Healthy, Easy, Delicious.
In other words, this Mexican brown rice recipe is our very favorite combination of things! Each and every grain of brown rice is seasoned with juicy tomato sauce and spicy taco seasoning (that trusty homemade taco seasoning we’re always talking about, of course) making for a big pot of goodness that’ll find all sorts of happy uses in your kitchen. Stuff burritos with it, serve it alongside some crispy carnitas, or just eat it as-is—because we add black beans, it’s basically a complete, one-pot vegan meal—for a quick, simple lunch. If you really want to take things over the top, you could add some sliced avocado and garnish it with cilantro.
A Restaurant Favorite From Pantry Ingredients
Really good Mexican rice and beans are all about basic ingredients and a little technique. We’ll get to the technique stuff in a minute, but first here’s what you’ll need to make this easy Mexican brown rice.
- Brown rice
- Canned tomato sauce
- Vegetable or chicken broth. If you use veggie broth, this Mexican rice becomes vegan Mexican rice—voila! Another vegan side dish to keep in your back pocket.
- Taco seasoning. Homemade is best, but store-bought is fine.
- Canned black beans.
How To Make Mexican Rice
OK, now it’s time for a little technique! Just a few moments of attentiveness will ensure that your tomato-y rice is just as fluffy and flavorful as it would be at the Mexican restaurant of your dreams! Here’s how easy it is to make Mexican brown rice and beans:
- Rinse the rice. It’s tempting to skip this step, right? But don’t! Taking an extra 30 seconds to rinse those little brown rice grains is what gives you fluffy, separate grains instead of a mushy blob-o-rice.
- Warm some oil in a skillet and then carefully add all of the ingredients except the beans and bring the whole thing to a boil.
- Simmer! Lower the heat so that it is just simmering, cover and simmer for about 40 minutes.
- When the rice is cooked, add the beans and give everything a little fluff with a fork but do so quickly! As soon as you’ve given it a quick fluff, replace the lid so the Mexican can steam for a few more minutes and get gorgeously tender.
Is Mexican Rice Healthy?
Yes! This Mexican brown rice recipe definitely qualifies as a healthy recipe! It’s a whole grain side dish that sings with flavor, which means its super satisfying and filling. If you use low-sodium stock, it’s not too high in sodium, and if you use vegetable stock this Mexican rice is fully vegan! Simple, flavorful, and full of protein and fiber, it’s a side (or light meal) you can definitely feel good about eating and serving to your family.
Tools You’ll Need
- Fine mesh sieve.
- Large skillet with a lid.
- Can opener.
More Mexican Restaurant Favorites to Make At Home
How’d You Like It?
Let us know! Snap a photo of your Mexican brown rice and beans, and maybe even a video of the beautiful people you share it with. Tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper so we can share in your cooking victories. Happy eating!
