Rotel Mexican Rice: 7 Delicious Feel-Good Steps

Name: Rotel Mexican Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-490090H41M47S
Total time: PT-490090H41M47S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or to taste); ½ teaspoon ground cumin; 2⅔ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained; 4–6 tablespoons butter; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re anything like me, dinner hour can sometimes feel like a sprint you didn’t train for. That’s exactly why I adore recipes like rotel mexican rice—they’re simple, flavorful, and practically cook themselves while you go handle… well, life. Whether you’re juggling kids, meetings, laundry, or all three at once (solidarity!), this warm and hearty dish is here to save the day.

This oven-baked version is fuss-free, pantry-friendly, and so forgiving it’s basically the culinary equivalent of a supportive best friend. And since it’s made with Rotel, butter, and cozy spices, your kitchen will smell like the promise of a good evening.

Let’s get into this deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Rotel Mexican Rice

For starters, this easy rotel mexican rice is bold, comforting, and wildly simple. You toss everything in a baking dish, cover it, and let the oven work its magic. That’s my kind of weekday win.

Here’s why this recipe is about to become one of your go-to sides:

Hands-off cooking – Mix, cover, bake, walk away. It’s freedom in casserole form.
Budget-friendly ingredients – Staples like rice, broth, butter, taco seasoning, and Rotel keep things simple.
Crowd-pleasing flavor – Mild heat from the green chiles + the richness of butter = a guaranteed hit.
Perfect for busy families – It pairs with anything from tacos to roasted chicken, and picky eaters usually approve because… rice.

And as someone who built an entire cooking philosophy around minimal effort, maximum flavor, trust me—this dish fits the mission beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what’s going into your new favorite rice dish:

1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
2 tablespoons taco seasoning (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon ground cumin
2⅔ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
4–6 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper, to taste

Simple, right? These are weeknight-warrior ingredients.

How to Make Easy Rotel Mexican Rice

Step 1 — Prep Your Dish

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish generously with non-stick spray so nothing sticks later (because nobody needs extra scrubbing at 8 p.m.).

Step 2 — Combine the Ingredients

Right in the baking dish, add:

The rinsed rice
Taco seasoning
Ground cumin
Chicken broth
The whole can of Rotel (don’t drain it!)
Butter
Salt and pepper

Give everything a good stir so the flavors mingle like old friends at a potluck.

Step 3 — Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil. This traps all the moisture and helps your rice cook evenly.
Bake for 30 minutes.

Step 4 — Stir

Remove the foil carefully—hello, steam!—and give the rice a solid stir. This keeps the grains from sticking to the bottom and helps the flavors blend even more.

Step 5 — Bake Again

Return the pan to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20–30 more minutes, or until the rice is tender, fluffy, and irresistibly aromatic.

If your rice looks a little too brothy at the 20-minute mark, don’t panic—it just needs more time to soak up all that goodness.

Mounia’s Tips for the Best Easy Rotel Mexican Rice

After making this dish on one of those weeks where my life felt like one giant to-do list (you know the ones), I picked up a few helpful tricks:

✔ Use long-grain rice

Short-grain rice gets softer and stickier, which isn’t the vibe here. Long-grain keeps things fluffy.

✔ Handle the moisture

Rotel adds liquid, which is why the cooking time is a bit longer. Trust the process—your patience gets rewarded.

✔ Don’t skimp on butter

Butter adds richness and helps the spices bloom. Four tablespoons is great… six is better if you’re having that kind of week.

✔ Add-ins are welcome

Stir in corn, black beans, or even leftover shredded chicken after the first 30 minutes if you want to bulk this up into a full meal.

Spoonful of rotel mexican rice with tomatoes and fresh herbs, showing fluffy seasoned rice in a wooden bowl. — A hearty spoonful of rotel mexican rice, packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor and vibrant tomatoes.

FAQ About Easy Rotel Mexican Rice

Can I substitute brown rice in this recipe?

You can, but brown rice needs more liquid and a much longer bake time (about 75–90 minutes). If you try it, add at least ½ cup more broth.

How spicy is this?

Rotel adds a mild kick. If you want more heat, use the “Hot” variety or add a pinch of cayenne.

Can I store leftovers?

Absolutely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave with a splash of broth.

Does this work as a main dish?

Yes! Add beans or chicken and it becomes a hearty, budget-friendly meal on its own.

Bring It All Together

This rotel mexican rice is the kind of cozy, flavorful dish that makes dinnertime feel a little less chaotic and a lot more delicious. It’s simple, comforting, and loaded with Tex-Mex charm—perfect for busy cooks who want real flavor without the fuss.

When you pull this bubbling, buttery rice from the oven, your home will smell like a warm hug. And honestly, who couldn’t use a few more of those?

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Rotel Mexican Rice, here are a few more cozy, flavor-packed dishes you’ll definitely want to try next. They’re easy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something really good on the table:

Craving another creamy, zesty rice dish? Check out these Street Corn Chicken and Rice Bowls — a family favorite with big Tex-Mex energy.
Want something warm, cheesy, and extra comforting? This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice always hits the spot.
Need a fun, crispy snack everyone will devour? These Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are quick, easy, and perfect for kids and grown-ups alike.
Looking for another hearty, flavorful option? This Mexican Beef and Rice Soup is cozy, satisfying, and perfect for chilly evenings.

Enjoy exploring—your dinner (and your taste buds!) are in for a treat.