Looking for a quick, flavorful side dish to complement your Mexican-inspired meals? Rotel Rice is the perfect choice! Combining tender white rice, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and green chilies, this dish is both versatile and packed with flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy addition to any weeknight dinner or fiesta feast.
Ingredients:
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz), undrained
1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Toast the Rice: Heat olive oil or butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Combine Ingredients: Pour in the undrained Rotel tomatoes and broth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix.
Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the saucepan and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Fluff and Serve: Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm.
Serving Tips:
Pair with Your Favorite Mexican Dishes: Rotel Rice complements a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, and quesadillas. It’s the perfect side to balance out the heat and flavors in those dishes.
Make It a Meal: Add protein like shredded chicken, ground beef, or grilled shrimp to turn the rice into a complete meal. You can even serve it as a base for a burrito bowl with black beans, corn, and cheese.
Garnish for Extra Flavor: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness. You can also top the rice with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese for extra creaminess.
Serve Warm: For the best texture and flavor, always serve Rotel Rice warm. If it’s been sitting for a while, reheat it with a bit of broth or water to keep it from drying out.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Allow the Rotel Rice to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to make a large batch ahead of time, Rotel Rice can be frozen for up to 1 month. Simply transfer the cooled rice into a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove excess air.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave the rice with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can heat it on the stovetop, adding a little liquid and stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking. Always ensure it’s heated through before serving.
Related Recipes:
- Easy Chicken Fried Rice
- Rice Balls with Cheese & Pepperoni
- Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole
FAQs:
Can I make Rotel Rice spicier?
Yes! To make Rotel Rice spicier, use the original or hot Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. You can also add extra chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat to your liking.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! You can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice. Just keep in mind that brown rice typically takes longer to cook (around 40-45 minutes), so you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
Can I make Rotel Rice ahead of time?
Yes, Rotel Rice can be made ahead of time. Prepare it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat with a little bit of broth or water to restore moisture.
Can I add vegetables to Rotel Rice?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or peas to your Rotel Rice for extra flavor and texture. Simply stir them in along with the other ingredients before cooking.
Conclusion:
Rotel Rice is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it as a side or jazzing it up as a main dish, its zesty flavor and simple preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
📖 Recipe:
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Rotel Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rotel Rice is a quick and flavorful side dish that combines white rice with spicy tomatoes and green chilies. Perfect for pairing with Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and grilled meats, this simple recipe takes just 25 minutes to make. Easy to prepare and versatile, Rotel Rice is an excellent way to add bold flavors to your meal without any hassle.
Ingredients
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz), undrained
1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the Rice: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the undrained Rotel tomatoes and broth, followed by garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix evenly.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with cilantro before serving.
Notes
Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild or hot Rotel tomatoes depending on your preference.
Add-Ins: Feel free to stir in extras like corn, black beans, or shredded cheese to make this dish even heartier.
Reheat: To reheat leftovers, simply microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per serving
