If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful side that transforms any taco night into a fiesta, this Taco Night Rice Recipe is an absolute must-try. Packed with perfectly cooked long-grain rice, tender peas, and a harmonious blend of spices like chili powder and cumin, this dish brings color and hearty taste to your table. It’s simple to prepare yet brings that satisfying, cozy feeling that makes every bite feel like a celebration. This recipe is sure to become your go-to companion for Taco Night, elevating the entire meal effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Taco Night Rice Recipe lies in its straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the rich tomato sauce adding tangy depth to the fragrant spices that awaken your senses. Together, they build layers of flavor and texture that make this rice dish so incredibly tasty and comforting.
- Vegetable oil: Used to toast the rice and sauté onions, adding a subtle richness and preventing sticking.
- Long-grain white rice: The star of the show—its fluffy texture ensures every grain is perfectly separate and light.
- White onion, diced: Adds sweetness and savory undertones that balance the spices beautifully.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and keeps it moist and tender during cooking.
- Tomato sauce: Brings a bright, tangy base with a vibrant color reminiscent of a traditional Mexican rice side.
- Frozen peas: Adds bursts of color and a slight sweetness that complements the spices.
- Chili powder: A mild heat that gives the rice that classic Taco Night flair.
- Garlic powder: Packs in a subtle but indispensable aromatic punch.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the dish perfectly.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth, essential for that authentic taste.
How to Make Taco Night Rice Recipe
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
Start by rinsing the long-grain white rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until it runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures your rice will cook up fluffy, not sticky—key for that perfect taco side.
Step 2: Sauté Rice and Onions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and toast it gently until it turns a beautiful golden brown, which brings out a nutty flavor. Then stir in the diced onions and sauté until they soften and start to sweeten, building delicious layers of flavor.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Pour in your choice of chicken or vegetable broth, the tomato sauce, frozen peas, and season everything with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and cumin. Give everything a good stir to combine and bring the mixture to a lively boil.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender and fluffy. Resist the urge to peek too often; patience here ensures the perfect texture.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
When the rice is ready, remove the lid and fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains without crushing them. This final step ensures every bite is light and full of flavor, ready to complement your main dishes.
How to Serve Taco Night Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Taco Night Rice by sprinkling some freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lime juice right before serving can brighten the entire dish, adding vibrant zest that pairs wonderfully with the earthy spices.
Side Dishes
This rice recipe pairs beautifully with classic taco fillings such as seasoned ground beef, grilled chicken, or sautéed vegetables. It also holds its own alongside beans, guacamole, and fresh salsa, making your taco night spread both balanced and utterly delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the rice inside crispy taco shells or stuffed bell peppers for a filling appetizer or main dish variation. You can also layer it in a burrito bowl with your favorite toppings for a quick taco-inspired lunch that’s as vibrant as it is satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Taco Night Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it sealed prevents moisture loss and helps maintain the rice’s tender texture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, making it a terrific option for meal prep. Portion the rice into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. It will keep for up to 3 months, ready to enhance your taco nights on a moment’s notice.
Reheating
Reheat the rice gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to revive its moisture, or microwave it covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and preserve that fluffy texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice for this Taco Night Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! Just note that brown rice takes longer to cook—usually about 40 to 45 minutes—so adjust your simmering time accordingly and possibly increase the broth amount slightly for the best results.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, this Taco Night Rice Recipe is completely vegetarian and still packed with flavor. It’s a great versatile option no matter your dietary preferences.
Can I add other vegetables to this rice?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or even black beans to boost nutrition and add vibrant color. Just add them at the same time as the peas so they cook through perfectly.
How spicy is this rice?
The rice carries a mild, warm heat from the chili powder, which enhances the flavor without overwhelming the palate. You can adjust the chili powder amount to your liking, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want more kick.
What’s the best way to keep rice fluffy and not mushy?
Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking removes excess starch, which helps prevent clumping. Also, keeping the heat low while simmering with the lid on allows the rice to cook gently and absorb liquid evenly, resulting in that perfect fluffy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a meal that’s simple yet bursting with flavor, and this Taco Night Rice Recipe does just that. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, this rice adds that perfect touch of warmth and spice to your taco spread. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever had taco nights without it!
Print
Taco Night Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Taco Night Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish perfect for complementing any taco night menu. It features sautéed long-grain white rice cooked with onions, tomato sauce, peas, and a blend of spices like chili powder and cumin, resulting in a mildly spiced, savory rice dish that’s tender and aromatic.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- ¼ cup white onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Rinse Rice: Rinse the long-grain white rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Sauté Rice and Onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot with a lid over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice turns golden brown. Then, stir in the diced white onions and continue cooking until the onions soften and become translucent.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the tomato sauce, frozen peas, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the rice to simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently, separating the grains, then serve hot as a delicious side dish for your tacos or Mexican-inspired meals.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Feel free to add diced bell peppers or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- If you prefer spicier rice, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make sure to keep the heat low during simmering to avoid burning the rice at the bottom.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
