Mexican Red Rice Skillet Dish

Highlighted under: Fast Dinner Recipes

Discover the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this easy and delicious Red Rice Skillet Dish, perfect for any meal.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-18T18:37:48.886Z

This Mexican Red Rice Skillet Dish is a delightful combination of rice, spices, and fresh vegetables, making it a perfect side dish or main course.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with authentic Mexican flavors
  • One-pan meal for easy cleanup
  • Versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite proteins or veggies

A Taste of Mexico

The Mexican Red Rice Skillet Dish is a culinary gem that brings the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight meal, the combination of spices and fresh ingredients makes it a standout choice.

One of the best aspects of this dish is its adaptability. You can easily incorporate your favorite proteins, such as chicken, shrimp, or beans, to create a heartier meal. Alternatively, feel free to add more vegetables for a nutritious twist. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor the dish to your dietary preferences and taste.

Why One-Pan Meals Are the Best

In today's fast-paced world, one-pan meals have become a lifesaver for busy cooks. The Mexican Red Rice Skillet Dish not only saves time on cooking but also minimizes cleanup, making it an ideal choice for those hectic days. With everything cooked in one skillet, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

Moreover, one-pan dishes like this Red Rice Skillet allow the flavors to meld beautifully as they cook together. Each ingredient contributes to the overall taste, creating a harmonious blend that is both satisfying and comforting. You'll find that this method of cooking enhances the dish's depth of flavor, making every bite a delightful experience.

Perfect Pairings

When serving the Mexican Red Rice Skillet Dish, consider pairing it with a fresh side salad or some warm tortillas to enhance the meal. A simple avocado and tomato salad drizzled with lime juice adds a refreshing contrast to the savory rice. Alternatively, serving with homemade guacamole can elevate your dining experience by adding a creamy texture that complements the dish perfectly.

For beverages, a chilled glass of agua fresca or a light Mexican beer pairs wonderfully with the flavors of this dish. If you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling limeade can be both refreshing and a great palate cleanser. These pairings not only enhance the meal but also create a festive atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Mexican fiesta.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious dish:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (14oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure to have all ingredients ready for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Mexican Red Rice Skillet Dish:

Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Add Garlic and Spices

Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Add Rice and Broth

Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the vegetable mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.

Cook the Rice

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Fluff and Serve

Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious Mexican Red Rice Skillet Dish!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, the Mexican Red Rice Skillet Dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3-4 days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of Mexico throughout the week. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before transferring it to the container to maintain its texture and taste.

Reheating is simple—just warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. This dish also freezes well for longer storage. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and you can enjoy a quick and nutritious meal anytime you need it.

Nutritional Benefits

The Mexican Red Rice Skillet Dish is not only flavorful but also packed with nutritional benefits. The combination of rice, vegetables, and spices provides a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for a balanced diet. Bell peppers, for instance, are high in vitamin C, while tomatoes offer antioxidants that support overall health.

Additionally, by incorporating protein options like black beans or grilled chicken, you can boost the dish’s nutritional profile further. This makes it a versatile meal that can cater to various dietary needs, whether you're looking for vegetarian options or a hearty protein-packed dish.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid.

→ Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, but you can add grilled chicken or shrimp for a non-vegetarian option.

→ How can I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.

Mexican Red Rice Skillet Dish

Discover the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this easy and delicious Red Rice Skillet Dish, perfect for any meal.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Fast Dinner Recipes

Skill Level: easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup long-grain white rice
  2. 2 cups vegetable broth
  3. 1 medium onion, diced
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 red bell pepper, diced
  6. 1 can (14oz) diced tomatoes
  7. 1 tsp chili powder
  8. 1 tsp cumin
  9. Salt and pepper to taste
  10. 2 tbsp olive oil
  11. Fresh cilantro for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the vegetable mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 04

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Step 05

Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 6g