Can I cook Mexican rice in a rice cooker?

Yes, you can—and it’s actually one of the easiest ways to get fluffy, flavorful results. Cooking Mexican rice in a rice cooker helps evenly infuse the rice with spices and broth while avoiding burning or overcooking.

Can you make flavored rice in a rice cooker?

Absolutely. Rice cookers are incredibly versatile. You can add broth, tomato sauce, garlic, cumin, herbs, or vegetables to create a variety of delicious rice dishes—just like you would with Mexican rice in a rice cooker .

What gives Mexican rice its flavor?

Mexican rice gets its flavor from a combination of tomato sauce , garlic , onion , cumin , and chicken or vegetable broth . Toasting the rice before cooking adds a rich, nutty layer that deepens the overall taste.

How much water for 1 cup of Mexican rice?

Use 1½ cups of total liquid per 1 cup of rice . This includes tomato sauce and broth. If you add extra vegetables or wet ingredients, slightly reduce the broth to prevent sogginess.

Mexican Rice in a Rice Cooker: The Best Easy Recipe in 1 Pot

Description

Looking for an easy way to enjoy flavorful meals with minimal cleanup? Mexican rice in a rice cooker is your shortcut to a bold and satisfying side dish without the hassle.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup long-grain white rice
1/2 cup tomato sauce or 1–2 tbsp tomato paste with water
1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
1 minced garlic clove
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 tsp ground cumin
Salt to taste (start with 1/2 tsp)
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped carrots, peas, or bell peppers
Optional: 1/4 cup canned black beans or corn

Instructions

Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
If your rice cooker has a sauté function, toast the rice in 1 tbsp oil until golden. If not, toast it in a skillet first.
Add tomato sauce, broth, garlic, onion, cumin, and salt into the rice cooker.
Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Set the rice cooker to ‘White Rice’ or standard cook setting.
Cook for 25–35 minutes or until the cooker signals it’s done.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes on ‘Keep Warm’ before fluffing with a fork.
Serve as-is or stir in beans, corn, or extra veggies after cooking.

Notes

Use low-sodium broth and no-salt tomato sauce for a lighter version. Toasting the rice adds nutty flavor and improves texture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Rice Cooker
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 210
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: mexican rice, rice cooker, side dish, easy mexican rice