Are you craving a mouthwatering side dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and a breeze to prepare? This cheesy Mexican rice recipe is the answer to your dinner prayers! Whether you’re serving tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas, this dish is about to become your go-to Mexican side.
It’s not exactly how your abuela made it—but trust me, one bite of this creamy, cheesy goodness and you’ll be saying, “Who cares?”
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Mexican Rice Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Just 4 simple ingredients and 20 minutes.
- Flavor-Packed: Salsa and chicken broth add bold Mexican flavors with minimal effort.
- Versatile: Want to make it a full meal? Add some chicken (more on that later).
- Crowd-Pleaser: Cheesy, creamy rice that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ready to whip up some cheesy magic? Let’s dive in!
Cheesy Mexican Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice uncooked
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth for richer flavor, but water works too
- 1 cup salsa your favorite brand or homemade
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for that gooey, cheesy finish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, add the rice, chicken broth, and salsa. Give it a good stir.
- Simmer: Cover the saucepan and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and creamy.
- Serve: Spoon it out and watch your family devour it!
Notes
- Substitutions: Water can replace chicken broth, but broth adds more flavor.
- Salt: The broth, salsa, and cheese provide salt, but adjust to taste if needed
Pro Tips for Perfect Rice Every Time
- Rice too hard? Add a splash of water or broth, cover, and simmer a bit longer.
- Too much liquid left? Let it cook uncovered for a few minutes to evaporate the excess.
Make It a Meal: Mexican Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Want to turn this side dish into a satisfying main course? It’s easy!
- Add Chicken: Cut up leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix It In: Stir the chicken into the rice during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Cheese It Up: Finish with the shredded cheddar cheese.
Now you’ve got a Mexican cheesy chicken and rice recipe that’s perfect for a one-pan dinner.
What to Serve with Cheesy Mexican Rice
This dish pairs beautifully with all your Mexican favorites. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Easy Chicken Enchiladas: Soft tortillas stuffed with juicy chicken and smothered in sauce.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: A fresh side dish that balances the cheesy richness of the rice with its tangy lime and creamy flavors.
- Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Light and flavorful, the smoky shrimp pairs perfectly with the cheesy rice for a complete meal.
- Mexican Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: These cookies are light, crispy, and packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness.
Why This Isn’t Your Abuela’s Rice (And That’s Okay!)
Okay, confession time: this isn’t a traditional Mexican rice recipe. But sometimes, you need a shortcut—and that’s where this Old El Paso-style cheesy Mexican rice recipe comes in. By using salsa, you get the flavor without the fuss. Plus, who can say no to all that melty cheese?
Think of it as a “cheater’s” version of Mexican rice. And hey, there’s no shame in a little shortcut when the results are this tasty!
Final Thoughts
This cheesy Mexican rice recipe is the perfect mix of simplicity and flavor. Whether you keep it as a side dish or transform it into a full meal with chicken, it’s bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
So, grab that saucepan, get your salsa ready, and let’s make some cheesy rice magic!
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how this Cheesy Mexican Rice Recipe turned out! Leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram, and #foodiecreator on social media to show off your cheesy creation.
Don’t forget to pin this recipe and subscribe for more delicious dishes delivered straight to your inbox!
