This Southwest Rice recipe is the perfect side dish or base for an entree. It’s a simple recipe that takes just 5 minutes of prep and yields the most flavorful rice dish!
I love taking a basic side dish and adding super simple ingredients to make it EVEN BETTER! This Southwest Rice Recipe is one of those side dishes for me.
It’s a really quick and easy rice recipe that’s taken to the next level with just a few basic seasonings and add-ins.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Super quick prep – You only need 5 minutes of prep to start this recipe before you’re leaving it to simmer and cook.
- Basic ingredients – You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already!
- Big flavor – We’re infusing the rice with flavor every step of the way by toasting it, cooking it in broth, and adding plenty of seasonings and aromatics. The flavor is unmatched!
Recipe Notes
This Southwest Rice recipe is as simple as promised! Just 5 minutes of prep for a family friendly meal.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make Southwest Rice to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Butter
- Rice – I use a long grain white rice for this recipe.
- Onion
- Corn
- Spices – A blend of garlic powder, cumin, and chile powder creates that perfect Southwestern flavor.
- Chicken Broth
- Canned Tomatoes – We’re adding extra flavor and texture with a can of Rotel tomatoes with green chiles
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Southwest Cauliflower Rice – Swap the white rice out for riced cauliflower for a delicious and low carb version of this recipe. Keep in mind that cauliflower rice cooks differently than white rice, so adjust your process accordingly.
- Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice – Add a brighter, citrusy flavor with a splash of lime juice.
- Southwest Cauliflower Rice and Beans – Bulk your rice up and add some extra texture with a can of black beans.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make this Southwest Rice Recipe.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add in the rice, onion, corn, and spices.
Add in the chicken broth, then stir to combine.
Add in the canned tomatoes, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cover.
Simmer covered until the rice is tender, then top with a squeeze of lime juice and chopped cilantro. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Toast the rice – Toasting the rice in the skillet with the aromatics before adding in the broth adds another layer of flavor depth and helps keep the rice from becoming too mushy as it cooks.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer – Bringing the whole mixture to a boil before lowering the heat and simmering helps produce the steam in the pan that cooks the rice evenly.
- Broth is key – While you can cook rice in water, I highly recommend using a broth for this recipe. It creates the most delicious flavor base!
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Prep your onion in advance – Most of these ingredients are already ready to go, but if you want to save a little bit of time, you can dice up your onion and store it in the fridge up to a day ahead of time. You can also buy pre-chopped onion.
- Cook the rice and store for later – You can prep, cook, and cool the rice, then store it in the fridge for a couple of days before serving. That way it’s ready to go and all you need to do is reheat!
Freezer Meal Instructions
Making this Southwest Rice recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How to freeze rice after cooking
- Cook the rice as directed, then let it cool completely.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 6 months.
- When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat.
What to Serve with Southwest Rice
Since this side dish has the delicious flavors of Southwestern cuisine, it will pair well with many of your favorite Southwestern or Mexican side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
- Southwest Grilled Chicken – Make a hearty Southwestern-inspired dinner with this Southwest Grilled Chicken and a side of Southwest rice. You can even round your meal out with a scoop of Southwest corn.
- Mexican Chicken Street Tacos – These Mexican Chicken Street Tacos are packed with juicy chicken, homemade salsa, and more. They’re the perfect easy entree to pair with your Southwest rice.
- Southwest Burger – This Southwest Burger is made with a juicy, perfectly seasoned burger patty layered onto a bun with Southwest sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, and cheese. It’s a delicious entree to pair with a side of rice.
Southwest Rice Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions, then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to 6 months
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Southwest Chicken and Rice Bowl – Use your leftover rice as a base for these Southwest Chicken Bowls. This recipe is loaded up with black bean and corn salsa, grilled chili-lime chicken, and a creamy Southwest sauce.
- Loaded Beef Barbacoa Burrito – Turn your leftover Southwest rice into a delicious meal by swapping it out for the cilantro lime rice in this Beef Barbacoa Burrito recipe. This hearty burrito is packed full of juicy beef, black beans, sour cream, and more!
Recipe FAQ’s
What’s in Southwest rice?
Southwest rice is a simple rice side dish taken to the next level with just a few additional ingredients. While recipes can vary person-to-person, I like to add flavor and texture to mine with onion, corn, a few simple spices, chicken broth, and ROTEL tomatoes with green chiles.
How is Mexican rice different from white rice?
Mexican rice is made with additional ingredients to add both flavor and texture. Classic white rice is usually just boiled in water with salt.
More EASY Side Dish Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy side dish recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
- Easy Mexican Cornbread
- Mexican Style Crock Pot Refried Beans Cro
- Mexican Street Corn Casserole
- Easy Pico de Gallo
Southwest Rice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 onion
- 1 cup corn
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon Chile powder
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 10 ounces ROTEL tomatoes with green chiles, (1 can)
Garnish
- 1 lime
- Cilantro
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the rice, onion, corn, garlic powder, cumin, and chile powder. Sauté 2-3 minutes or until onion is translucent and rice starts to toast.
- Add the chicken broth and ROTEL tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover. Let simmer covered for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- Once done, squeeze lime juice over the rice and top with chopped cilantro.
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