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This easy Spanish rice recipe is made on the stove top with white rice, tomatoes and chicken broth. A simple, fluffy side dish perfect for tacos, burritos, or stuffing into quesadillas.
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Pin It NowEASY SPANISH RICE RECIPE (MADE ON THE STOVE)
If you are looking for a simple, dependable Spanish rice recipe that turns out fluffy and flavorful, this is the one I make again and again. It’s cooked entirely on the stovetop, uses pantry staples, and pairs perfectly with everything from tacos, fajitas, burritos, quesadillas, or even as a side for grilled chicken.
This is the kind of rice you want when dinner needs a solid, comforting side without fancy ingredients or extra steps, just really good rice.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Made with pantry staples that you like already have on hand
- One-pot recipe (love a good one pot option!)
- Great for meal prep and leftovers!
- Perfect side for Mexican or Tex-Mex meals
I like to serve this easy Spanish rice with my Instant Pot Chicken Tacos, easy Quesadillas, or my Sizzling Fajitas, just to name a few. There are SO many options!
Let’s go make Spanish Rice!
❤️ Ashley
What is Spanish Rice?
Spanish Rice, sometimes called Mexican Rice, is a tomato-based rice dish that is cooked in broth for extra flavor. The key step that makes it work is lightly toasting the rice in butter before simmering it in liquid. This quick step gives the rice better texture and prevents it from turning gummy.
This version is classic and straightforward. Feel free to customize it with added spices and seasonings, depending on what you are serving it with.
How To Make Spanish Rice on the Stove
This entire recipe is made in one pot which makes it the perfect side dish, especially for busy weeknights. Here’s a brief overview of how to make an easy Spanish Rice recipe on the stove. The full written recipe including ingredient amounts and instructions is in the recipe card below.
- Toast the rice in butter with onion and garlic until lightly golden.
- Add tomatoes, broth and bay leaves.
- Simmer low and slow – until the rice is tender.
- Rest and fluff for perfect texture.
Allowing the rice to after cooking is important because it allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and gives you perfect fluffy rice!
Tips for perfect spanish rice
- Toast the rice: this step is important and the key to great texture!
- Use a heavy pot – a dutch oven or heavy saucepan is best.
- Let it rest: The 10 minute rest time is important!
- Balance the tomato flavor: A small pinch of sugar can mellow acidity if needed.
As always, if you try this recipe, please leave a comment or tag me on social media and let me know what you think. I love to hear from you. Enjoy!
Spanish Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups long-grain or medium-grain white rice
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ¼ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Add 2 tablespoons butter to a medium Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once melted, reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Stir in 2 cups white rice, 1 finely chopped large onion, and 4 cloves minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the rice turns a pale yellow color and the onion is softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, 2 cups chicken stock, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir well to combine, then place 2 bay leaves on top.
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Discard the bay leaves and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and season with additional salt as needed. If desired, add a small pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- If the rice is too wet, uncover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for an additional 5 minutes. If the rice is dry but still undercooked, add ½ cup chicken stock, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes.
fixing common problems
Here are a few tips and tricks to fix common problems:
- Too wet? Uncover and cook for a few more minutes, stirring gently.
- Too dry but undercooked? Add a little more broth, cover and simmer.
- Needs more flavor? Ad da bit of salt gradually after cooking or season it up with any of your favorite spices like cumin or paprika.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: store leftovers in an airtight container for 4-5 days
- Reheat: add a splash of broth or water and warm gently
- Meal prep friendly: holds up well for meal-prep lunches and dinners!
