• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Good Cheap Eats
  • About
    • Welcome to the Good Cheap Eats Kitchen
    • Media
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • Contact Me
  • Members Only
    • Login
    • Club Homepage
    • Club Resource Library
    • Downloads
    • Live Club Events
  • Recipe Index
  • Recent Posts
  • SHOP
    • Purchases
    • Cookbooks
    • Planner
    • The Good Cheap Eats Club
    • Meal Plans
    • Holiday Helps
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Start Here
  • All Recipes
  • Summer Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Join the Club
  • Cookbooks
  • About
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Start Here
    • All Recipes
    • Summer Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Shop
    • Join the Club
    • Cookbooks
    • About
    • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Mexican Food Recipes

    Spanish Brown Rice (Mexican Brown Rice)

    Published: Jan 26, 2023 · Modified: Jan 26, 2023 by Jessica Fisher

    FacebookTweetPinPrint
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, please see our disclosure policy.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Spanish Brown Rice is a delicious, whole grain side dish that goes perfectly with grilled or roasted meats as well as a hearty base for Burrito Bowls. You can top it with Black Beans, grilled chicken, and your favorite taco toppings for an easy gluten free bowl meal. It’s delicious as a side to Cumin Pork Loin Roast.

    If you love our Mexican Rice recipe, then be sure to give this Spanish, or Mexican Brown Rice recipe a go. Yes, the names are often interchangeable, but no matter what you call it, this Mexican or Spanish Rice is super tasty made with short grain brown rice.

    overhead shot of table with a bowl of Spanish brown rice and taco toppings. this …

    Want to save this post?

    Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I’ll send you budget recipes and money-saving tips every week!

    Save Recipe

    Jump to:
    • Why Make This
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • FAQs
    • Mexican Recipes to Try
    • Tell us what you think!
    • Spanish Brown Rice

    Often referred to as a sopa seca, or “dry soup”, Spanish Brown Rice is a super tasty addition to your taco or enchilada plate, but it can also hold its own in terms of flavor. Cooked brown rice, prepared as a pilaf, has a nutty flavor that is delicious accented with tomato and spices.

    Why Make This

    It’s easy! With just a handful of grocery staples, you can pull together this tasty rice dish in just a few steps. It can be made on the stovetop as well as in the electric pressure cooker.

    It’s whole grain. They say that whole grains can help keep your heart healthy and your digestion in good working order. This rice dish is a great dish on all counts.

    It’s delicious. I’ve had this recipe on repeat the last few weeks, and my family absolutely devours it! It’s so tasty!

    Ingredients

    Here’s what you’ll need to make Spanish Brown Rice:

    ingredients for Spanish brown rice laid out on counter.

    olive oil – You’ll need a bit of fat to saute the rice and the onion. I use olive oil, but you can use butter or another cooking oil if you prefer.

    short grain brown rice – I love using brown rice for Mexican rice. I use short grain because it reminds me a bit of paella, another Spanish rice dish.

    onion – Some finely chopped onion adds great flavor. You can use chopped shallots or leeks if you have them, or even add some chopped fresh garlic if you like. Remember you can freeze onions if you have extra.

    spices – I use ground cumin, dried oregano, and salt in this dish. You can also use chili powder or taco seasoning if you prefer.

    tomato sauce – Tomato sauce adds that classic flavor to Spanish Brown Rice. If you don’t have it, you can dilute a tablespoon of tomato paste in water for a substitute.

    liquid – Use vegetable broth to keep this vegetarian or chicken stock or chicken broth if that’s what you have. In a pinch, you can also use water. You’ll need less liquid if you’re making this in the Instant Pot, so read the recipe card carefully.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Here’s how to make Spanish Brown Rice in the Instant Pot:

    sautéing rice and onion in oil in instant pot.
    adding sauce and spices to instant pot.
    adding broth added to instant pot.
    fluffing cooked Spanish brown rice with a fork.
    • Heat the oil on sauté and add the rice and onion. Cook, stirring, until the rice turns white and the onion starts to go clear.
    • Stir in the seasonings and tomato sauce. Add the broth and stir. 
    • Secure the lid and close the pressure valve. Set the machine to 22 minutes. Once the time has elapsed, do a natural 10-minute release. 
    • Remove the cover and fluff the rice with a fork. Adjust the seasonings and serve.

    To make Spanish Brown Rice in a pan on the stove top:

    • Heat the oil in a large sauce pan with a lid and sauté the rice and onion. Cook, stirring, until the rice turns white and the onion starts to go clear.
    • Stir in the seasonings and tomato sauce. Add the broth and stir. Note: you’ll need more liquid if cooking on the stovetop.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook 45 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated. 
    • Remove the cover and fluff the rice with a fork. Adjust the seasonings and serve.

    FAQs

    What is the difference between Spanish Rice and Mexican Rice?

    The terms are often used interchangeably, possibly due to a conflation of the language spoken in Mexico. Both terms refer to a rice pilaf cooked with tomatoes to create a “red rice” as it’s called in Tex-Mex cooking. This style of rice is not made in Spanish cuisine, though it is similar to how Paella is prepared, with tomato substituted for the saffron flavoring and color. In the US “Spanish Rice” and “Mexican Rice” are essentially the same dish.

    Is Spanish Rice white rice or brown rice?

    Typically it is made with white, but in this recipe we’re using the whole grain, short brown rice. The resulting dish is a little starchier, but just as delicious!

    Is Spanish Rice better for you than white rice?

    It’s not really a question of “better”, but Spanish Rice, cooked with tomato sauce will have more nutrients than plain white rice.

    dinner plate with a cheese tamale, Spanish brown rice, beans, and condiments, on an orange napkin.

    Mexican Recipes to Try

    • close up of crockpot enchiladas on a blue plate with fork and salad.
      Easy Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas
    • close up of freezer burrito cut in half in paper-lined basket.
      Easy Freezer Burrito Recipe with Chicken, Beans, & Cheese
    • overhead shot of bowl of salsa verde beef.
      Shredded Salsa Verde Beef (5-Ingredient Recipe)
    • side view of buffalo chicken quesadillas with filling coming out of sides.
      Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
    white spoon and fork on a teal plate logo.

    Tell us what you think!

    We love to hear your experiences with Good Cheap Eats. Click the STARS on the recipe card or leave a STARRED comment to let us know what you think of the recipe.

    closeup of Spanish brown rice in white bowl.

    Spanish Brown Rice

    Sautéed brown rice and finely chopped onion simmer in a tomato-vegetable broth for an amazing Spanish Brown Rice to serve in burritos and bowls, and as a side for tacos, enchiladas, and tamales.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Mexican
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 22 minutes minutes
    Natural Release: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 42 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 327kcal
    Author: Jessica Fisher
    Cost: $5

    Equipment

    • Electric pressure cooker
    • heavy stockpot
    • wooden spoon

    Ingredients

    • 3 tablespoon olive oil
    • 3 cup short grain brown rice
    • ½ onion, finely chopped
    • 1 cup tomato sauce
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 tsp dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 2 ½ cup vegetable broth, chicken stock, or water (5 ½ cups if cooking on stovetop)

    Instructions

    To cook in the Instant Pot

    • Heat the oil on saute and add the rice and onion. Cook, stirring, until the rice turns white and the onion starts to go clear.
      3 tablespoon olive oil, 3 cup short grain brown rice, ½ onion, finely chopped
    • Stir in the tomato sauce and seasonings. Add the broth and stir. 
      1 cup tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 ½ cup vegetable broth, chicken stock, or water
    • Secure the lid and close the pressure valve. Set the machine to 22 minutes. Once the time has elapsed, do a natural 10-minute release. 
    • Remove the cover and fluff the rice with a fork. Adjust the seasonings and serve.

    To cook in a pot on the stove

    • Heat the oil in a heavy stock pot with a lid and saute the rice and onion. Cook, stirring, until the rice turns white and the onion starts to go clear.
      3 tablespoon olive oil, 3 cup short grain brown rice, ½ onion, finely chopped
    • Stir in the tomato sauce and seasonings. Add 5 ½ cups broth and stir.
      1 cup tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 ½ cup vegetable broth, chicken stock, or water
    • Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook 45 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated. 
    • Remove the cover and fluff the rice with a fork. Adjust the seasonings and serve.

    Notes

    Nutritional values are approximate and based on ⅛ the recipe. Promptly refrigerate leftovers and consume within 4 days.
    To freeze: chill cooked rice completely and store in the freezer for up to 6 weeks. Reheat to serve.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 327kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 439mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 140IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Tell us what you think! Your reviews help us develop better recipes and give newcomers the confidence to try your favorites. Scroll down to leave a starred comment.
    « Catalan Meatballs – Boules de Picolat
    Instant Pot Potato Soup »
    FacebookTweetPinPrint

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kathleen

      March 01, 2023 at 11:07 am

      5 stars
      My family loves this rice. It’s quick and easy to make and the instant pot makes it fairly hands-off.

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        March 01, 2023 at 3:47 pm

        Great to hear! Thanks for leaving a review.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    jessica from good cheap eats

    Hi, I'm Jessica! I'm a 4x cookbook author and 6x mom. I know what it is to be in a hurry and on a budget. I believe anyone can prepare delicious meals -- no matter what's on their plate. I've been featured on Good Morning America, PBS News Hour, and NBC.

    More about me

    collage of media outlets where good cheap eats has been featured.
    teal graphic with the words, do you know what's for dinner tonight.

    Mexican Food Recipes

    • jar of jalapeño salsa with sliced chiles on top and bunch of cilantro and whole on table beside.
      Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe [VIDEO]
    • spoon of chicken taco soup over the bowl of soup.
      Chicken Taco Soup
    • chicken enchilada bake on plate with side dishes.
      60+ Budget-Friendly Mexican Dinner Ideas
    • close up of chips in black bowl.
      3 Ways to Make Homemade Tortilla Chips
    • the finished plate of loaded nachos.
      Nacho Bar
    • cooked taco meat in oval dish with taco toppings nearby.
      Easy Homemade Taco Meat

    Reader Favorites

    • asian marinated chicken breast sliced on a plate with rice and veg.
      5-Minute Asian Chicken Marinade Recipe
    • close-up of cream of celery soup in a jar with celery leaves behind.
      Homemade Cream of Celery Soup Recipe
    • small glass pitcher of milk on black background.
      20+ Easy Milk Recipes to Use Up the Leftover Gallon
    • with a fork fluffing the baked rice in the pan with steam rising.
      Baked Rice: How to Cook Rice in the Oven
    • green onions added to meal prep salads.
      Meal Prep Salads for Easy Lunches You’ll Want to Eat
    • best pulled pork in a freezer container to freeze.
      Best Pulled Pork Recipe
    jessica from good cheap eats

    Hi, I'm Jessica! I'm a 4x cookbook author and 6x mom. I know what it is to be in a hurry and on a budget. I believe anyone can prepare delicious meals -- no matter what's on their plate. I've been featured on Good Morning America, PBS News Hour, and NBC.

    More about me

    collage of media outlets where good cheap eats has been featured.
    teal graphic with the words, do you know what's for dinner tonight.

    Mexican Food Recipes

    • overhead shot of jalapeno cream cheese dip with sliced jalapeños on top and a spoon twirled in the cheese.
      Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
    • turkey taco salad in a black bowl, with toppings.
      Turkey Taco Salad
    • cut half of breakfast burrito leaning on second half on plate with pico and orange slices.
      Breakfast Burrito Ideas
    • close up overhead shot of cheese tamale on plate with rice, beans, and condiments.
      Cheese Tamales with Chiles & Corn
    • mango peach salsa on a blue corn tortilla chip over a bowl of salsa.
      Mango Peach Salsa Recipe
    • dipping beef taquito into cup of guacamole.
      Beef Taquitos

    Reader Favorites

    • asian marinated chicken breast sliced on a plate with rice and veg.
      5-Minute Asian Chicken Marinade Recipe
    • close-up of cream of celery soup in a jar with celery leaves behind.
      Homemade Cream of Celery Soup Recipe
    • small glass pitcher of milk on black background.
      20+ Easy Milk Recipes to Use Up the Leftover Gallon
    • with a fork fluffing the baked rice in the pan with steam rising.
      Baked Rice: How to Cook Rice in the Oven
    • green onions added to meal prep salads.
      Meal Prep Salads for Easy Lunches You’ll Want to Eat
    • best pulled pork in a freezer container to freeze.
      Best Pulled Pork Recipe

    Footer

    back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Shipping Policy
    • Return Policy
    • Digital Shop

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Good Cheap Eats

    bowl of Spanish brown rice in white bowl with a spoon resting in it, with text overlay.