The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.
Stretch your budget without sacrificing taste! This budget-friendly Spanish Rice is a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken, steak, or tacos. Whip it up in no time.
You can make this entire recipe for less than $5. It costs approximately $3.54 to make six servings. That works out to about $0.59 per serving.
Table of Contents
You will love this Spanish Rice Recipe
This recipe is your shortcut to flavortown, ready in just 35 minutes! Made with everyday ingredients you probably already have, it’s the perfect weeknight side dish that’s both delicious and EASY.
No fancy techniques, no hard-to-find spices, just pure satisfaction in every bite. So skip the takeout menu and impress your family with this restaurant-worthy rice, all at a fraction of the cost!
Easy Spanish Rice Recipe ingredients and cost
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil – $0.06
- 1 large yellow onion – $0.62
- ½ red bell pepper – $0.62
- 2 large garlic cloves – $0.10
- 8 oz can tomato sauce – $0.32
- 2 cups long-grain rice – $1.12
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – $0.03
- 2 cups chicken broth – $0.66
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano – $0.02
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin – $0.01
The cost of the recipe is calculated based on the amounts needed. To learn more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained. The pricing for this recipe was updated in February 2024.
Spanish Rice Recipe Easy Variations
- Feeling extra hungry? Turn this side dish into a hearty main course by tossing some shredded chicken, black beans, and corn while the rice simmers. It’s a flavor fiesta in every bowl!
- Need a vegan rice? Swap the chicken broth for veggie broth, and voila! Your taste buds won’t miss a beat.
- No tomato sauce on hand? Don’t sweat it! Get creative with pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, or even Rotel tomatoes. Your delicious journey to Mexican Rice awaits!
Spanish Rice Budget Tips
We love buying in bulk because it doubles as long-term food storage AND lets us whip up flavorful Spanish Rice whenever you need it, without requiring a last-minute grocery run.
This way, Spanish Rice becomes a flexible friend in our meal planning. Need a quick weeknight side dish? Easy! Planning a fiesta-themed dinner? Presto!
How To Make Spanish Rice
- Sauté the veggies in a saucepan until tender.
- Add the rice to the pan.
- Toast the rice until golden and fragrant.
- Stir in broth, tomato sauce, and seasonings, and boil.
- Simmer until liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice, season if needed, and serve!
***For complete recipe instructions and a recipe video, see the recipe card below.
Get kids involved in making this Spanish Rice Recipe
Ages 2-3: Help your little one add colorful seasonings under adult supervision.
Ages 4-5: With guidance, your child can measure and pour the rice into the pan. You can then teach them how to fluff cooked rice with a fork.
Ages 6-8: Your child can begin to master chopping and cooking vegetables with adult supervision. They can also assist with stirring and cooking rice.
Ages 9-11: Your child can work to complete the recipe themselves with close adult supervision.
Ages 12+: Ask your child to prepare the entire recipe independently while you relax in the other room!
How to serve Homemade Spanish Rice
Any Mexican dish goes well with Spanish rice. Think fajitas, tacos, taco salad, nachos, etc. Here are a few of our favorite dishes to make alongside the rice:
Green Chile Enchilada Casserole
Homemade Navajo Tacos
Instant Pot Refried Beans
Machaca Burritos
Mexican Chicken Rice Bowls
Mexican Lasagna
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Walking Tacos
Zucchini Taco Boats
Storing Spanish Rice
SERVE: Eat your rice within 1 hour of cooking for the best texture and flavor.
STORE: Leftovers? No problem! Cover and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
FREEZE: Once cooled, portion the rice into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for several hours before reheating.
REHEAT: Reheat thawed portions in a microwave-safe container on high for 1 ½-2 ½ minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated. Alternatively, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
Homemade Spanish Rice FAQs
What is the difference between Spanish rice and Mexican rice?
While often called the same, Spanish and Mexican rice do have distinct differences:
Texture: Spanish rice boasts a firmer bite, almost like a pilaf, while Mexican rice leans towards fluffy and light.
Spice: Spanish rice gets its subtle sweetness from saffron, while Mexican rice dances with the earthy warmth of cumin.
What is Spanish rice made of?
Spanish rice is a flavorful side dish that starts with long-grain rice browned in vegetable oil for a nutty depth. Next, it’s joined by finely chopped yellow onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. To build the savory backbone, chicken broth is simmered with the rice, while tomato sauce adds a touch of tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
Chili powder brings warmth, oregano adds a subtle herbal note, and cumin infuses a touch of smokiness. Our recipe transforms a simple list of ingredients into a delicious and satisfying dish.
Is Spanish rice healthy?
It’s a good source of fiber and is low in fat and cholesterol. For its nutritional value, please take a look at the information at the bottom of the recipe card.
More from Easy Budget Recipes
Easy Spanish Rice Recipe
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- Wooden mixing spoon
- measuring cups
- Liquid measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- cutting board
- chef's knife
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
- ½ red bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves finely minced
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
FOR SERVING: (optional)
- Green onions finely chopped
- Cilantro
Instructions
COOK VEGGIES:
- Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and red pepper and cook until slightly soft, 2-3 minutes.
- Add garlic and continue cooking 1-2 minutes or until garlic is fragrant and the vegetables are soft.
TOAST RICE:
- Add rice and cook until golden brown, stirring frequently about 6-8 minutes.
COOK RICE:
- Stir in broth, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, reduce to low heat, and cover with a lid and cook until all the liquid is absorbed, about 8-10 minutes, stirring often.
FINISH AND SERVE:
- Remove the rice from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve with green onions or cilantro, both optional. Serve.
Vicky says
What an easy recipe! I will be adding it to our menu for taco Tuesday! Love how you offer cooking suggestions for kids of all ages!
Tavo says
That was really yummy rice! The family loved it! thumbs up!
Shannon Hakala says
We made this for supper to bulk up our taco night, it was the best! Goes well with refried beans.
Rika says
Yum…. so easy and cheap to make. It’s just the perfect side dish for any meal.
Maria says
Easy recipe! Will have this for dinner after a busy and tiring day.
Tweetybird says
Great recipe. rice came out delicious and perfect seasoning. I never use green pepper but it made a great difference yum. That you for sharing your recipe. I was surprised how delicious it was. My husband gave you thump up God be you and your family thanks
Jess Jankowski says
So happy you loved it! We love simple it is to make!
MrsJMc says
So used to cooking rice with 1 part rice to 2 parts water that the 1:1 ratio here is a surprise. Flavor profile looks good.