This Taco Night Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for any Mexican-inspired meal! Imagine fluffy white rice infused with the savory flavors of tomato, onion, and a blend of spices. This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option when you’re short on time but still crave a delicious and satisfying side dish to complement your favorite tacos, enchiladas, or burritos.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of sautéed onions, tomato sauce, and spices creates a delicious and aromatic rice dish that’s packed with flavor.
Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for beginner cooks or busy weeknights.
Versatile: Serve this Taco Night Rice with your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes, or use it as a base for burrito bowls, salads, or other creative meals.
Quick and Convenient: This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option when you’re short on time but still crave a delicious and satisfying side dish.

Ingredients

Vegetable oil: Used to sauté the rice and onions.
Long-grain white rice: A classic and versatile rice that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
White onion: Diced and adds a savory base and sweetness.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Adds flavor and moisture to the rice.
Tomato sauce: Adds a rich and savory tomato flavor.
Frozen peas: Adds a pop of color, sweetness, and nutrition.
Chili powder: Adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Ground cumin: Adds a warm and earthy flavor.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Taco Night Rice

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

Step 2: Sauté the Rice and Onions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the rinsed rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes more, or until softened.

Step 3: Simmer the Rice

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, tomato sauce, frozen peas, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and cumin. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 4: Fluff and Serve

Remove the pan from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve hot as a side dish with your favorite Mexican-inspired meals.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use high-quality broth: For the best flavor, use homemade broth or a high-quality store-bought broth.
Don’t overcook the rice: Overcooked rice will be mushy. Cook it just until tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or red pepper flakes to your liking, depending on how spicy you want the rice.
Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the pan along with the onions, such as diced bell peppers, corn, or chopped cilantro.

How to Serve

This Taco Night Rice is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes:

Tacos: Serve alongside your favorite tacos, such as beef tacos, chicken tacos, or fish tacos.
Enchiladas: A perfect accompaniment to enchiladas, burritos, or quesadillas.
Burrito Bowls: Use the rice as a base for a delicious and customizable burrito bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Taco Night Rice is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare it ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent the rice from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of rice? Yes, you can! Brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa would be delicious substitutes. Adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed.

2. Can I make this recipe without the tomato sauce? Yes, you can! The tomato sauce adds a rich flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer.

3. Can I add other seasonings to the rice? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried oregano.

4. Can I make this recipe in a rice cooker? Yes, you can! Sauté the onions in a separate pan, then combine all the ingredients in the rice cooker and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

This Taco Night Rice Recipe is a simple, flavorful, and versatile side dish that’s perfect for any Mexican-inspired meal. With its easy preparation and delicious flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!