Rice Cooker Mexican Rice

By Tara Noland on March 19, 2015 | Updated October 31, 2024

Need a great side dish for dinner but don’t want all the hassle? This Rice Cooker Mexican Rice recipe would go great with your favorite Mexican main and it is so easy to do. I love using my new rice cooker and this came in very handy for a crowd.

Throw all the ingredients into your rice cooker and forget about it until serving time. This recipe will have you running out to buy a rice cooker if you don’t have one already. We also have a new recipe, try our Cheesy Enchilada Rice which can be cooked in your Instant Pot too.

Whether you are enjoying burritos, enchiladas, tacos, or any Mexican main dish, this side will go perfectly!! Plan a special Mexican or even Spanish night and serve up this rice!

Rice Cooker Mexican Rice by Noshing With The Nolands

Helpful Items for This Recipe

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small portion from qualifying purchases at no extra charge for you.

Hamilton Beach Rice Cooker

White Rice, Regenerative Organic Certified – Non-Sticky, 32 Oz

Rectangular Serving Dishes

Recipe Ingredients

Long grain white rice – This is the traditional rice used for Mexican Rice, plus it is so easy to find.
Low-sodium chicken broth – This is my standard so I can salt to taste.
Tomato paste – It seems like a lot is used in the recipe but the flavor is great.
Butter – I used salted as that is what I have on hand.
Onion finely diced – You can use a yellow onion or a sweet white onion.
Diced green chilies – These come in little cans and are already diced.
Fresh black pepper and salt – Perfect seasonings to bring out the other flavors and give a touch of heat.
Pinch of red pepper flakes – These give it just a slight edge more, add as much as you enjoy!
Cilantro for garnish – Traditional garnish but if you don’t like it you can use parsley.

How to Make Mexican Rice

This is a very easy dump-and-go kind of recipe.

Add all ingredients to the rice cooker. Stir well.

Cook your rice according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Let rest for 3 minutes after cooking or longer to thicken and then stir.

Garnish with cilantro before serving.

The chicken broth, butter, onion, green chilies, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt give the rice lots of flavor but not too much to overpower your main course. Adding these ingredients also adds to the texture of the dish.

The cilantro is used for garnish and is optional if you don’t like it.

Substitutions and Variations

If you would like to make the rice vegetarian you can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

After you add the rice mixture you can also add in items like beans, and diced tomatoes. You can garnish with sliced avocado, cotija cheese, and chopped green onions.

Recipe Pro Tips!

What Variety Of Rice Is Best For This Recipe?

You need to use long-grain rice as they do in Mexico or Spain for this recipe. It is also the least expensive and most accessible.

Can You Use An Instant Pot To Make This Recipe?

Yes, most Instant Pots have a rice setting just follow the instructions with your machine on how to cook it.

What Is The Difference Between Spanish Rice And Mexican Rice?

Spanish rice has a firmer texture and different flavor as they add saffron to the dish.

Why Is My Mexican Rice Coming Out Mushy?

As machines vary so does the cooking time and amount of fluid that is needed. If you end up with mushy rice decrease your liquid and cooking time.

Storage Instructions

In an air-tight container, Mexican Rice keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

I will often serve up either soft or hard shell tacos or burritos for a quick and easy weekday meal. This Mexican rice is a quick and easy side for anything Mexican, Tex-Mex, or even Southern-flavored recipes that you may create.

When everyone is running out to activities in the evenings it’s great to be able to make sure that the family has a nutritious meal before heading out.

Pin it HERE!!

Pin it HERE!!