Welcome to the ultimate guide for a truly incredible Baked Mexican Rice Recipe that promises huge flavor with surprisingly minimal effort. Forget endless stirring on the stovetop; this one-pan wonder simply requires you to toss all the ingredients into a dish and let your oven do the magic! It’s an incredibly versatile dish, perfect as a vibrant side or as a hearty filling for your favorite tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired meals.

Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners and impress your guests with this authentic-tasting, yet simple, Mexican rice. Its rich flavors and fluffy texture make it an irresistible addition to any feast, big or small.

Why This Baked Mexican Rice Recipe Will Revolutionize Your Kitchen

We believe good food shouldn’t be complicated, and this baked Mexican rice recipe embodies that philosophy. It’s not just another rice dish; it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to bring authentic Mexican flavors to their table with unparalleled ease.

• An Essential Kitchen Staple: Once you try this recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a beloved go-to in your kitchen. Its robust and perfectly balanced flavors make it the ideal pairing for virtually any Mexican dish, from savory enchiladas to sizzling fajitas. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
• Always Ready for Any Meal: Life gets busy, and having delicious, homemade components ready to go is a lifesaver. This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! We recommend making larger batches and dividing them to store in the fridge or freezer. This way, a flavorful side or a hearty base for a main course is always just a quick reheat away, making healthy eating convenient.
• Remarkably Versatile: The possibilities with this Mexican rice are endless. While it shines as a standalone side dish, its rich flavor profile makes it a stellar ingredient for mixing into burritos, stuffing into tacos, creating vibrant rice bowls, or even as a flavorful bed for grilled chicken or steak. Let your culinary creativity flow!
• Effortless & Quick Preparation: Designed with your precious time in mind, this recipe boasts minimal hands-on time. Forget the constant stirring required by traditional stovetop methods. With our baked approach, you simply combine the ingredients, place them in the oven, and let the heat do all the work, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax.
• Inspired & Authentic Flavors: Despite its innovative, non-traditional baked preparation, this recipe beautifully captures the deep, aromatic, and comforting flavors we cherished during our recent culinary adventures in Mexico. Each bite transports you, delivering a genuine taste experience that will delight your palate.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Mexican Rice

Creating truly flavorful Mexican rice starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Long-Grain White Rice: The foundation of our dish. Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking is a vital step. It removes excess starch, which is key to achieving a light, fluffy texture where each grain is distinct, rather than a sticky, clumpy result. Basmati rice is also an excellent alternative.
• Chicken Stock: This liquid provides a depth of flavor that water simply cannot match. We highly recommend using low-sodium chicken broth. This allows you complete control over the saltiness of your final dish, preventing it from becoming overly seasoned.
• Tomato Paste and Diced Tomatoes: These two tomato elements work in harmony to build the signature color and rich, tangy base of Mexican rice. For an even more complex and smoky flavor profile, opt for fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Their charred notes add an incredible depth that elevates the entire dish.
• Mild Diced Green Chiles: These chiles introduce a subtle warmth and authentic Mexican zest without overwhelming your palate. If you prefer a dish with a noticeable kick, feel free to substitute with hot diced green chiles. Remember to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
• Aromatic Seasoning Blend: The magic of Mexican rice truly comes alive with its blend of spices. Our recipe calls for chili powder (be sure to use traditional chili powder, not hot chili powder), ground cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This combination creates a rich, earthy, and aromatic profile. Remember, you can easily scale up or scale down any spice based on your personal preference. If your chicken stock is already salty, it’s wise to scale back on the added salt.
• Unsalted Butter: Generous slices of unsalted butter are strategically placed on top of the rice before baking. As the butter melts, it bastes the rice, infusing it with a luxurious richness and ensuring a wonderfully moist and flavorful result. Cut it into tablespoon-sized pieces for even distribution.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Baked Mexican Rice

Making this incredible Mexican rice is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps for a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish every time:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even cooking. Next, very generously grease a 9×13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish. This crucial step prevents the rice from sticking to the bottom and sides, making serving and cleanup much easier. Avoid using a metal pan, as it can sometimes affect cooking time and browning.
2. Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, add all of your “Rice” ingredients, *except* for the butter. This includes your rinsed long-grain rice, chicken broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, green chiles, and all the dry seasonings (chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper). Stir everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the rice is evenly coated. This ensures every grain is infused with flavor.
3. Add the Butter: Once everything is mixed, arrange the pre-sliced unsalted butter pieces evenly over the top of the rice mixture. As the dish bakes, the butter will melt and distribute its richness throughout the rice, contributing to its tender texture and delicious flavor.
4. First Bake – Covered: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This step is essential as it traps the steam, creating an ideal environment for the rice to cook evenly and absorb all the liquid without drying out. Bake for 40 minutes in your preheated oven.
5. Second Bake – Uncovered: After the initial 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes uncovered. This allows the top layer of the rice to lightly crisp and brown, adding a delightful textural contrast.
6. Important Resting Period: Once baking is complete, remove the dish from the oven. Immediately cover it again tightly with the foil (or a clean lid) and let it rest undisturbed for 10 minutes. Do NOT stir it during this time! This resting period is critical; it allows the rice to finish cooking with residual heat and fully absorb any remaining liquid, resulting in perfectly fluffy grains.
7. Finish and Serve: After resting, remove the foil. If you added cilantro sprigs before baking, discard them now. With a fork, gently fluff the rice to separate the grains. At this point, you can optionally stir in fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of freshness and brightness. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding a pinch more salt or pepper if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Creative Ways to Serve This Flavorful Mexican Rice

This Baked Mexican Rice is so versatile, it can elevate almost any meal. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to inspire you:

• Pair with Protein: For a complete and satisfying meal, combine your Mexican rice with your favorite protein. It pairs wonderfully with taco chicken, savory black beans, or sweet corn. If you have leftover cooked chicken, simply pop it on top of the rice during its resting period to warm through, saving you an extra step!
• Classic Mexican Favorites: This rice is the ultimate accompaniment to a wide array of Mexican dishes. Serve it alongside cheesy enchiladas, hearty beef burritos, flavorful chicken tacos, sizzling steak fajitas, or even stuffed peppers or unstuffed pepper bowls.
• Build Your Own Burrito: Create delectable homemade burritos by combining a generous scoop of this Mexican rice with black beans, corn, and your choice of protein (like seasoned chicken or ground beef) inside warm tortillas. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, brown the assembled burritos briefly in a skillet.
• Taco Night Upgrade: Elevate your taco night by using this rice as a flavorful filling. Add rice, corn, beans, and seasoned chicken to your tortillas, then top with your favorite taco toppings such as shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
• Vibrant Bowls and Salads: For a lighter yet equally satisfying meal, layer this fluffy Mexican rice as the base for a vibrant bowl or salad. Top it with your choice of protein, shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, and an array of fresh toppings like diced avocado, pico de gallo, or jalapeños. Finish it off with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole, and a drizzle of creamy cilantro-lime sauce.

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5 from 1 vote

Baked Mexican Rice Recipe

By
Chelsea Lords

This Baked Mexican Rice is bursting with authentic flavor and just the right touch of spice. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to make! For a milder version, simply omit the green chiles and reduce the chili powder. This recipe is designed for ease – just throw everything into a baking dish and let your oven do the work!

We highly recommend using a quality ceramic baking dish for the best results.

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
55 minutes

Resting Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 15 minutes

Servings:
8 as a side (see note 1 to make a main course)

Video Overview

Equipment

• 9 x 13-inch baking pan (ceramic or glass, not metal)

Ingredients

For the Rice (see note 1)

• 1-1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice (see note 2)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes, undrained)
• 3 tablespoons mild diced green chiles (well drained)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder (see note 3)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1-1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (sliced into 6 pieces)

Optional Additions

• Fresh cilantro
• Lime

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Very generously spray a ceramic or glass (not metal) 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. Cut butter into 6 thin slices and set aside.
2. Right in the baking dish, combine all the ingredients listed under “For the Rice” except for the butter. Stir exceptionally well to ensure even distribution of flavors and spices. If desired, you can add a few full sprigs of fresh cilantro on top for added aroma during baking.
3. Arrange the pre-cut pieces of butter evenly on top of the rice mixture. Seal the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes to allow the top to crisp slightly.
4. Remove the dish from the oven. Immediately cover it again tightly with the foil and let it rest for 10 minutes without stirring. This step is crucial for the rice to finish cooking and absorb any remaining liquid, resulting in a perfect, fluffy texture. (Don’t worry if it looks like it didn’t work out before resting – this step makes all the difference!) Discard any cilantro sprigs you may have added.
5. Optionally, add freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to taste. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and incorporate the fresh additions. Adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt or pepper to your preference. Serve warm.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Make it a Main Course: To transform this side dish into a substantial main meal, I love adding a can of black beans (rinsed and drained) and 1 cup of frozen corn (no need to thaw). Use this hearty mix, along with some shredded cheddar cheese, to fill tortillas, creating delicious tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. Brown them on the stovetop for a crispy exterior and serve with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole!

Note 2: Rice Variety: It is essential to use long-grain white rice or basmati rice for this recipe. Other varieties like short-grain, medium-grain, or brown rice will not cook the same way or yield the desired fluffy texture.

Note 3: Chili Powder vs. Chilli Powder: Be sure to use traditional American chili powder, which is a blend of various spices and provides a mild, savory flavor. This is not to be confused with “chilli powder,” which typically refers to ground dried chilies and can be very hot.

Storage: Allow the cooked rice to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. To freeze, cool the rice, portion it into freezer-safe bags (about 2 cups each is ideal), and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 198 kcal | Carbohydrates: 31.3g | Protein: 3.6g | Fat: 6.5g | Cholesterol: 16.5mg | Sodium: 617.3mg | Fiber: 1.3g | Sugar: 1.8g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.