I can’t tell you how long I’ve been looking for a Mexican rice recipe that I really love. This Cheesy Mexican Rice is it!

This rice is a perfect side dish for tacos, burritos, fajitas…..any of your favorite Mexican themed meals!
Leftovers can be used as burrito filling, or in your favorite Mexican casseroles and soups. My whole family loved this, and it’s the only way I’ll ever make Mexican rice from now on.

Cheesy Mexican Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 3/4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (10 oz.) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the rice, onion, jalapeno, and garlic. Cook until the rice is lightly browned and the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the broth, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the rice is tender, about 17-20 minutes.
- Uncover and cook a few minutes more, if needed, until the liquid is absorbed. Stir in the cilantro and cheese and transfer to a serving bowl.
Who Dished It Up First: Adapted from Paula Deen
Allison at Novice Life
Oh thanks for sharing. I too have been searching for a Mexican Rice recipe.
BookGeek
Holy yumminess. What a perfect rice dish with some grilled chicken!
Kim
Just so you know, the printable recipe is different than your recipe on the main page. So my dish ended up be a combo of the two. I have to say that rice was so so yummy! Only way I’ll make Mexican rice from now on! THANKS!
Aly
Thanks for this delicious recipe! I found it on pinterest and we loved it. I posted it to my blog and gave you a shout out. Here’s the blog: somekindofdelicious.blogspot.com
Robin
There is no water listed in the ingredients but in the directions it mentions water. Can you clarify?
Danelle
Water should have said broth.
Sandra Pinney
Do you know what to do differently if using brown rice?
Danelle
Sandra, I know you have to cook brown rice longer, so I assume the same would be true here. And you may need an extra 1/4 cup or so of water. Although I have never made it with brown rice….but that’s what I would do.
Kathleen Kerstner
We made this on a camping trip, it paired well with my marinated skillet chicken Fajitas! Now when we do a Mexican night at camping, this is a must, thank you.
Danelle
Thank you! Great to know it works well when camping!
Carol Cason
How many does this feed??
Thank you