This easy RoTel Mexican rice recipe is a quick, flavorful side dish made with a can of RoTel for a spicy, tangy kick. Ready in under 20 minutes, it's perfect alongside tacos, enchiladas, or any favorite Mexican cuisine.
If you're looking for a quick and flavorful side dish to round out your favorite Tex-Mex meals, this Ro*Tel Mexican Rice is a must-try. With just a few pantry staples and one can of Ro*Tel tomatoes and green chilies, you can whip up a bold, zesty rice dish that pairs perfectly with tacos, burritos, or your favorite grilled meat.
If you love Mexican cuisine, make sure you try out our other favorite Mexican recipes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This rice is a time-saver and a flavor booster. The Ro*Tel adds a perfect blend of tomatoes, green chilies, and just the right amount of heat—no chopping or extra seasoning required. It’s all made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and saving you time in the kitchen.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
All you need for this recipe is listed below:
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Long-grain white rice
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A can of Ro*Tel (any variety you like)
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Chicken broth
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Veggie oil
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Spices: chili powder, garlic salt, cumin
Sauté the rice to bring out its nutty flavor, then simmer everything together until fluffy and tender. The result is a savory, slightly spicy rice dish that tastes like it simmered for hours.
How to Make Mexican Rice with Rotel
Making Mexican rice with RoTel is an easy and delicious way to add bold flavor to your meals without a lot of prep work. With just a few simple ingredients and one pot, you'll have a warm, comforting dish that's ready in no time. Here's how to make it with a general step by step.
- Rinse and saute the rice.
- Add liquid and spices; bring to a boil.
- Cover, lower heat, let cook 20 minutes.
- Remove cover, let stand 2 minutes then fluff.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for the fully detailed recipe instructions.
Perfect Pairings and Storage Tips
Serve this rice alongside tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, or even as a base for burrito bowls. It also makes great leftovers—just reheat with a splash of broth or water to bring it back to life. You can double the recipe for meal prep or freeze it for easy weeknight dinners.
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Photos by Lindsay Evers Photography
Recipe Card
Easy Rotel Mexican Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 10 oz. original RoTel
- 1 ½ to 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
Preparation (For this recipe, I like to have the following three steps done before I start cooking.)
- Rinse the rice in a mesh strainer until water draining is clear; set aside.
- Drain the diced tomatoes and reserve the liquid into a 2-cup measuring glass. Add enough chicken broth into the measuring glass to equal a total of 2 cups liquid; set aside.
- Measure spices into a small bowl; set aside.
Rice Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the rice and cook until somewhat translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes; stirring frequently.
- Carefully add the liquid, while stirring. Add the spices and drained tomatoes; stir. Turn the heat to high and bring mixture to a *rapid boil.
- Stir once and cover with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes. (Do not remove the cover during this time!)
- After 20 minutes, remove the cover and let the rice stand for 2 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
