Mexican Fire Rice

Ignite your taste buds with the bold, vibrant flavors of Mexican Fire Rice, a fiery twist on a classic rice dish that's perfect for your next Tex-Mex-inspired feast. This one-pot wonder combines fluffy long-grain white rice with a medley of colorful veggies, including red bell pepper, onion, and jalapeño, for a satisfying punch of flavor and heat. Infused with aromatic spices like cumin, chili powder, paprika, and a hint of cayenne, every bite is packed with smoky, savory goodness. A splash of tomato paste adds richness, while canned diced tomatoes keep it juicy and flavorful. Optional black beans provide a hearty, protein-packed addition, and a garnish of fresh cilantro with a squeeze of lime elevates the dish with a zesty, refreshing finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy-to-make rice recipe is the perfect side dish or base for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats. Bring the heat to your dining table with Mexican Fire Rice!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium jalapeño, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup black beans (optional, rinsed and drained)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 4 wedges lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.

Step 6

Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the spices and tomato paste mixture.

Step 7

Pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir gently to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 9

If using black beans, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through.

Step 10

Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 11

Fluff the rice with a fork, then garnish with fresh cilantro.

Step 12

Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1391.9 grams (1391.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	861

Total Fat 31.10g	40%
Saturated Fat 4.90g	25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3986mg	173%
Total Carbohydrate 122.90g	45%
Dietary Fiber 20.00g	71%
Total Sugars 24.00g
Protein 26.50g	53%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 240mg	18%
Iron 11mg	62%
Potassium 2194mg	47%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.9%

Protein: 12.1%

Carbs: 56.0%