Easy Mexican Rice Recipe with Cheese and Veggies (2024)

Dive into the world of comfort with our Mexican Rice Recipe, a flavor-packed dish loaded with fresh veggies, creamy cheese, and warm seasonings. Quick to prep and the perfect companion to tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and beyond, it’s a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and sure to please a crowd. Prepare it in advance, and you’ve got yourself a Mexican fiesta waiting to happen!

Cheesy Mexican Rice

We can never say no to Mexican-inspired meals, and one thing that makes even the best of recipes even tastier is a side of Mexican rice! But there’s no need to break the bank at the local restaurant –we’ve crafted an easy Mexican rice recipe using everyday ingredients you probably have at home. As a result, this recipe is:

• Super budget-friendly
• Ready in less than 15 minutes
• Cheesy and so comforting
• Loaded with flavor and full of fiber to keep you full

Is this Mexican Rice Recipe Authentic?

No. While we love authentic recipes, there’s a soft spot in our hearts for Tex-Mex recipes, too, and that’s exactly what this is! Inspired by warm Mexican flavors and given a boost of creamy comfort with cheese, this easy Mexican Rice Recipe offers the best of both worlds for a not-so-authentic option that we still adore. However, if you’re looking for something a little more traditional, try out our Spanish Style Rice!

What’s the Difference Between Spanish Rice and Mexican Rice?

Admittedly, the differences between the two are subtle. However, according to our research, Spanish rice is considered to have a firmer texture and is more yellow in color. This is due to the addition of saffron, a spice not found in Mexican rice recipes. Meanwhile, Mexican rice is often red in appearance thanks to the use of cumin. It’s also softer in texture and has a slightly milder taste and aroma.

That said, both versions are fairly similar when it comes to nutritional value. While our rice is neither yellow nor red, it’s a nutritional powerhouse inspired by the rich tapestry of flavors found in both Spanish and Mexican rice recipes. Packed with traditional spices and an abundance of fresh veggies, our rendition offers a vibrant fusion of the best culinary elements from these two delicious traditions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

As mentioned, we used ingredients we had on hand, but the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity by adding any extra veggies, proteins, or seasonings that tickle your taste buds!

• Rice – For the best results, use quick-cooking rice such as Minute rice.
• Seasonings – For Tex-Mex-inspired flavor, we used a combination of taco seasonings, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. We save time by using pre-made taco seasonings packets, but you could easily make your own mix with a recipe like this.
• Broth – This is key to creating fluffy, tender, and flavorful rice!
• Veggies – For a chunky texture, plenty of flavors, and a boost of nutrients, we included a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, bell pepper, red onion,
• Black Beans – Use pre-cooked beans, and be sure to drain and rinse them first.
• Olive Oil – This helps add a rich taste and a boost of healthy fats.
• Cheese – A combination of Colby Jack and Monterrey Jack cheeses creates a slightly spicy, completely irresistible taste. Or, feel free to mix and match whatever cheeses you have on hand.
• Cilantro – Added at the very end, this herb helps lighten up the flavors for a perfectly balanced dish.

How to Make an Easy Mexican Rice Recipe

Get ready for a cheesy party in your mouth with this simple one-pot Mexican rice recipe! The instructions below will guide you through the process, and for the full details, just scroll down to the bottom. Prepare for an explosion of cheesy goodness that’s as easy to make as it is to devour!

1. Add all of the ingredients except for the cheese and cilantro to a large pot or dutch oven.
2. Bring the liquid to a boil.
3. Cover and cook until all of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Stir in the cheese and cilantro.
5. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This recipe is so satisfying that we’ve been caught indulging in it all by itself. But why stop there when it pairs flawlessly with main dishes like:

• Baked Chicken Tacos
• Mini Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
• Slow Cooker Beef Birria
• Chicken Fajitas

Storage and Freezing Options

We highly recommend doubling this recipe for the tastiest meals in a pinch. Leftovers store amazingly and reheat to taste as good as new!

Refrigerator: Place your leftover rice in an airtight container, and store it for 3-4 days.

Freezer: Mexican rice will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: When you’re ready to eat, warm your rice in the microwave or stovetop. If it seems a little too dry, add an extra splash of water or broth to freshen it back up!

More Comforting Rice Recipes to Try

Rice is not only budget-friendly, but it’s also a culinary chameleon, ready to adapt to a multitude of flavors. If you’re on the hunt for more easy side dishes to complement your meals, feast your eyes on these fantastic options: only is rice super affordable, but it’s also extremely versatile! If you’re in the market for some more easy side dishes, take a look at these great options:

• Crispy on the outside yet soft and tender on the inside, this Egyptian Baked Rice is unbelievably delicious!
• A complete meal, this Chicken and Broccoli Rice is super satisfying and ready in no time.
• Whether you’re looking for the perfect side dish to serve with dinner or you need a tasty option to bring to a potluck, this Veggie Rice is waiting for you!
• Even better than takeout, this Wok Egg Fried Rice is guaranteed to become one of your family’s new favorite recipes!