Instant Pot Mexican Rice (Flavorful & Ready in 20 Minutes!)
If there’s one cuisine I can never resist, it’s Mexican food. I can turn down all the burgers and pasta you can offer when I’m on a health kick, but take me to any Mexican restaurant, and my calorie counting goes out the window.
From fajitas to cheesy enchiladas to just plain old tacos, I’m all in!
But the real star of any meal is the rice. Whatever I’m having, I always have Mexican rice on the side, scooping up every last bite of that Mexican spot, I find myself scooping up every last bite of that perfectly seasoned, fluffy, tomato-infused goodness.
So naturally, I had to figure out how to make it at home, and that’s how I came up with the Instant Pot Mexican Rice.
It’s packed with bold, savory flavors, thanks to garlic, cumin, and a hint of chili powder. Plus, the Instant Pot gives it that perfect texture — soft, fluffy, and infused with all the right spices so you get restaurant-quality results in no time at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and effortless: Hands-free and cooks up in under 30 minutes
- Rich and flavorful: Infused with bold spices and fresh ingredients
- Perfectly cooked every time: Always turns out fluffy; no more mushy rice!
- Versatile: Pairs wonderfully with tacos, grilled meats, or as a burrito filling
- Great for gatherings: This recipe can be doubled to serve more people!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (avocado oil works as a great alternative)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegan/vegetarian option)
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped (white onion is also suitable)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes (optional for garnish)
Prep & Cook Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Natural Release | 10 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water is clear.
- Select the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot.
- Heat olive oil and cook the onions until soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic and stir until fragrant.
- Mix in the rinsed rice and stir to lightly toast it (it should turn slightly golden).
- Add the rest of the ingredients: tomato sauce, broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Secure the lid of your Instant Pot, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes (note that the pressure will take around 10-15 minutes to build).
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
- Open the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chili powder, then serve!
Expert Tips for the Best Instant Pot Mexican Rice
- Don’t forget to rinse the rice. This will remove excess starch and prevents a goopy, sticky texture.
- Also, it’s best to toast the rice before cooking (which is the traditional Mexican way!) to prevent clumping and give the rice a nuttier flavor. However, to prevent getting a “Burn” message, scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon after adding the broth.
- Feel free to throw in diced bell peppers or peas for color and texture.
- If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper or green chilies.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
FAQs About Instant Pot Mexican Rice
What can I pair this rice with?
It’s great in burritos and with grilled chicken, grilled fish, tacos, and any Mexican main dish you can think of.
Can I make this with brown rice?
Yes! Just increase the broth to 2 1/4 cups and cook for 22 to 25 minutes (yes, it takes a much longer time to cook brown rice).
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container (or separate ones for meal prepping) in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Bring Bold, Flavorful Mexican Rice to Your Table in No Time!
Cooking Mexican rice at home has never been easier, thanks to the Instant Pot! Whether you’re making a festive feast or just need a quick, flavorful side dish, this recipe delivers every time.
