If you’re looking for a comforting dish that perfectly blends a little kick with rich, savory flavors, this Rotel Rice Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe combines fluffy long-grain white rice with zesty Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, creating a vibrant medley of colors and tastes that brighten up your dinner table. It’s simple, fuss-free, and delivers that satisfying warmth you’ll want to return to meal after meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Rotel Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, ensuring the rice isn’t just a side but a star of the meal. From the aromatic taco seasoning to the creamy butter, everything contributes to the perfect balance of spice, richness, and texture.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (rinsed): Rinsing helps remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning (or to taste): Adds that savory, spicy punch that gives the dish personality.
- ½ tsp ground cumin: A subtle earthiness that deepens the flavor profile.
- 2â…” cups unsalted chicken broth: The liquid base that infuses the rice with meaty, rich flavor.
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained: The zesty star ingredient with just the right amount of heat and juiciness.
- 4 to 6 Tbsp butter: Brings creaminess and a luscious finish to the cooked rice.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the dish.
How to Make Rotel Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures the rice won’t stick and helps everything cook evenly without drying out.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Next, add the rinsed rice, taco seasoning, ground cumin, chicken broth, undrained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper right into the prepared baking dish. This all-in-one approach makes the process incredibly simple and minimizes pots to wash later.
Step 3: Cover and Bake
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap all the steam. This is key for perfectly cooking the rice as it absorbs flavors and moisture over the next 30 minutes in the oven, transforming it into a tender and spicy masterpiece.
Step 4: Uncover and Continue Baking
After the initial bake, remove the foil carefully and give the rice a gentle stir. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. This step allows any excess liquid to evaporate and lets the top get just a little golden and crisp around the edges.
How to Serve Rotel Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese also works beautifully to mellow out the spice and add indulgence. Thinly sliced green onions bring a gentle crunch and vibrant taste that complements the rice perfectly.
Side Dishes
Rotel Rice makes a fantastic companion to grilled chicken, steak, or even crunchy tacos. You can also serve it alongside a simple black bean salad or charred vegetables to round out a hearty meal. The spicy and savory notes of the rice contrast wonderfully with fresh, crisp sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching twist, try spooning the Rotel Rice Recipe into bell pepper halves or stuff it inside baked avocados. Another fun idea is layering it in a casserole with cheese and cooked ground meat for a cozy, Tex-Mex bake. It’s a versatile base to experiment with and impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover Rotel Rice Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it an easy grab-and-go side or quick meal base during busy weeks.
Freezing
You can freeze Rotel Rice in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Portion it out for convenience. When frozen properly, it keeps well for up to 2 months without losing much of its texture or vibrant flavors.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to bring back moisture and fluffiness. You can also use the microwave, covering the dish to trap steam and stirring halfway through. Avoid overheating to keep the rice from drying out or becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid because it’s less processed. Adjust the broth quantity and baking time accordingly to ensure it cooks through.
How spicy is this Rotel Rice Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the diced green chilies in the Rotel tomatoes and the taco seasoning. You can adjust the spice by choosing mild or spicy Rotel and tweaking the seasoning amounts to suit your taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Rotel Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your taco seasoning does not contain any gluten additives. Always double-check ingredient labels if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead of the oven?
Although the oven method is easy and hands-off, you can make a similar version on the stovetop by simmering the rice and ingredients together until fully cooked and liquid absorbed. Just watch the heat carefully and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
What can I add to make this recipe even more flavorful?
Try adding sautéed onions and garlic before baking for a deeper savory base. A splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving can also elevate the dish beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Rotel Rice Recipe enough if you want a dish that’s incredibly easy but bursting with flavor. It’s a satisfying side that can steal the show any night of the week. Give it a try, tweak it to your liking, and watch it become your new go-to comfort food that friends and family will rave about!
Print
Rotel Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Rotel Rice is a flavorful and easy one-dish meal that combines long-grain white rice with Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, seasoned with taco spices, and baked to perfection. It’s a tasty side or main dish that requires minimal preparation and delivers a spicy, savory punch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (rinsed)
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning (or to taste)
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 2â…” cups unsalted chicken broth
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained)
- 4 to 6 Tbsp butter
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 425ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, add the rinsed rice, taco seasoning, ground cumin, chicken broth, undrained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cover with foil: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and allow the rice to cook evenly.
- Bake covered: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the liquids and flavors.
- Stir and bake uncovered: Carefully remove the foil, stir the rice to evenly distribute ingredients, then return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch and helps prevent clumping.
- The amount of butter can be adjusted based on preference for richness and flavor.
- For a spicier dish, add extra diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the taco seasoning.
- Leftover rice can be refrigerated and reheated; add a splash of broth or water to retain moisture.
- Vegetarian option: substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a dairy-free butter alternative if desired.
