Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What main dish goes with Mexican Rice? ›

It is often served as a side dish to complement Mexican main courses, such as tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.

Top tips for the perfect fluffy (not sticky) rice:

Rinse your rice in cold water before cooking to remove some of the starch. Sauté the uncooked rice in a little olive oil to lightly toast before adding the liquid. Stir frequently to make sure the rice doesn't burn.

Often referred to as Spanish rice or “arroz rojo,” this classic dish features long-grain rice simmered in a tomato-infused broth, seasoned with onions, garlic, cumin, and chili powder — lending it that iconic reddish-orange color.

In the United States, a casserole or hot dish is typically a baked food with three main components: pieces of meat (such as chicken or ground meat) or fish (such as tuna) or other protein (such as beans or tofu), various chopped or canned vegetables (such as green beans or peas), and a starchy binder (such as flour, ...

One of the main differences between these two rice dishes is that Mexican rice is fluffier and tends not to stick together. Whilst Spanish Rice is known for that rich yellow color, Mexican Rice is best known for its reddish orange hue that it gets from being cooked with cumin.

The key to making fluffy Mexican rice is lightly frying the rice in oil before adding the liquids. This step will toast the rice grains and cook out some of the starch which prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

It may seem stupid- but rinsing the rice to remove the starch is very important if you want fluffy rice. It will only take two minutes of your time but it makes the difference.

The rice should be a tiny bit on the dry side (but still soft and fluffy). If your rice is really wet and mushy, you probably added too much water and/or overcooked it.

The Ingredients

Any kind of long grain rice works well for making Mexican rice. You can use generic “long grain rice”, or basmati, or jasmine, anything like that.

Is Mexican rice healthier than white rice? ›

Mexican rice is one of the healthiest ways to eat rice! The tomato adds so many antioxidants. And you get more fiber, vitamins and minerals by cooking your rice with a variety of vegetables like you do in Mexican rice. This just goes to show how healthy our food traditions are!

Did you ever wonder why Mexican rice is a red-orange color? Cumin is the answer. It provides that nutty and spicy taste and is the famous culprit for the red-orange color. Cumin is always an ingredient in this rice.

So what's inside? Let's talk anatomy: A standard dinner casserole usually includes a protein, a starch, a vegetable, a sauce (or other binding ingredient), and cheese.

Generally, casseroles with grains, rice or pasta that will cook during the baking process are usually covered, for at least part of the time. Casseroles made of cooked ingredients are usually baked uncovered. If you like a crisper, browner top, be sure the casserole is uncovered for at least part of the bake time.

The binder, a liquid that holds the other ingredients together. – Fat-free milk, broth, fruit juice, soup, eggs, or a thickened Béchamel/White sauce.

In your favorite Mexican restaurant, you might find Spanish rice served alongside cheese or chicken enchiladas and refried beans. Here are some recipe ideas to enjoy alongside your rice: Chicken Fajitas. Shrimp Tacos.

Paella Valenciana

Often referred to as the original paella, this Valencian classic traditionally consists of rice that is cooked alongside chicken thighs, rabbit, three types of beans, tomatoes, and snails. Valenciana is generously seasoned with saffron and smoked paprika. It is always prepared in shallow paella pans.