We’ve always been huge fans of Joanna Gaines’ warm, approachable style, and her take on Mexican rice captures that perfectly. Drawing from traditional flavors with a comforting twist, this recipe brings vibrant spices and fresh ingredients to your table, making it a go-to side for any meal.
It’s not just about the taste—it’s the ease and heart behind it that we love. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or whipping up a quick dinner, we’ll show you how this dish can elevate your everyday cooking with simple steps and bold flavors.
Ingredients
We love how the fresh, vibrant ingredients in Joanna Gaines’ Mexican Rice Recipe come together to create a flavorful, comforting side dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Below, we list them in the order they’re typically used, with precise measurements and prep notes for easy preparation.
Main Ingredients List
To achieve that authentic, hearty taste, gather these key components:
- Rice: 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed under cold water to remove excess starch for better texture
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped for a sweet base flavor
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced to release their aromatic essence
- Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained, to infuse juicy acidity
- Bell Pepper: 1 green bell pepper, diced, adding a subtle crunch and color
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, for a rich, savory liquid base
- Spices:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin, for earthy warmth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, to bring mild heat and depth
- ½ teaspoon salt, adjusted to taste for balanced seasoning
- Oil: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for sautéing and preventing sticking
- Fresh Herbs: ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, as a final garnish for bright, herbaceous notes
This selection highlights the simplicity and heart of Joanna Gaines’ approach, using everyday items to elevate your meal with traditional Mexican flavors.
Tools and Equipment
Before we dive into preparing our Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice, let’s gather the essential tools that make the process efficient and enjoyable. These items help us handle the ingredients like long-grain white rice, onions, and spices with precision, ensuring a flavorful result every time.
- Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven: We rely on this for sautéing aromatics and simmering the rice to achieve that perfect, fluffy texture—ideal for recipes like our Mexican rice.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: These are crucial for chopping vegetables such as onions, garlic, and green bell peppers quickly and safely, minimizing prep time.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in our recipe, so we use these to measure out ingredients like chicken broth and spices without guesswork.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring the mixture as it cooks, preventing sticking and allowing us to blend flavors seamlessly.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer: If using canned tomatoes, this helps us drain excess liquid, ensuring our rice doesn’t become too watery.
By having these tools ready, we streamline the transition from prepping ingredients to cooking, making our Joanna Gaines Mexican Rice recipe even more approachable and rewarding.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through preparing Joanna Gaines’ flavorful Mexican rice with simple, step-by-step directions to achieve authentic results every time.
Prep
Before we begin cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to ensure everything is ready for a seamless process. Start by rinsing 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear; this removes excess starch for fluffier rice. Next, finely chop 1 medium onion, mince 2 garlic cloves, and dice 1 green bell pepper into small, even pieces on a cutting board using a sharp knife. Open a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes and drain them well to remove excess liquid, reserving about 1/2 cup of the juice for later. Measure out 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, along with 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to have them at hand. This preparation sets the stage for building layers of taste in our dish.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we move to the stovetop to bring out the vibrant flavors. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their aroma, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the rinsed rice and the spices (cumin, chili powder, and salt), toasting the rice for 2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor. Pour in the drained diced tomatoes along with the reserved juice and the chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. For monitoring, we recommend checking at the 15-minute mark to ensure even cooking.
Assemble and Serve
Once the rice is cooked, we finalize the dish to make it ready for the table. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to steam, then fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and distribute the flavors evenly. If desired, stir in fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of brightness, though this is optional based on Joanna Gaines’ approachable style. Serve our Mexican rice immediately as a warm, comforting side dish alongside grilled meats or beans, highlighting its vibrant colors and rich, savory notes that elevate any meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage
As we perfect Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice recipe, let’s explore how to prepare it in advance and store it safely to maintain its vibrant flavors and textures. This approach ensures our dish remains fresh and ready for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings, preserving the warm, savory notes of toasted rice and spices.
Making Ahead
We love making Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice ahead of time to simplify meal prep. Start by fully cooking the rice according to our step-by-step instructions, then let it cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This prevents condensation that could make the rice mushy. Once cooled, portion the rice into airtight containers or freezer bags for easy access. For optimal flavor, aim to make it no more than 2 days in advance if refrigerating, as this keeps the dish’s bright colors and aromatic essence intact.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice delicious and safe. We recommend the following methods based on your needs:
- Refrigerator Storage: Transfer the cooled rice to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. This method works best for short-term use, locking in the dish’s hearty, comforting flavors.
- Freezer Storage: For longer preservation, place the rice in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. This keeps the rice’s fluffy texture and rich, savory profile ready for future meals.
If you’re tracking storage durations, here’s a quick reference table for guidelines:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Use within 2 days for best taste and texture; reheat thoroughly to 165°F. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Label with the date; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. |
Reheating Instructions
To bring back the full, vibrant essence of Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice, we suggest reheating it gently. For refrigerated rice, warm it in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water, stirring occasionally until heated through—about 5 minutes. This revives the dish’s fluffy grains and bold, spicy aromas. If using frozen rice, thaw it first in the fridge, then reheat as above, adding a squeeze of lime for extra zest. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to keep it safe and delicious, maintaining that comforting, homemade quality.
Conclusion
We’ve wrapped up our journey with Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice recipe feeling inspired and satisfied. It’s a dish that effortlessly blends comfort with vibrancy, becoming a go-to for us in everyday meals. We’re confident it’ll spark joy in your kitchen too, turning simple ingredients into memorable moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice recipe?
Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice is a simple, comforting side dish that blends traditional flavors with everyday ingredients. It features long-grain white rice cooked with onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, green bell pepper, and spices, simmered in low-sodium chicken broth for a vibrant, authentic taste. This recipe emphasizes ease and heartiness, perfect for family meals or gatherings, reflecting her approachable style.
What ingredients are needed for Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice?
The key ingredients include long-grain white rice, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, green bell pepper, low-sodium chicken broth, and a blend of spices. Fresh additions like cilantro or lime are optional for extra flavor. This combination creates a flavorful, vibrant dish that’s simple to prepare with everyday pantry staples.
What tools are required to make Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice?
You’ll need a large saucepan or Dutch oven for cooking, a cutting board and sharp knife for chopping veggies, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring, and a fine-mesh strainer for draining tomatoes. These tools make the process efficient and enjoyable.
How do I prepare Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice step by step?
Start by rinsing the rice and chopping vegetables. Sauté onion and bell pepper in a saucepan, add rice and toast it, then mix in garlic, tomatoes, spices, and broth. Simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Fluff and serve with optional garnishes like cilantro or lime for a bright finish.
Can I make Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance for convenience. Cook the rice fully, cool it completely, then store in airtight containers. This allows you to enjoy its flavors later, making it ideal for meal prep or events.
How should I store Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice?
Store cooled rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a saucepan with a splash of broth to maintain fluffiness and flavors. Always ensure it’s heated to 165°F for safety.
What are some tips for serving Joanna Gaines’ Mexican rice?
Pair it with grilled meats, beans, or tacos for a complete meal. Add fresh cilantro, lime juice, or cheese for extra zest. For best results, use fresh ingredients and adjust spices to taste, ensuring a vibrant, comforting side that elevates any dish.