The bold fusion of Rotel tomatoes, taco seasoning, and tender rice makes this Easy Rotel Mexican Rice a go-to for any Mexican-inspired dinner. With a hands-off oven method, it’s the kind of side dish that practically cooks itself while you focus on the main event. What truly sets this dish apart is how the butter and seasoning infuse every grain with savory warmth and a hint of spice. Whether you’re planning a Tex-Mex feast or just want a hearty, flavor-packed side on a busy weeknight, this one delivers comfort with every bite.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
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2 tablespoons taco seasoning (gluten-free if needed)
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½ teaspoon ground cumin
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2⅔ cups low-sodium chicken broth
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1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
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4 to 6 tablespoons butter
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 425ºF. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
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In the baking dish, combine the rinsed rice, taco seasoning, cumin, chicken broth, Rotel tomatoes (with liquid), and butter. Season with salt and pepper, then stir to combine.
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Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove the foil, stir the rice well, then return to the oven uncovered.
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Bake for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
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Fluff with a fork before serving.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: Approx. 285 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Irresistible Charm of Easy Rotel Mexican Rice
When it comes to side dishes that are flavorful, easy, and adaptable, few recipes check all the boxes quite like Easy Rotel Mexican Rice. This oven-baked rice dish combines pantry staples like long-grain white rice, canned Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, butter, and broth into one unforgettable creation. Whether you’re hosting a taco night, meal-prepping for the week, or just trying to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe is the answer.
But what makes this rice recipe so special? Let’s dive deeper into its background, the reasons it stands out, and why it’s quickly becoming a staple in households everywhere.
A Little Background on Rotel and Tex-Mex Cooking
Rotel, a brand known for its diced tomatoes and green chilies, has long been a kitchen essential in American Southwestern and Tex-Mex cuisine. First introduced in the 1940s, Rotel quickly earned a loyal following thanks to its vibrant flavor and versatility. It’s often used in dips, soups, casseroles, and yes—rice dishes.
Tex-Mex cuisine, a fusion of Mexican and American flavors, is all about bold seasoning, rich textures, and comfort food appeal. That’s exactly what this dish offers. By using Rotel, taco seasoning, and butter in a simple rice base, you’re marrying time-honored ingredients into a side dish that tastes like it took hours but comes together with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
There’s beauty in simplicity, and this recipe is proof. While traditional Mexican rice often involves stovetop sautéing, tomato sauce, and carefully watched simmering, Easy Rotel Mexican Rice skips the fuss. Everything is combined in a single baking dish and baked in the oven, letting you focus on other parts of your meal.
This method ensures evenly cooked rice that absorbs all the robust flavors from the broth, tomatoes, and seasonings. The butter adds richness, while the oven’s dry heat gives the dish that perfect texture—fluffy grains with a slight roasted aroma.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
You only need a handful of ingredients to create this savory dish:
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Long-grain white rice – Preferred for its fluffy finish that doesn’t clump.
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Rotel tomatoes with green chilies – The flavor-packed hero of the dish.
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Taco seasoning – Adds classic Mexican-inspired spices like chili powder, paprika, garlic, and onion powder.
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Ground cumin – Offers depth and a subtle smoky touch.
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Butter – Richness that binds everything together.
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Low-sodium chicken broth – Delivers moisture and layers of savory flavor.
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Salt and pepper – To taste and enhance all the other components.
Each ingredient is affordable, easy to store, and contributes to the overall magic of this recipe. The fact that you can prepare everything in one dish with no stovetop time makes it even more appealing.
Perfect for Any Occasion
What makes Easy Rotel Mexican Rice so versatile is its ability to shine in multiple dining situations:
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Taco Night – A natural pairing that rounds out beef, chicken, or veggie tacos.
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Potlucks and parties – Serves a crowd and can easily be doubled.
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Lunchbox or meal prep – Keeps well and reheats beautifully with a splash of broth or water.
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Quick weeknight dinners – Throw it in the oven and focus on your main dish or simply unwind while it cooks.
It’s not just a side dish; it can be the base for a full meal. Add shredded chicken, black beans, or even ground turkey to make it a protein-rich main course.
Easily Customizable to Fit Your Needs
This recipe is not just easy—it’s adaptable. Here are some popular and tasty ways to switch it up:
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Add cheese – Stir in shredded cheddar or pepper jack during the final 10 minutes of baking.
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Spice it up – Use Rotel Hot or toss in chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
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Make it vegetarian – Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use plant-based butter.
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Add protein – Mix in cooked ground beef, shredded rotisserie chicken, or pinto beans for a hearty twist.
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Use brown rice – Opt for whole grain goodness by using brown rice, though you’ll need to extend the cook time by 15–20 minutes.
These variations allow you to personalize the dish to suit your dietary preferences or what’s already in your pantry. That’s the kind of flexibility we all appreciate in a go-to recipe.
A Gluten-Free, Budget-Friendly Win
For those on a gluten-free diet, Easy Rotel Mexican Rice is a gift. With a simple swap of gluten-free taco seasoning and confirmation that your broth is gluten-free, the recipe becomes a safe and satisfying option.
Better yet, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. All the ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store and often already in your kitchen. That means no specialty shopping trips, no high costs—just delicious results.
Crowd-Pleaser with Rave Reviews
This isn’t just a recipe bloggers talk about. It’s one that readers and home cooks come back to time and time again. Many have shared their own feedback and tweaks—adding shrimp, using different salsas, or incorporating beans—all with the same outcome: a delicious, memorable side dish.
The rice’s ability to absorb and enhance flavors while staying light and fluffy is a major part of its appeal. It holds up well even the next day, making it one of those rare dishes that tastes just as good—if not better—when reheated.
Storage, Leftovers, and Meal Prep Tips
Easy Rotel Mexican Rice stores wonderfully:
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In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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In the freezer: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Add a splash of broth or water before microwaving or reheating on the stove to restore its fluffy texture.
It’s perfect for Sunday meal prep, giving you a flavorful base for bowls, wraps, or side dishes throughout the week.
Make It Once, Love It Forever
What sets this recipe apart is its repeat value. You try it once, and it earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s a perfect storm of convenience, flavor, and versatility. You don’t need to be an experienced cook, and it won’t require more than an hour of your time.
You also won’t need expensive tools—just a basic oven, a baking dish, and a spoon to stir. The result? A side dish that competes with restaurant-quality rice, made right in your own kitchen.
Conclusion
Easy Rotel Mexican Rice is more than a recipe—it’s a weeknight hero, a potluck champion, and a comfort food favorite. With pantry-friendly ingredients, bold flavor, and a flexible, hands-off cooking method, it’s the kind of dish you’ll turn to again and again. Whether you’re serving tacos, grilled meats, or just craving a savory bowl of rice, this recipe has your back.
Give it a try once, and chances are it’ll become a signature dish in your home. Because good food doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be made with flavor and love.