Gluten-Free Mexican Rice
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This gluten-free Mexican rice recipe is so easy, full of zesty flavor, and the perfect side dish for just about anything that you’ll forget you made dinner at home.
We love taco nights! Honestly, we have Mexican food more often than probably any other cuisine in our house. It’s always a hit, no matter what I am making and can feed an army or a bunch of hungry kids, if needed. Of course, sometimes we want something on the side of all the tacos in our house, and that’s where John, my husband, came up with this super simple, flavor packed one-skillet Mexican rice recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free too
- Made with a few simple pantry ingredients
- The salsa adds instant flavor which makes a world of difference
- Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd
- Kid-approved and super customizable
Tips for the Best Mexican Rice
- Use a good salsa: Since it’s the star ingredient, pick one you really love. It makes all the difference. We use my homemade canned salsa that I make every summer and store for the year. It’s delicious and always hits the spot.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning: Years and years ago, I used to buy taco seasoning from the store. However, food allergies hit our house and most contain wheat or a ton of unneeded ingredients. So, I bought bulk seasonings and started creating my own blends while saving a TON of money. This taco/fajita seasoning recipe is literally the best blend we’ve ever had and we use it on everything!
- Adjust the heat: Mild salsa for kids, spicy salsa if you want a kick.
- Make it your own: Add cheese, corn, peas, or diced bell peppers or onions for extra color and texture. Anything works in this rice recipe!
What to Serve It With
This rice goes with just about everything and it’s basically a staple in our house at this point. It’s simple, reliable, and always a hit, whether we’re making a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a group. And honestly? Any recipe that saves time and tastes this good is a keeper for me. We love it on the side of:
- Tacos or burrito bowls
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Enchiladas
- Taco night spreads
If you try John’s Famous Mexican Rice, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!
More Recipes You’ll Love:
- Easy Gluten-Free Burrito Bowls
- Homemade Taco & Fajita Seasoning
- Fresh Pico De Gallo
- Gluten-Free Enchilada Casserole
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John’s Gluten-Free Mexican Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tbsp salsa (or more to taste)
- 1 tbsp homemade taco seasoning (or more to taste)
- cilantro, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a mesh strainer until water draining is clear. (This is optional, but it helps remove the starch and keep the cooked rice from being mushy.)
- Add all of the ingredients to a medium saucepan, stir to mix well, and bring to a rapid boil over high heat.
- Turn the heat down to a low simmer (a little less than medium low) and cook for 20 minutes. Remove cover and let stand 2-3 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Taste and add more salsa or seasoning, if needed.
Notes
- Use a good salsa: Since it’s the star ingredient, pick one you really love. It makes all the difference. We use my homemade canned salsa that I make every summer and store for the year. It’s delicious and always hits the spot.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning: Years and years ago, I used to buy taco seasoning from the store. However, food allergies hit our house and most contain wheat or a ton of unneeded ingredients. So, I bought bulk seasonings and started creating my own blends while saving a TON of money. This taco/fajita seasoning recipe is literally the best blend we’ve ever had and we use it on everything!
- Adjust the heat: Mild salsa for kids, spicy salsa if you want a kick.
- Make it your own: Add cheese, corn, peas, or diced bell peppers or onions for extra color and texture. Anything works in this rice recipe!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
