You know those days when you just want comfort food but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen? So that was me last Tuesday, and my kitchen looked like a tornado had hit it, with flour everywhere and a little rice spilled on the floor. Classic me, right? And somehow, in that chaos, I discovered the magic of this Rotel Mexican rice, and honestly, it turned out way better than I expected because it’s simple and delicious.

I remember staring at the can of Rotel, thinking, “Can this really make dinner taste awesome?” Well, spoiler alert, it totally does; making Rotel Mexican Rice is one of those recipes that’s simple yet makes you feel like a kitchen wizard because it’s warm, cozy, and exciting at the same time.
Have you ever had a meal that’s just… comforting yet fun? That’s Rotel Mexican Rice, and it’s forgiving too, because if your onion slices aren’t perfect or your rice gets a little clumpy, nobody’s judging, and it still tastes amazing.

ingredients
- 2 cups of long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10 oz) of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin (optional for extra flavor)
ingredients notes
- Rice: Make sure it’s long-grain so it cooks fluffy, not sticky.
- Rotel: This is diced tomatoes with green chilies, giving a little kick. You can use mild or hot, depending on what you like.
- Onion and garlic: These make the rice taste super yummy.
- Chicken broth: Using broth gives more flavor than just water, but water works too.
- Oil or butter: Helps the rice cook nicely and not stick.
- Cumin: Optional, but it adds a little “Mexican” flavor.

How to make Rotel Mexican Rice?
step 1: prepare the ingredients
Wash your hands and make sure all your ingredients are ready. Chop the onion and garlic, and open the can of Rotel. Having everything ready makes cooking super easy and fun.
step 2: cook the rice
In a big pot, heat the oil or butter on medium heat. Add the rice and stir it around for a few minutes until it starts to smell nutty and looks a little golden. This makes the rice taste extra yummy.
step 3: add onion and garlic
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the rice. Stir everything together for about 2–3 minutes until the onion is soft and smells amazing. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
step 4: add Rotel and seasonings
Pour in the can of Rotel tomatoes with the green chilies. Then add salt, pepper, and cumin if you’re using it. Stir everything together so the rice is coated with all the flavors.
step 5: add the broth
Pour in the chicken broth or water. Give it one last stir and make sure all the rice is covered with liquid. Turn the heat to high and wait for it to boil.
step 6: simmer the rice
Once it starts boiling, turn the heat down to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until all the liquid is gone and the rice is soft. Try not to lift the lid too much, or the rice may not cook properly.
step 7: fluff and serve
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for a few minutes with the lid on. Then, use a fork to gently fluff the rice so it’s light and not clumpy. Your Rotel Mexican Rice is ready to enjoy.

kitchen equipment needed
- Big pot with lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Fork for fluffing
storage options!
You can store leftover Rotel Mexican Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, put it in a microwave-safe bowl with a little splash of water and cover it with a lid or plate. Heat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway. You can also reheat it on the stove in a pan with a bit of water or broth, stirring until warm.
For longer storage, you can freeze the rice. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat. The rice might be a tiny bit softer after freezing, but it still tastes delicious.
variations!
Rotel Mexican Rice is super versatile. You can add cooked corn, black beans, or peas to make it even more colorful and nutritious. Some people like to add shredded cheese on top when serving.
If you want a little extra protein, try adding cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp to the rice. For a vegetarian version, just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also experiment with spices, like a pinch of chili powder, paprika, or even a little lime juice at the end for a tangy twist.
what to enjoy with this Rotel Mexican Rice?
Have you ever had one of those nights when you just want something easy but tasty, that was me last Wednesday. I was excited to make my delicious Rotel Mexican Rice and see how it turned out.
I started thinking of ways to pair it with my Rotel Mexican Rice because you could serve it with tacos or grilled chicken, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, and it also works with roasted veggies, or why not with my Harvest Punch.
Honestly, Rotel Mexican Rice is forgiving because even if your onions aren’t perfect or the rice is clumpy, nobody notices, but it still tastes amazing because it’s bold and comforting.
Tips for making the best Rotel Mexican rice
- Always rinse the rice before cooking to remove extra starch. This helps it stay fluffy.
- Don’t lift the lid while the rice is cooking. Steam is important to cook the rice properly.
- Stir the rice while toasting at the beginning to prevent it from burning.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings at the end if needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt makes it perfect.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh garlic and onion make a big difference.
- If you want extra flavor, cook the rice in a mix of broth and a tiny bit of tomato sauce.
FAQ
what is rotel?
Rotel is a canned mix of diced tomatoes and green chilies. It adds flavor and a little spice to the rice.
what does rotel mexican rice taste like?
It tastes soft, a little spicy, and super savory with the flavors of tomato, garlic, and onion.
can i make it without garlic?
Yes, you can skip the garlic if you don’t like it or are allergic. The rice will still taste yummy.
can i use brown rice?
Yes, but cooking time will be longer, and you might need extra water.
can i make it in the microwave?
It’s better on the stove, but you can use a microwave-safe bowl with a cover. Cook in intervals and stir often.
can i add cheese?
Yes! Sprinkle shredded cheese on top when serving for extra yumminess.
is it spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. You can use mild Rotel if you want it really soft for kids.
can i freeze it?
Yes, freeze in a container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before eating.
can i make it vegan?
Yes, just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in Rotel Mexican Rice and skip butter if you like.
what can i serve with it?
It goes well with tacos, chicken, beef, or roasted veggies.
how long does it take to cook?
About 30–35 minutes from start to finish.
can i make it ahead?
Yes, you can cook it a day ahead and reheat it. The flavors even get better the next day.
Easy Rotel Mexican Rice
Course: SidesCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes25
minutes210
kcal35
minutesRotel Mexican Rice is a quick and flavorful side dish made with fluffy rice, Rotel tomatoes, onions, garlic, and seasonings. It’s colorful, a little spicy, and the perfect match for tacos, grilled meats, or veggies.
Ingredients
2 cups of long-grain white rice
1 can (10 oz) of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of chicken broth or water
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or butter
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of cumin (optional for extra flavor)
Directions
- Wash your hands and make sure all your ingredients are ready. Chop the onion and garlic, and open the can of Rotel. Having everything ready makes cooking super easy and fun.
- In a big pot, heat the oil or butter on medium heat. Add the rice and stir it around for a few minutes until it starts to smell nutty and looks a little golden. This makes the rice taste extra yummy.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the rice. Stir everything together for about 2–3 minutes until the onion is soft and smells amazing. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the can of Rotel tomatoes with the green chilies. Then add salt, pepper, and cumin if you’re using it. Stir everything together so the rice is coated with all the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water. Give it one last stir and make sure all the rice is covered with liquid. Turn the heat to high and wait for it to boil.
- Once it starts boiling, turn the heat down to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until all the liquid is gone and the rice is soft. Try not to lift the lid too much, or the rice may not cook properly.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for a few minutes with the lid on. Then, use a fork to gently fluff the rice so it’s light and not clumpy. Your Rotel Mexican Rice is ready to enjoy!