Slow Cooker Mexican Rice is the perfect blend of simplicity and bold flavors. This dish captures the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine with fragrant spices, tender grains, and just the right balance of tomato goodness. Cooking it low and slow allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a perfectly fluffy and aromatic rice dish that pairs well with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled vegetables. What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. You can spice it up with jalapeños, add black beans for extra protein, or even serve it with a squeeze of fresh lime for a bright, citrusy finish. Whether you’re preparing a meal for your family or looking for a stress-free dish for a gathering, this Slow Cooker Mexican Rice is guaranteed to be a hit!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup corn kernels
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
Directions:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a slow cooker, add the rinsed rice, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir everything together and cover the slow cooker with the lid.
- Cook on low for 3 hours or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Add the peas and corn to the rice, stirring well to combine. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes until the vegetables are warmed through.
- Drizzle the olive oil and lime juice over the rice, stirring to fluff it up.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Slow Cooker Mexican Rice
A Taste of Mexico in Every Bite
Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and deep-rooted traditions. One dish that perfectly embodies all three elements is Mexican Rice, also called Arroz Rojo (Red Rice) in Spanish. It’s a staple in many households across Mexico and beyond, often served as a side dish to complement tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats.
Traditionally, Mexican rice is made by toasting long-grain white rice in oil before cooking it with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. While the stovetop version is delicious, using a slow cooker takes this dish to a whole new level of convenience. By letting the ingredients simmer slowly, the rice absorbs every bit of flavor, resulting in a dish that’s incredibly rich, aromatic, and perfectly fluffy.
Why This Slow Cooker Mexican Rice is the Best
This recipe stands out because:
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor – The slow cooker does all the work, making it a stress-free dish. Just dump the ingredients in, set the timer, and let the magic happen!
Perfect Texture – Cooking rice on the stovetop requires constant monitoring, but the slow cooker ensures even cooking every time. The rice turns out fluffy and tender without being mushy.
Bold & Authentic Taste – The blend of cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and fresh cilantro creates a deep, earthy, and smoky flavor that’s both comforting and exciting.
Versatile & Customizable – You can easily tweak the recipe to suit different dietary needs. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños. Need more protein? Stir in black beans or shredded chicken.
Meal Prep-Friendly – It stores beautifully in the fridge, making it a fantastic meal-prep option. Reheat it throughout the week for quick, flavorful meals.
The History of Mexican Rice
Mexican cuisine has been influenced by Spanish, indigenous, and Moorish culinary traditions. Rice was introduced to Mexico by Spanish colonists in the 1500s, and since then, it has become an essential ingredient in Mexican cooking. Unlike Spanish rice, which is often drier and seasoned with saffron, Mexican rice is moist, vibrant red from tomatoes, and infused with spices like cumin and chili powder.
Over the centuries, different regions of Mexico have developed their own unique takes on Arroz Rojo. Some versions use chicken broth for extra depth, while others include carrots, peas, or even diced bell peppers. Our slow cooker version stays true to the traditional flavors while adding modern convenience.
Health Benefits of Slow Cooker Mexican Rice
Aside from being delicious, this dish offers several health benefits:
Rich in Fiber – The long-grain white rice used in this recipe provides a good amount of dietary fiber, especially when paired with vegetables like tomatoes, onions, peas, and corn. Fiber aids digestion and promotes gut health.
Loaded with Antioxidants – Tomatoes, a key ingredient in this dish, are packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health and reduces inflammation.
Boosts Metabolism – Spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika contain compounds that aid digestion and may help boost metabolism.
Great for Energy – Rice is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy throughout the day.
Vegan & Gluten-Free – This recipe is naturally plant-based and free from gluten, making it an excellent choice for a variety of dietary preferences.
Tips to Make the Best Slow Cooker Mexican Rice
Rinse the Rice – Washing the rice before cooking removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming too sticky.
Use the Right Liquid Ratio – For perfectly cooked rice, use 2 ½ cups of vegetable broth per 1 ½ cups of rice.
Don’t Skip the Toasting – While this step is optional, sautéing the onions and garlic in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker enhances the flavor.
Add Fresh Herbs at the End – Stirring in fresh cilantro and lime juice at the end brightens up the dish and balances the richness.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Mexican Rice
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various meals, including:
Tacos – Serve alongside grilled shrimp, carne asada, or black bean tacos.
Burrito Bowls – Use as a base for burrito bowls with black beans, avocado, and salsa.
Grilled Proteins – A perfect side for grilled chicken, steak, or tofu.
Mexican-Inspired Breakfast – Mix leftovers with scrambled eggs for a tasty breakfast.
As a Standalone Dish – It’s delicious on its own, topped with extra lime and fresh jalapeños.
Storage & Reheating Tips
This slow cooker Mexican rice stores well, making it great for leftovers and meal prep.
Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating – Warm in a pan with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Mexican Rice is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dish. Whether you’re a busy home cook or just looking for an easy way to bring authentic Mexican flavors to your kitchen, this recipe is a game-changer. The slow cooker takes care of the hard work, delivering a fluffy, flavorful, and satisfying dish with minimal effort. So next time you’re craving a delicious and hearty side dish, give this Slow Cooker Mexican Rice a try—you won’t be disappointed!