Name: Homemade Spanish Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 Tablepsoons unsalted butter; 2 cups white, uncooked, long-grain rice; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; kosher salt; freshly ground black pepper; 1 large cooking onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 16-ounce jar red salsa ((mild or spicy)); 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, diced; Cilantro, finely chopped for garnish ( (optional))

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This homemade Spanish rice recipe is a delicious classic side dish that's bursting with zesty spices and flavor. It’s the perfect addition to taco night or any Mexican spread!

One of the best things about this Spanish rice is how simple it is to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a flavorful, satisfying dish on the table in just 30 minutes. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping or packing lunches for the week ahead.

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I love making this homemade Spanish rice because it's such a versatile dish. It works beautifully as a side for all sorts of Mexican-inspired meals, from Taco Pockets and Cod Fish Tacos to this Shrimp Fajitas Skillet. For dessert, enjoy these Easy Sopapillas.

You can even make it a whole meal on its own by tossing in some shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking!

Another reason this recipe is a go-to in my kitchen is that it's so easy to customize. Don't like cilantro? Swap it out for fresh parsley or sliced green onions. Want to add some extra heat? Toss in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can even switch up the salsa, using a spicy variety for a bolder flavor or a mild version for a more family-friendly dish.

One of my favorite ways to serve this Spanish rice is as part of a build-your-own burrito bowl bar. I'll set out the rice alongside bowls of black beans, grilled veggies, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sliced avocado, then let everyone assemble their own perfect meal!

Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

Ingredients to make Spanish Rice set out on the counter.

Butter: Unsalted butter helps the rice develop a rich, nutty flavor as it toasts in the skillet.
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and oregano add extra flavor to the rice.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients create a savory base for the dish.
Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water infuses the rice with extra flavor.
Salsa: A jar of your favorite salsa adds tons of flavor and eliminates the need for diced tomatoes.
Bell Pepper: Diced yellow or orange bell pepper adds a pop of color and a hint of sweetness.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro makes a pretty, flavorful garnish, but feel free to omit it if you're not a fan.

How To Make Homemade Spanish Rice

Rice cooked in melted butter in a skillet.

Chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper are added to the rice in the skillet.

Diced onion and minced garlic are added to the rice in the skillet.

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's bubbling, add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the grains are lightly toasted and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. This step helps the rice develop a nutty flavor and ensures that the grains will stay separate once cooked.

Next, stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 2 minutes.

Salsa added to the rice mixture in the skillet.

Chicken broth added to the rice and salsa mixture in the skillet.

Diced yellow peppers are added to the rice and salsa mixture in the skillet.

Now, pour in the chicken broth and salsa, and give everything a good stir to combine. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Stir in the diced bell pepper, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer the rice until it's tender and has absorbed all the liquid, about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to follow the cooking time on your package of rice for the most accurate results and keep the lid on during cooking!

When the rice is done, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam and fluff up. This extra step ensures that the rice is perfectly cooked and not too moist.

Spanish Rice in a skillet with a spatula.

Finally, gently fluff the rice with a fork or silicone spatula, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the rice mushy.

Transfer the rice to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve your homemade Spanish rice hot!

Storing and Freezing

Store: Store cooled leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the rice in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing cooked rice because it will become mushy and watery when thawed.

Substitutions and Variations

Add meat. Stir in some shredded cooked chicken, beef, or pork during the last few minutes of cooking for a hearty main dish.
Add veggies. Add diced zucchini, carrots, or peas along with the bell pepper for extra nutrition.
Make it verde. Try using salsa verde instead of red salsa for a tangier flavor.
Add cheese. Sprinkle shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco over the top of the cooked rice for a cheesy finish.

Recipe Tips

Be sure to use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Short-grain or medium-grain rice can turn out sticky or clumpy.
Don't skip the step of toasting the rice in butter - it helps the grains stay separate and adds a delicious nutty flavor.
If you have very spice-sensitive family members, start with just 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder and add more to taste. Be sure to use a mild salsa as well!
For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth or water.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may require additional liquid. Follow the cooking instructions on your package of brown rice for the best results.

How can I make this recipe less spicy?

To make a milder version of this homemade Spanish rice, use a mild salsa and reduce the amount of chili powder to 1/2 teaspoon. You can also omit the chili powder altogether for a very mild flavor.

Spanish Rice served in a large white bowl.

With tons of flavor from the spices and salsa, this homemade Spanish rice is going to be a new family favorite! Whether you serve it as a side dish or as a base for burritos, it's a delicious and easy way to bring delicious Mexican-inspired flavors to your table.