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.

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.

Rotel Mexican Rice: 7 Delicious Feel-Good Steps

Name: Rotel Mexican Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-490887H42M10S
Total time: PT-490887H42M10S
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

Description

This Easy Rotel Mexican Rice is a warm, flavorful, and comforting Tex-Mex side dish made with long-grain rice, Rotel tomatoes, chicken broth, and cozy spices. It bakes in the oven for a hands-off, foolproof recipe perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
In the prepared dish, combine the rinsed rice, taco seasoning, cumin, chicken broth, Rotel (undrained), butter, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix well.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil carefully and stir the rice to prevent sticking.
Continue baking uncovered for 20–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

Notes

If the rice still looks brothy after 20 minutes, add extra baking time in 5-minute increments.

For extra heat, use Hot Rotel or add a pinch of cayenne.

Add black beans, corn, or cooked chicken after the first stir for a heartier meal.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Category: side dish
Method: Oven-Baked
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 245 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg