, that’s right. Now I remember. This one is very different, so it might be like comparing apples to oranges. Either way, Dad won’t like it!

      Reply
  4. Jessica (Savory Experiments) says

    April 30, 2014 at 4:54 am

    Great recipe , I’m putting it on my Cinco de Mayo menu! I’ve never actually owned a rice cooker. I know others who swear by them!

    Reply
  5. Lawrence Walker says

    April 29, 2014 at 5:12 pm

    Hope this is how to enter. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Amy @Very Culinary says

      April 29, 2014 at 5:26 pm

      Hi Lawrence… it’s not. You need to enter through the widget provided, as explained in the blog post. Good luck!

      Reply
  6. Paula - bell'alimento says

    April 29, 2014 at 3:46 pm

    BEST rice cooker in the world! I wouldn’t trade mine for anything. Actually used it tonight to make rice for stir fry!

    Reply
  7. Marnie H says

    April 29, 2014 at 2:07 pm

    I hope I win. I’ve never had a rice cooker and this one sounds amazing!

    Reply
  8. Munira says

    April 29, 2014 at 11:38 am

    Looks awesome!

    Reply
  9. Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says

    April 29, 2014 at 10:30 am

    I need a rice cooker so bad! Thanks for the great giveaway!

    Reply
  10. Amy @Very Culinary says

    April 29, 2014 at 9:07 am

    Hi Pam and Lenore! If you want to enter the giveaway, you need to submit your info through the widget within the post. Thanks and good luck!

    Reply
  11. Pam Sohan says

    April 29, 2014 at 8:57 am

    I still have the rice cooker (same company) That I bought when we were stationed in Japan in 1989-1992. Sure could use a new one. That recipe looks yummy.

    Reply
  12. Lenore says

    April 29, 2014 at 7:09 am

    Having a rice cooker would be a useful and needed addition to my kitchen. The forever battle between the rice and i have is similar to a carnival game, once in a while you win (the rice actually comes out the right way), but most times you lose (sometimes the rice is partially uncooked or ends up that mass of stuck together starch glop. A person can make the tastiest of concoctions but if the rice isn’t the right consistency the meal is not a winner. I speak from too much experience.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi, I’m Amy - the home cook behind Belly Full (formerly Very Culinary). Come play with me! Read More >>

Stay Updated!

subscribe through e-mail notifications

Most Popular Recipes

No electric mixer or fancy dough hook needed here! Mix everything in one bowl, let rise for an hour, knead 1-2 times, and that’s it! Makes 1 large pizza, cut in half for 2 medium pizzas, or quarter it for individual pizzas.
Mandarin Orange Pretzel Dessert - This classic dessert features a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy center, and silky top with mandarin oranges and orange flavored gelatin. Perfect for a summer luncheon!
Strawberry Shortcake Scones - tender flaky scones with fresh strawberries throughout and a dreamy glaze!

Categories

Archives

Stay Updated

subscribe through e-mail notifications

Recently on Instagram

  • These Polar Bear Paws are the perfect sweet and salty treat, filled with roasted nuts and caramel, then coated in silky white chocolate. Perfect for the holidays!
.
FULL RECIPE HERE: https://bellyfull.net/2017/11/07/sees-polar-bear-paws/
.
#holidaytreats #holidaydesserts #holidayfood #chocolateworld #seescandy #seescandies #nobakedessert
  • No child will mind getting these Lumps of Coal Rice Krispie Treats! Super fun treat to make and to receive for Christmas!
.
RECIPE HERE: https://bellyfull.net/2018/11/18/lumps-of-coal-rice-krispie-treats/
.
#chocolateworld #holidayfood #holidaytreats #ricekrispytreats #ricekrispietreats #ricekrispiestreats #kidfoodideas

Follow Belly Full on Instagram

Search

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2019 · Designed by Snixy Kitchen · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Genesis Framework · WordPress

Privacy Policy · Privacy Tools