Cheesy Mexican Rice

This Cheesy Mexican Rice is the ideal side dish for any Mexican or Tex-Mex meal.

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Perhaps it’s just me, but I have a hard time enjoying any Mexican or Tex-Mex meal without a side of rice. Sometimes I don’t even bother making it a side dish. I’ve been known to put rice directly into my tacos and quesadillas. Granted, I don’t expect everyone to do that; most folks prefer to keep their rice as a side dish. However, if you’re going to cook a Mexican-themed meal or a Tex-Mex meal, you should cook up some rice that fits into the rest of the dish. That’s why I highly recommend this recipe for cheesy Mexican rice.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it’s simple and versatile. It requires less than a handful of ingredients and can be made with any type of long-grain rice you have in your pantry. I also love the addition of salsa in the recipe. You often see salsa consumed separately rather than combined into other dishes. But I’m always a fan of mixing salsa with other ingredients because it adds texture and taste to everything. Lastly, the cheese that’s added at the end perfectly melts into the rice. You may not even notice the cheese, except that it makes the entire dish creamy and delicious.

As mentioned, a cup of salsa is an important part of this rice dish. If you’re so inclined, you can try your hand at this Salsa Recipe. You can even mix up the flavors by making the rice with Jalapeño Salsa or Salsa Ranchera. Plenty of possibilities to give the recipe your own touch!

Is This Cheesy Mexican Rice Healthy?

I wouldn’t call it health food, but it isn’t an unhealthy dish, either. Yes, the cheese adds saturated fat, but you can always use a low-fat option. Another way to improve its nutritional profile is by using brown rice instead of white, which will add more fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish (just remember it’ll need a longer cook time, though). Vegetarians can easily adapt this meal by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Get Adventurous

If this rice recipe seems a little too simple, there are always ways to spice things up a bit. For instance, using a different cheese, such as smoked Gouda or Comté can add even more depth of flavor to the rice. You can also give the dish a little more color and texture by adding vegetables such as corn, bell peppers, and peas. For extra protein, stir in a can of rinsed black beans. My favorite addition? Adding leftover shredded chicken, a handful of sliced green olives, and a scattering of chopped flat-leaf parsley.

FAQs & Tips

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftover cheesy Mexican rice can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will remain good for up to 4 days. The rice can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove until piping hot.

What’s The Difference Between Mexican Rice And Spanish Rice?

Both Mexican rice and Spanish rice can follow pretty similar recipes (such as using chicken broth and including tomatoes). However, Spanish rice is more often made with saffron, giving it a golden color, whereas Mexican rice can sometimes be heavier on the tomatoes, turning it into a deeper orange-colored dish.

What Other Seasonings Can I Add To The Rice?

Want some extra heat? Add some red chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño. For a more subtle warmth, try adding cumin, smoked paprika powder, or a dash of chipotle paste.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy Mexican rice is a great side dish to have anytime you cook a Mexican or Tex-Mex main course. For example, the rice pairs well with this Healthy Chicken Enchilada Recipe. You might also enjoy it with a Chicken Enchilada Casserole. A simple dish of Mexican Chicken will also go perfectly with cheesy Mexican rice. In that case, why not add a side of greens, such as Sautéed Broccolini?