19 Mexican Rice Recipe Without Tomato Paste Experience Flavor Like Never Before!

Published on: May 2, 2024

Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice, is a flavorful and versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. While many traditional recipes call for tomato paste as a key ingredient, there are plenty of ways to make delicious Mexican rice without using this ingredient. This is especially helpful for those who have dietary restrictions or simply do not enjoy the taste of tomato paste. In this article, we will explore a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Mexican rice without tomato paste.

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Mexican Rice Bowl

Main Ingredients: Rice, Black Beans, Diced Tomatoes, Diced Red Onion

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If you're looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make meal, look no further than this delicious Mexican rice bowl recipe. With a perfect blend of spices and fresh ingredients, it's a crowd-pleasing dish that will become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it's completely customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings and create the perfect bowl for your taste buds.

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Authentic Mexican Rice

Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Rice, Garlic, Diced Onions, Chicken

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This recipe for authentic Mexican rice is a must-try for any food lover. Made with long-grain rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices, it's a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with any Mexican-inspired meal. The secret to achieving the perfect texture and flavor is toasting the rice before cooking it, which adds a depth of flavor that you won't find in any store-bought version.

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Mexican Rice

Main Ingredients: Green Pepper, Diced Onion, Oil, Frozen Corn, Salsa

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Looking for a simple and delicious side dish to serve at your next Mexican-themed dinner? This Mexican rice recipe is just what you need. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, it's an easy and flavorful addition to any meal. Serve it alongside your favorite protein for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Mexican Rice Casserole

Main Ingredients: Hamburger, Tomatoes, Rice, Water, Shredded Cheddar

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If you're tired of the same old boring casserole dishes, this Mexican rice casserole will be a welcome change. Packed with bold flavors and topped with a layer of melted cheese, it's a one-pan meal that will please the whole family. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover rice you may have on hand.

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Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice

Main Ingredients: Rice, Oil, Tomato Sauce, Cilantro, Salt, Garlic Cloves

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Do you love the rice served at your favorite Mexican restaurant? Recreate that same delicious flavor at home with this restaurant-style Mexican rice recipe. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can have this tasty side dish on your table in no time. Serve it alongside your favorite Mexican dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.

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3 Ingredient Mexican Rice

Main Ingredients: Rice, Chicken Broth, Enchilada Sauce, Salt, Pepper

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If you're short on time and ingredients, this 3-ingredient Mexican rice recipe is perfect for you. With just rice, salsa, and broth, you can have a flavorful and satisfying side dish on the table in under 30 minutes. It's a great option for busy weeknights or when you need to whip up a last-minute meal.

7 of 20

Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Medium Onion, Basmati Rice, Garlic Cloves

This simple and delicious Mexican rice recipe is a staple in many households. Made with pantry staples like rice, tomato sauce, and chicken broth, it's an easy and budget-friendly dish that's perfect for any night of the week. Top it with your favorite ingredients, like avocado, cilantro, or shredded cheese, for a personalized twist.

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Mexican Rice | Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Main Ingredients: Medium Onion, Tomato, Garlic, Cilantro, Jalapeno, Oil

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Looking for a quick and easy way to make Mexican rice? This Instant Pot Mexican rice recipe is here to save the day. With the help of your trusty pressure cooker, you can have perfectly cooked rice in just a few minutes. Plus, it's a hands-off method, so you can focus on preparing the rest of your meal.

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Mexican Rice Pudding (Arroz con leche)

Main Ingredients: Water, Cinnamon Stick, Lime Zest, Rice, Milk, Sugar

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For a sweet and satisfying dessert, look no further than this Mexican rice pudding, also known as arroz con leche. Made with rice, milk, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it's a comforting and indulgent treat that will transport you straight to Mexico. Serve it warm or chilled for a delicious ending to any meal.

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One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole

Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Kosher Salt, Chili Powder, Ground

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This one-skillet Mexican rice casserole is a hearty and flavorful meal that will become a family favorite. Packed with rice, beans, corn, and ground beef, it's a complete and satisfying dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it's all made in one pan, so clean up is a breeze.

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Mexican Rice and Beans

Main Ingredients: Cooked White Rice, Pinto Beans, Salsa, Olive Oil

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Mexican rice and beans are a classic pairing that never goes out of style. This recipe takes it to the next level with a homemade ranchero sauce that adds a burst of flavor to the dish. Serve it as a side dish or add some protein, like chicken or shrimp, to make it a complete meal.

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Perfect Mexican Rice

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Carrot, Garlic, Long Grain

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As the name suggests, this recipe for perfect Mexican rice is a foolproof way to achieve fluffy and flavorful rice every time. The key to success is rinsing the rice before cooking, which removes any excess starch and prevents clumping. Serve it alongside your favorite Mexican dishes for a delicious and authentic meal.

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Mexican Casserole

Main Ingredients: Rice, Chicken Breasts, Taco Seasoning, Oil, Minced

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This Mexican casserole is a spin on traditional enchiladas, but with a layer of rice on the bottom for added texture and flavor. Filled with ground beef, beans, and plenty of cheese, it's a hearty and satisfying dish that will please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it's a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

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Super Easy Mexican Rice

Main Ingredients: White Rice, Sazon Goya, Chicken Bouillon, Vegetable

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This super easy Mexican rice recipe is perfect for when you're short on time but still want a delicious and flavorful side dish. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it's a no-fuss recipe that anyone can make. Serve it alongside your favorite Mexican dishes or use it as a filling for burritos or tacos.

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Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, White Onion, Garlic, Water, Chicken

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Using your Instant Pot to make Mexican rice is a game-changer. With this recipe, you can have perfectly cooked rice in just a few minutes, without having to watch a pot on the stove. Plus, the pressure cooker infuses the rice with extra flavor, making it even more delicious than traditional methods.

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Mexican Rice And Beans

Main Ingredients: Rice, Beans, Olive Oil, Red Onion, Capsicum, Dried

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This recipe for Mexican rice and beans is a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. With a variety of vegetables, beans, and spices, it's an all-in-one dish that's packed with flavor and nutrition. Serve it as a main dish or use it as a filling for burritos or tacos.

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Healthy 6-Ingredient Mexican Rice

Main Ingredients: Brown Basmati Rice, Water, Taco Seasoning, Corn And

For a healthier spin on traditional Mexican rice, try this 6-ingredient recipe that uses brown rice and swaps out canned ingredients for fresh ones. It's still packed with flavor and is a great option for those following a plant-based or gluten-free diet. Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and spices.

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Quick Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole

Main Ingredients: Scallions, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Yellow Bell

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This quick skillet Mexican rice casserole is a great option for busy nights when you need a quick and satisfying meal. With rice, beans, corn, and plenty of cheese, it's a hearty and flavorful dish that comes together in just one pan. Serve it with your favorite toppings, like avocado, salsa, or sour cream, for a complete meal.

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Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Taco Seasoning, Rice, Salsa, Kosher

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These Mexican stuffed peppers are a fun and delicious twist on traditional stuffed peppers. Filled with a mixture of rice, ground beef, beans, and cheese, they're a complete meal in one colorful package. Plus, they're easy to make and perfect for meal prep, so you can have a tasty and satisfying meal on hand all week long.

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Mexican Rice & Black Bean Casserole (With Chicken)

Main Ingredients: Rice, Chicken Broth, Refried Beans, Cooked Chicken

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This Mexican rice and black bean casserole with chicken is a hearty and flavorful meal that's perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of rice, beans, chicken, and cheese, it's a complete and satisfying dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings and ingredients.

The Role of Tomato Paste in Mexican Rice

Why Some May Choose to Omit Tomato Paste

Tomato paste is often used in Mexican rice to add a rich and tangy flavor. However, some people may choose to omit this ingredient due to personal preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, individuals following a low-carb or keto diet may choose to avoid tomato paste due to its high sugar content. Additionally, those with tomato allergies or sensitivities may need to avoid this ingredient. Fortunately, there are several tasty alternatives to tomato paste that can be used in Mexican rice.

The Importance of Substituting Tomato Paste

While tomato paste does add a distinct flavor to Mexican rice, it is not essential to the dish. In fact, there are many other flavorful ingredients that can be used in place of tomato paste. Substituting tomato paste allows for more versatility and creativity in the dish, making it suitable for a wider range of dietary needs and preferences. Plus, it's always fun to experiment with different ingredients and flavors in the kitchen!

Delicious Mexican Rice Recipe Without Tomato Paste

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook until soft and fragrant.
Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the onion and garlic.
Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt to the skillet and stir to evenly distribute the spices.
Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 18-20 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped cilantro.
Serve and enjoy your delicious Mexican rice without tomato paste!

Other Tomato Paste Substitutes

If you're looking for even more variety in your Mexican rice, here are a few other ingredients that can be used as substitutes for tomato paste:

Tomato sauce: This is a great option for those who still want to incorporate a tomato flavor into their dish without using paste. Simply use half the amount of tomato sauce as the amount of tomato paste called for in the recipe.
Roasted red peppers: These add a flavorful and slightly sweet twist to Mexican rice. Use about 1/4 cup of diced roasted red peppers in place of the tomato paste.
Salsa: Another great option for adding tomato flavor to Mexican rice is using your favorite salsa. Simply add 1/4 cup of salsa to the recipe in place of the tomato paste.

In Conclusion

While tomato paste is often used in traditional Mexican rice recipes, it is not a necessary ingredient. By using the simple and tasty recipe and ingredient substitutions outlined in this article, you can enjoy a delicious and unique version of Mexican rice without tomato paste. Feel free to get creative and experiment with other substitutes to find your perfect flavor profile. Happy cooking!