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Home » Recipes » Sides

Easiest Mexican Inspired Salsa Rice

Stacey – January 17, 2017 – 32 Comments

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You won't find an easier way to make delicious Mexican Rice!

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Taco Tuesday is quite the tradition at our house.  We switch it up, though.  One Tuesday might be tacos, another burritos, another Fajita Chicken Casserole, and even taco salads.  The one constant, despite the changing entree, is this crazy easy Mexican inspired rice.  It is so easy and so delicious.  Like crazy easy.


You won't find an easier way to make delicious Mexican Rice!

I had tried what seemed like every Mexican rice mix and box at the grocery store but none of them tasted like the rice at our favorite local Mexican place.  This recipe tastes JUST like it, though.  We all absolutely love it.  And no matter what you serve it alongside, I’m betting your family will love it too.  Yeah, it’s easy, but its’ also delicious!  That’s a total win-win in my book!

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You won't find an easier way to make delicious Mexican Rice!
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5 from 2 votes

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Easiest Mexican Inspired Salsa Rice

Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Author Stacey Little | Southern Bite

Ingredients

  • 1 (10-ounce) package yellow rice
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup salsa

Instructions

  • Heat the water in a large saucepan with a tight-fitting lid to boiling. Add the olive oil. Stir in the rice mix and return to a boil, stir in the salsa. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover with the lid. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring only once about halfway through. When tender, fluff with a fork and serve.
You won't find an easier way to make delicious Mexican Rice!
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You won't find an easier way to make delicious Mexican Rice!

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Stacey Little of Southern Bite

Hey, y’all! I’m Stacey…

Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us! Read more…

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  1. Liz smith

    June 26, 2022 at 12:57 pm

    Mine is similar. I use chicken ricearoni package directions minus 1/2 cup water and add a can Rotel.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 27, 2022 at 10:16 am

      That sounds good too!

      Reply
  2. Jen

    February 2, 2022 at 8:53 pm

    Hi first of all what salsa do you use?

    And secondly how did you lose the weight?

    Thank you

    Reply
    • Stacey

      February 3, 2022 at 10:13 am

      I typically use Herdez salsa. As for weight – I’m good a finding it but not good at losing it. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Kathy Hopkins

    December 5, 2021 at 3:01 pm

    Stacey, this is fantastic in my Instant Pot: I start with the IP on Saute; when hot I saute about 1/2 cup chopped onion (sometimes I use frozen) in the olive oil 3-4 minutes; add the salsa and rice with only 1-1/2 cups water-set to “Rice”; when done, wait 5 minutes and do a Quick Release; stir in 1/2 cup frozen corn; replace lid and let sit for 5 minutes on off. This is amazingly easy and so, so good! (Try it sometime…)

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 6, 2021 at 10:22 am

      Perfect! Thanks for sharing your IP directions!!

      Reply
  4. Vicky

    September 6, 2021 at 5:04 am

    I asked my friend to make this to bring to a little Mexican food themed get together at our house. This was really good and will make again. I may try baking this in the oven next time. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 7, 2021 at 11:24 am

      So glad to hear y’all enjoyed it!

      Reply
  5. Mary

    May 28, 2020 at 10:15 pm

    Fresh salsa or jarred salsa?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      May 29, 2020 at 10:33 am

      I normally just use jarred.

      Reply
  6. Linda

    May 4, 2020 at 5:47 pm

    I have never used yellow rice. Do I buy the rice in the box and make it or a product like Uncle Bens where you microwave the bag it comes in?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      May 5, 2020 at 10:25 am

      It is sold in a yellow pouch with the other rice mixes.

      Reply
  7. Debbie

    May 15, 2019 at 3:57 pm

    Absolutely LOVE this! Been making it since you first posted the recipe! Don’t know why it took me so long to let you know how much my family enjoys it! Thank you so much for making this my “go to” yellow rice recipe!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      May 16, 2019 at 10:44 am

      I’m so happy, Debbie! Thanks for coming back to let me know!

      Reply
  8. mike

    January 10, 2019 at 4:09 pm

    going to make this for a party at work will it be okay to make the night before?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 10, 2019 at 4:14 pm

      It might get a little mushy, Mike.

      Reply
  9. Aileen

    May 4, 2018 at 12:29 pm

    This just might be it! I grew up on rice but hubby’s mother only made yellow rice and that’s all he likes. I’ll have to try this and see what he thinks. 😉

    Reply
    • Stacey

      May 4, 2018 at 4:13 pm

      I hope he likes it. We LOVE it at our house.

      Reply
  10. Holly

    April 15, 2018 at 9:00 am

    If preparing this Mexican rice as a side dish for 6 people, should I double this recipe?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      April 16, 2018 at 9:15 am

      I think I would, just to be safe.

      Reply
  11. Lori D.

    September 23, 2017 at 1:15 pm

    I am not sure if I have ever seen “Yellow Rice.” Is it like saffron rice? I live in the San Diego area, so I’m pretty sure I can find it in the ethnic aisle at my local store. I just have never looked for it. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 28, 2017 at 1:37 pm

      Its’ fairly common. Just look with the other rice.

      Reply
  12. Kim Smith

    June 20, 2017 at 8:47 pm

    I had given up trying Mexican/Spanish rice recipes. I have tried so many over the years, and every one just fell short of what I wanted. They all lacked that certain something I just couldn’t put my finger on. And I had seen this recipe when you first posted it, but I just wasn’t ready to try again. But I kept coming back to it over the past few months… And today, I came across a recipe for Mexican Chicken Tenders. Real simple, chicken tenders, taco seasoning, egg, Panko, bake ’em in the oven. And I thought, man, this would be good with some Mexican rice… So I remembered your recipe, and I took that leap of faith… And oh Stacey… This is it!!! This is “The One”!!! <3 <3 <3 Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Next week, Burritos and Mexican Rice! If I can wait that long, lol! 😉

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 21, 2017 at 4:41 pm

      Love hearing that, Kim! It’s so simple, but tastes so great. Super glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  13. Stacey

    January 18, 2017 at 11:07 am

    The timing was perfect! Made this last night to go with an enchilada casserole and it was fantastic and super easy! Will definitely make again…and I’m adopting your Taco Tuesday idea as well! Thank you!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 20, 2017 at 8:46 am

      Ha! We love some Taco Tuesday! Glad y’all enjoyed it!

      Reply
  14. Denise

    January 18, 2017 at 7:08 am

    This is a great recipe, so fast and easy! While the rice is cooking, dice up an onion and a bell pepper and cook them in a little bit of butter till soft. When the rice is done, add the veggie mixture to it. Fabulous! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 20, 2017 at 8:46 am

      Great tip! Thanks, Denise!

      Reply
  15. Yvonne Sweet

    January 17, 2017 at 12:09 pm

    I was skeptical since it was so easy, but it really is GOOD! Will definitely be making this one a lot!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 20, 2017 at 8:43 am

      So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

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Stacey Little of Southern Bite

Hey, y’all! I’m Stacey…

Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us! Read more…

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