Name: Spanish Rice in the Rice Cooker
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups white rice; 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice (14-ounce )); 3 1/2 cups water; 1 small onion (diced); 3 bouillon cubes (or 3 teaspoons Better than Bouillon); 1-3 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cumin (or smoked cumin); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Easy Spanish Rice in the Rice Cooker {30-Minute Recipe}

4.51 from 51 votes

124 Comments

Servings: 10

35 minutes

This easy Spanish Rice Recipe is made in the rice cooker with just a few simple ingredients—a flavorful side dish in about 30 minutes!

Jump to Recipe ▼

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This easy Spanish Rice Recipe is made in the rice cooker, coming together with just a few simple ingredients. All you have to do is dump everything into the rice cooker, set it, and forget it! A flavorful side dish to complement any Mexican-inspired meal and on the table in about 30 minutes.

⏰ While traditional stovetop Spanish rice can take up to an hour with constant attention, this rice cooker version delivers restaurant-quality results in half the time. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a flavorful side dish fast.

My 2 Best Tips For Making Spanish Rice in the Rice Cooker
Spanish Rice in the Rice Cooker Recipe
Recipe FAQs
More Rice Recipes to Consider

My 2 Best Tips For Making Spanish Rice in the Rice Cooker

Spice It Up: The spice level is mild to medium depending on how much chili powder you use. Start with 1 tablespoon for mild, use 2 tablespoons for medium heat, or if you like it spicy, add in a couple pinches of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Resting Time: If I’m not in a huge rush to get this dish on the table, then I let it rest after the rice cooker switches to “warm” mode. Even 10 minutes is good enough to allow the flavors to develop even more. It just helps every grain become perfectly tender and evenly seasoned.

🩷 Melissa

I don’t think I’ve ever said no to Mexican food. There are so many bright flavors and ways to serve it, like this easy Spanish rice. All you do is throw the ingredients into the rice cooker, and you have rich, flavorful rice with almost zero effort.

This rice is so delish and goes great in burritos and enchiladas, or as a side for any of your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex meals like empanadas!

4.51 from 51 votes

Spanish Rice in the Rice Cooker

By: Melissa Griffiths

Prep: 5

Cook: 30

Total: 35

Servings:

Save Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Print Recipe

Ingredients

▢ 2 cups white rice
▢ 1 can diced tomatoes, with juice (14-ounce )
▢ 3 1/2 cups water
▢ 1 small onion, diced
▢ 3 bouillon cubes , or 3 teaspoons Better than Bouillon
▢ 1-3 tablespoons chili powder
▢ 1 teaspoon salt
▢ 1 teaspoon cumin , or smoked cumin
▢ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Place the rice in the bottom of the rice cooker and then add the diced tomatoes, water, and bouillon. Add the onion and spices and stir a little to dissolve the spices in the water.
Cook according to manufacturer’s instructions.
When the rice is cooked, test for salt and add more if needed.
Serve as a side dish or inside your favorite burritos and tacos.

Video

Notes

Rice Options:

I prefer a medium or long grain white rice, such as jasmine or basmati.
I use brown rice often and increase my water by one cup. The Spanish rice in the pictures was made with brown rice and I bet you didn’t even notice. Your family won’t either.

Bouillon or Broth: You can use chicken or vegetable stock or broth in place of the bouillon and water.

Seasonings: The amount of chili powder you use is going to depend on how much you like. I’d try it with 2 tablespoons first and then you can go up or down from there depending on your preferences.

Use the Instant Pot: I have the Aroma Housewares 20 Cup Rice Cooker and love it (it makes 20 cups of cooked rice, perfect for a party or crowd!). I know that the Instant Pot has a rice cooker function that also works great.

Serving Ideas: You can serve this as a side to tacos (like our favorite Best Chicken Tacos Ever, and it’s also great tucked inside Smothered Burritos.

Storing Leftovers:

Store leftover rice in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 6 days.
It freezes really well, too! Once it’s cooled, place extras in a zipper-topped freezer bag, label, and freeze. It should keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To thaw it out, place the bag in a bowl of warm water before heating through to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1½ cup servings, Calories: 150kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 0.05mg, Sodium: 599mg, Potassium: 156mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 288IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 33mg, Iron: 1mg

Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

Recipe FAQs

Can you use brown rice for Spanish Rice?

You sure can! I do and prefer it. Just make sure to increase the liquid by one cup, and you’ll be solid.

Can you use an Instant Pot to make Spanish Rice?

You can! Just follow the instructions for the rice cooker function on your Instant Pot.

What is the difference between Spanish Rice and Mexican Rice?

The differences between Spanish Rice and Mexican Rice are very subtle. Spanish Rice is more firm and heartier while Mexican Rice tends to be softer in texture. The color also varies – Spanish rice tends to be more yellow in color because of the saffron, while Mexican Rice is more of a reddish color due to the cumin. This Mexican Rice isn’t the most authentic dish but is sure tastes delicious.