Authentic Mexican Rice Bowl Recipe

 A Flavorful & Hearty Mexican-Inspired Meal!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Recipe Category: Main Dish
Recipe Cuisine: Mexican
Aggregate Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5 from 412 reviews)

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This Authentic Mexican Rice Bowl is packed with bold flavors, fluffy seasoned rice, juicy protein, and fresh toppings. Whether you use chicken, beef, shrimp, or go vegetarian, this dish is a delicious, one-bowl meal perfect for any day of the week!

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Ingredients

For the Mexican Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 cup diced onions

For the Protein (Choose One):

• 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
• 1 lb ground beef, cooked with taco seasoning
• 1 lb shrimp, sautéed with lime and chili powder
• 1 can black beans (for a vegetarian option)

Toppings (Customize!):

• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 1 jalapeño, sliced
• Fresh lime wedges

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Mexican Rice

1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 2 minutes.
2. Stir in the rice, cooking for another 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
3. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings (cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder). Stir well.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Protein

• Chicken: Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and lime juice, then grill or pan-sear until cooked through. Slice thinly.
• Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat, and season with taco seasoning.
• Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in a pan with olive oil, lime juice, and chili powder until pink and opaque (about 3 minutes per side).
• Vegetarian: Heat black beans in a saucepan with a pinch of cumin and salt.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowls

1. Divide the Mexican rice into four bowls.
2. Add your protein of choice on top.
3. Sprinkle on black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro.
4. Garnish with cheese, avocado slices, jalapeños, and fresh lime wedges.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Pro Tips

✅ Extra Flavor: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the bowl before serving!
✅ Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.
✅ Meal Prep Friendly: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fiber: 6g

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FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Brown rice works great, but adjust the cooking time to 40-45 minutes.

Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth, black beans, and skip the cheese.

What can I serve with this?
Pair with warm tortillas, salsa, or a fresh side salad for a full meal!

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Keywords

Mexican rice bowl, healthy burrito bowl, spicy rice bowl, taco bowl, meal prep Mexican dish

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Google Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This was hands-down the best homemade rice bowl I’ve had! So easy to customize and incredibly flavorful." – Maria H.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Perfect for meal prep! I made it with shrimp and added extra lime—so delicious." – James R.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The rice was absolutely delicious! I’ll be making this again for taco night." – Sofia L.

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Enjoy your Authentic Mexican Rice Bowl—a fresh, hearty, and easy-to-make meal! 🌶️🍽️

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