Slow Cooker Mexican Rice

Slow cooker Mexican rice is a flavorful, hands-off side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more. This easy recipe combines tender, fluffy rice with bold spices, tomatoes, and peppers for an authentic taste with minimal effort. Simply toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking – No need to watch over the stove; just set it and forget it.
• Perfectly Flavored – Seasoned with tomatoes, cumin, garlic, and chili powder for a rich, authentic taste.
• Great for Meal Prep – Makes a large batch that reheats beautifully for leftovers.
• Customizable – Adjust the spice level or add extra ingredients to suit your taste.
• One-Pot Convenience – Less cleanup and easy preparation.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Long-grain white rice
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Diced tomatoes (with juice)
• Tomato sauce
• Onion
• Garlic
• Bell pepper
• Jalapeño (optional, for heat)
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil (for richness)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. Sauté the Aromatics (Optional): For extra flavor, sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the rice, broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeño, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
4. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
5. Fluff and Serve: Use a fork to fluff the rice, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes – 3 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheesy Mexican Rice: Stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese before serving.
• Protein-Packed: Mix in cooked shredded chicken or black beans for a complete meal.
• Brown Rice Alternative: Use brown rice but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out, or reheat on the stove over low heat.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant rice in this recipe?

No, instant rice will overcook and become mushy in the slow cooker. Stick with long-grain white or brown rice.

2. Do I have to sauté the onions and garlic first?

It’s optional, but sautéing enhances the flavor. You can skip this step if you’re short on time.

3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

4. Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, but check the rice after 1 to 1.5 hours, as it will cook faster.

5. How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the slow cooker?

Lightly grease the slow cooker with oil or cooking spray before adding the ingredients.

6. Can I add corn or beans to the rice?

Absolutely! Stir in drained canned corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor.

7. What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, but jasmine or basmati can also be used.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough to handle the extra volume.

9. What can I serve this with?

This rice pairs well with tacos, fajitas, grilled meats, or as a filling for burritos.

10. Can I add lime juice for extra flavor?

Yes! A squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving brightens up the dish.

Conclusion

Slow cooker Mexican rice is a simple, flavorful, and foolproof way to prepare a delicious side dish with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or potlucks, this rice is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy it with your favorite Mexican-inspired meals!

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