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🔥 The Shortcut That Makes Mexican Rice Even Better

What if you could make restaurant-style Mexican rice in under 30 minutes — without blending tomatoes or prepping extra ingredients?

Rotel Mexican Rice is the flavorful shortcut version of traditional arroz rojo. Instead of fresh tomatoes and chiles, we use Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) to instantly boost flavor, spice, and depth.

It’s:

• 🌮 Perfect for taco night
• 🍗 Ideal with grilled chicken
• 🌯 Amazing in burrito bowls
• ⏱ Ready in about 30 minutes

Simple. Bold. Reliable.

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🛒 Ingredients

🍚 The Base

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

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🌶️ Flavor Boost

• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (original or mild)
• ¼ small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste

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🥕 Optional Add-Ins

• ¼ cup diced carrots
• 2 tablespoons peas
• Fresh cilantro
• Squeeze of lime

✨ Want it spicier? Use Hot Rotel.

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⏱ Timing

Step	Time
Prep	5–10 minutes
Cook	20 minutes
Total	25–30 minutes

Fast enough for busy weeknights.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Rinse under cold water until clear.

This prevents sticky rice.

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Step 2: Toast the Rice (Important!)

Heat oil in skillet over medium heat.

Add rice and cook 5–7 minutes until lightly golden.

✨ This gives authentic nutty flavor and fluffy texture.

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Step 3: Add Aromatics

Stir in onion and garlic. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.

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Step 4: Add Rotel & Broth

Pour in Rotel (with juice) and broth.

Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and optional vegetables.

Bring to gentle boil.

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Step 5: Simmer & Steam

Reduce heat to low. Cover tightly.

Simmer 18–20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.

Turn off heat and let sit covered 5 minutes.

Fluff gently with fork.

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💪 Nutritional Snapshot (Per 1 Cup)

• Calories: 220
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 4g

Light yet satisfying.

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🌿 Customizations

🔹 Make It Spicier

Add jalapeño or extra chili powder.

🔹 Make It Creamy

Stir in 2 tablespoons sour cream at the end.

🔹 Make It Protein-Packed

Add black beans.

🔹 Make It Healthier

Use brown rice (increase cooking time to 40–45 minutes).

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🍽 Perfect Pairings

Rotel Mexican Rice goes perfectly with:

• Chicken chimichangas
• Street tacos
• Fajitas
• Grilled steak
• Burrito bowls
• Refried beans

It’s a versatile side that elevates any Tex-Mex meal.

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⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Skipping the toasting step
❌ Stirring while simmering
❌ Lifting lid too early
❌ Using short-grain rice
❌ Adding too much liquid

Patience = fluffy rice.

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🧊 Storage Tips

Refrigerator

Store up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze up to 2 months.

Reheat

Add splash of broth before microwaving.

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🤎 Final Thoughts

Rotel Mexican Rice is the ultimate shortcut side dish — bold, fluffy, and packed with flavor in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats, this easy recipe delivers every time. Try it tonight, leave a comment with your spice level, and subscribe for more easy Tex-Mex recipes!

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🌶️ Quick. Flavorful. Crowd-pleasing. 🍚