Lazy Skillet Mexican Rice Recipe!
How to Make a No-Fuss One Pan Dairy-Free Mexican Rice Using Pantry Staples for Busy Nights!
Hi! I’m Julie, a military spouse, mom of three, and the blogger behind Our Beautiful Chaos.
If you’ve been here a while, you’ll know that most of what I share comes from real life in our home. Busy days, military family life, feeding my boys safely, and finding ways to still put good, comforting food on the table without spending my whole day in the kitchen.
In our family, dairy-free living isn’t a choice or a trend. It’s something we navigate every single day because one of my boys has a life-threatening dairy allergy. That means everything I make has to be safe, but it also has to feel normal, filling, and something everyone actually enjoys eating!
That’s why I care so much about recipes like this one. They make it possible for all of us to enjoy the same food together, without worry.
Growing up in a Mexican American family, Mexican rice was always a staple in our home.
It’s one of those sides that showed up with everything. Weeknight dinners, big family meals, and plates that always felt full and comforting.
And I do have a more traditional, from-scratch Mexican Rice version that I love making when I have the time.
But if I’m being honest, sometimes I just need it to come together a little quicker to get dinner on the table in a hurry. So this is my ‘cheat’ version.
No blending ingredients. No extra prep. Just simple pantry staples and one pan.
It still gives you that familiar flavor, it’s budget-friendly, and it comes together with minimal effort.
Joining me today is Mona from Far From The Farm, and all photo credits go to her. So let’s head into my little kitchen and make this together!
Equipment
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- Large skillet with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
Serves 4 – 6
- 2 cups white jasmine rice (unwashed)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 cups water
- 1 to 2 tbsp chicken bouillon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Rice
Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the dry, unwashed rice and fry it, stirring regularly, until it turns golden. This step is what gives the rice that deeper flavor, so don’t rush it.
Step 2: Add the Liquid
Pour in the tomato sauce and water.
Then add the chicken bouillon and stir everything together.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Turn the heat up slightly and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once it starts bubbling, give it a quick stir.
Step 4: Cover and Cook
Reduce the heat to low.
Cover with a lid and cook for 20 to 25 minutes.
Do not be tempted to open the lid. This is what keeps the rice fluffy and cooks it properly.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Remove from heat.
Fluff gently with a fork and serve.
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes
- Using unwashed rice helps it toast properly
- Jasmine rice gives the softest texture
- Bouillon can be adjusted to taste
Troubleshooting
- Rice still hard? Add a small splash of water, cover again, and cook a little longer
- Rice mushy? Too much liquid or heat too high. Keep heat low once covered
- Rice sticking? Heat was too high. Keep it low and steady
- Flavor too mild? Add a little extra bouillon or salt at the end
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat with a small splash of water to bring it back to life.
Serving Ideas
- Serve alongside tacos or burritos
- Pair with grilled or roasted meats
- Add beans for a simple meal
- Use as a base for rice bowls
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?!
- Quick and easy with minimal prep
- Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
- Perfect for busy family nights
- Reliable and repeatable
- Completely dairy-free
FAQ
Can I rinse the rice first?
No, keeping it unwashed helps it toast properly
Can I use a different rice?
Yes, but jasmine or long grain white works best
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats really well
Is this traditional Mexican rice?
No, this is a shortcut version for busy days
Lazy Skillet Mexican Rice Recipe!
Equipment
- Large skillet with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups white jasmine rice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 8oz canned tomato sauce
- 2 cups water
- 1-2 tbsp chicken bouillon
Instructions
- Add oil to skillet and heat.
- Add the rice and fry until golden.
- Then add tomato sauce, water, and bouillon.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and cook 20 to 25 minutes. Do not lift lid.
- Fluff and serve!
Notes
- Using unwashed rice helps it toast properly
- Jasmine rice gives the softest texture
- Bouillon can be adjusted to taste
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat with a small splash of water to bring it back to life.
Related Recipes
- Check out all our Mexican food dishes
- Here’s all our Side Dishes
- Love Rice? We have lots of Rice Recipes too!
The Takeaway
This lazy skillet Mexican rice is all about getting that familiar, comforting flavor on the table fast, without blending sauces or adding extra steps.
Using simple pantry ingredients like tomato sauce and bouillon, you still get a flavorful, fluffy rice that works with just about any meal, and it comes together in one pan with minimal effort.
It’s the kind of reliable side dish that fits real life and still tastes like home!
What To Try Next?!
Related Recipes
- Check out all our Mexican food dishes
- Here’s all our Side Dishes
- Love Rice? We have lots of Rice Recipes too!
Share & Rate This Recipe!
If you tried this recipe, please share your feedback with a quick star rating or comment below. And if you loved it, don’t forget to share it with friends and family too!
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