With this delicious rice recipe from Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice Recipe, enter the magical world of Mexican cuisine. Imagine the scent of exotic spices dancing in the air, painstakingly blended into every grain of rice to take you to sunny stands and wild parties. The vivid colors hint as if whispering the hidden secrets of the bustling streets of Mexico City. Your taste buds wake up to a symphony of flavors and textures with every bite, a delicious blend of comforting warmth with a hint of spice. Give in to the allure of Joanna’s recipe, which invites you to try the hearty, homemade essence of love.
Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice Recipe Ingredients
- Rice. Rice is the centerpiece of the dish and acts as its main ingredient, giving it a fluffy and tasty base.
- Tomatoes. Tomatoes, whether they are fresh or in sauce form, give a vivid red color and a tangy sweetness that improve the entire flavor profile.
- Onion. Diced onions give the dish a savory undertone and a mouthwatering scent, establishing a strong foundation of flavor.
- Garlic. Garlic, a common ingredient in Mexican food, gives the rice depth and complexity as well as a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Chicken broth. Chicken broth, the recipe’s liquid ingredient, gives the rice a savory and comforting flavor in addition to adding moisture.
- Peas and Carrots. These vibrant vegetables give the meal structure and a hint of sweetness while also adding to its well-balanced flavor profile.
- Spices (such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika). By adding a warm, earthy flavor with a smoky undertone, a variety of spices enhance the flavor of the Mexican rice.
- Fresh cilantro. Sprinkled cilantro adds a bright herbal note and a burst of freshness to the cooked rice.

Can I make Mexican rice with additional protein, like chicken or shrimp?
Absolutely! Mexican rice can taste better and become a more filling and substantial meal when you add protein to it. To add chicken, dice boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts and sauté them before adding them to the rice as it cooks. You can peel and devein shrimp before cooking them separately and combining them with the rice. Whether you use chicken or shrimp, their tastes will permeate the rice, creating a delightful and filling dish that is sure to please.
Exist gluten-free Mexican rice substitutes?
Certainly! To make Mexican rice gluten-free, it’s essential to use gluten-free ingredients. Instead of regular chicken broth, opt for a gluten-free chicken broth or use vegetable broth as a substitute. Ensure that any spices, seasonings, and canned tomatoes used are certified gluten-free. By making these simple swaps, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of Mexican rice without compromising on taste or flavor.
Can I replace the canned tomatoes in the recipe with fresh tomatoes?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can offer a burst of flavor and improve the overall flavor of Mexican rice. Remove the seeds from ripe tomatoes if you choose to use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes. Depending on personal preference and the desired level of acidity in the rice, adjust the amount of fresh tomatoes. At the start of the cooking process, sauté the fresh tomatoes with the onions and garlic to allow their juices to flow and infuse the rice with their rich flavors. The outcome will be a tasty and slightly unique variation on Mexican rice that highlights the inherent richness of fresh tomatoes.
How to Make Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice Recipe
- Over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil in a big skillet.
- To the skillet, add the chopped onion and the minced garlic, and cook until aromatic and translucent.
- After adding it, stir in the rice and cook it for a few minutes, until it is faintly golden and toasty.
- To the skillet, add the diced tomatoes, chicken stock, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. To blend, thoroughly stir.
- After bringing the mixture to a boil, turn the heat down to low and put a lid on the skillet.
- Cook and absorb the liquid from the rice by simmering for 15 to 20 minutes.
- To allow the rice to steam, remove the skillet from the heat and leave it covered for 5 minutes.
- Before serving, fluff the rice with a fork and top with fresh cilantro.
Delicious Variations to Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice Recipe
- Spicy Chipotle Mexican Rice: Take Joanna Gaines’ recipe for Mexican rice and give it a hot makeover by adding chipotle peppers to adobo sauce. To give the rice a smokey and spicy flavor, finely chop the peppers and mix them in. Your taste buds will be tantalized by the chipotle peppers’ spiciness, which will up the ante on the dish’s excitement level.
- Garden Vegetable Mexican Rice: Add a variety of fresh garden veggies to Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice to increase its nutritional value. Before adding them to the rice, sauté a mixture of bell peppers, zucchini, corn, and sliced carrots. The dish will have a lovely crunch and a blast of natural sweetness thanks to the vegetables’ vivid colors and sharp textures.
- Citrus-infused Mexican Rice: By including a splash of citrus, you can bring a refreshing twist to Joanna Gaines’ recipe for Mexican rice. Fresh lime or lemon juice should be squeezed over the cooked rice and gently mixed in. By providing a zesty and energizing ingredient that balances the other spices, the citrusy tang will enliven the tastes of the rice.
- Cheesy Mexican Rice: Enjoy a cheesy, warm take on Joanna Gaines’ recipe for Mexican rice. After the rice has finished cooking, top it with shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese and cover the skillet to let the cheese melt. The rice will become lovely and flavorful as the melting cheese’s gooey richness surrounds it.
- Grilled Mexican Rice Stuffed Peppers: Use Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice as a savory filling for grilled bell peppers to transform it into a show-stopping entrée. After cooking the rice according to the package directions, place a spoonful into each bell pepper after cutting it in half. Grill the filled peppers until they are soft and just beginning to brown. Rice that has been seasoning creates a delectable mix of tastes and textures with the smokey grill flavors.
What to Pair With Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice Recipe
- Tangy Mango Salsa: The zesty mango salsa is a colorful and energizing side dish that goes wonderfully with Joanna Gaines’ recipe for Mexican rice. A mouthwatering combination of tastes is created by combining diced tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, and lime juice with the sweet and juicy mangoes. This tangy salsa enhances the savory rice with a blast of freshness and a tinge of tropical sweetness.
- Creamy Avocado Salad: The perfect side dish for Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice recipe is this creamy avocado salad. Crisp lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing contrast delightfully with the smooth, velvety texture of ripe avocados. The avocado’s exquisite creaminess elevates the dish and counteracts the strong flavors of the rice.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob will enhance your experience with Mexican rice. Grilled corn’s charred and smokey aromas blend in beautifully with the rice’s spices. The corn adds a wonderful sweetness and a burst of brilliant color to the dinner with each juicy and succulent bite, drizzled with a little butter and dusted with chili powder and lime juice.
- Zesty Black Bean Salad: Serve Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice recipe with a tangy black bean salad as a side dish. Black beans, which are high in protein, crisp bell peppers, luscious tomatoes, zesty lime juice, and fragrant cilantro combine to produce a symphony of tastes. The addition of this brilliant and colorful salad transforms the dish into a filling and healthy feast by adding a healthy and nourishing element.
- Roasted Poblano Peppers: To accompany Joanna Gaines’ recipe for Mexican rice, roasted poblano peppers add a smoky and mildly spiciness. Removing the peppers’ scorched skins reveals their soft and delicious flesh. Serve the rice with the roasted peppers or stuff them with a cheese stuffing. The poblano chiles’ smokey flavor and moderate heat improve the dish by bringing out its best flavors and textures.
Tips for Storing Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice Recipe
- Refrigeration: After cooking, let the Mexican rice finish cooling down entirely. Refrigerate after placing it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh for up to 3–4 days if stored properly. Reheat it before serving to preserve the texture and flavor.
- Freezing: When freezing Mexican rice, portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags after allowing it to cool fully. To avoid freezer burn, remove any extra air. Up to three months of storage are possible in the freezer. Before reheating, let it thaw in the fridge for an entire night.
- Reheating: Transfer the Mexican rice to a microwave-safe plate and add a few drops of water to keep the moisture in. Stir between each 30-second heating period, cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, and cook until well heated. Alternately, reheat over medium heat while stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated.
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Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice Recipe Nutrition Facts
- Rice: Carbohydrates, protein, fiber, iron, B vitamins. - Tomatoes: Vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium. - Onions: Fiber, vitamin C, folate. - Garlic: Antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin B6. - Vegetable Oil: Healthy fats, vitamin E. - Chicken Broth: Protein, vitamins, minerals (varies based on type and brand). - Cumin: Iron, antioxidants. - Chili Powder: Vitamin C, antioxidants. - Salt: Sodium (consume in moderation).

Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice Recipe
Description
With this delicious rice recipe from Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice Recipe, enter the magical world of Mexican cuisine. Imagine the scent of exotic spices dancing in the air, painstakingly blended into every grain of rice to take you to sunny stands and wild parties. The vivid colors hint as if whispering the hidden secrets of the bustling streets of Mexico City.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil in a big skillet.
- To the skillet, add the chopped onion and the minced garlic, and cook until aromatic and translucent.
- After adding it, stir in the rice and cook it for a few minutes, until it is faintly golden and toasty.
- To the skillet, add the diced tomatoes, chicken stock, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. To blend, thoroughly stir.
- After bringing the mixture to a boil, turn the heat down to low and put a lid on the skillet.
- Cook and absorb the liquid from the rice by simmering for 15 to 20 minutes.
- To allow the rice to steam, remove the skillet from the heat and leave it covered for 5 minutes.
- Before serving, fluff the rice with a fork and top with fresh cilantro.