Paulas Creamy Fiesta Rice a Southern Twist
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself craving comfort food with a kick? This Paula Deen Mexican Rice Recipe is pure gold! It's got that creamy, cheesy thing going on, but with all the south-of-the-border flavors you love.
Brief Overview
This Mexican rice recipe has its roots in traditional flavors. It has a Paula Deen twist. This easy Mexican rice recipe takes about 45 minutes to make.
The recipe yields 6-8 servings of fiesta goodness.
Main Benefits
This creamy Mexican rice has tons of comfort. Plus, you can add extra veggies. It's ideal for potlucks or weeknight dinners.
What makes this special? It combines Southern comfort with Mexican zest. You will love this Paula Deen rice recipe .
Let's Talk Ingredients, Y'all!
Okay, before we get cookin', let's gather our goodies. For this homemade Mexican rice , you'll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Honestly, don't sweat it if you're missing something! A pinch of this or that never hurt nobody. You can try using Monterey Jack Cheese if you don't have cheddar.
I've also used vegetable broth and it's almost as good. Let's transform these ingredients into a Fiesta rice recipe .
Time to Get Cooking!
Ready to whip up some Southern Mexican rice ? First, we're gonna sauté the onion and garlic. Then, we toast the rice with spices.
It makes this recipe so delicious and easy. This Mexican rice side dish is the perfect complement to any dish!
Remember to taste as you go. This helps you customize the flavors to fit your taste. This cheesy Mexican rice recipe will turn you into a kitchen wizard!
Ingredients & Equipment for Paula's Fiesta Rice
Let's talk ingredients, y'all. Honestly, this Paula Deen Mexican Rice Recipe is all about simple goodness. We're gonna keep it real and easy. Think Southern comfort meets Mexican spice.
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30 ml ) To get that initial sizzle!
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped About a cup, honey. Good quality onion.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh is best!
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed ( 200g ) Fluffy rice starts with a good rinse.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder Adds a lil' kick, you know?
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin Earthy, warm, and essential!
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 'Cause we love garlic, darlin'.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder Why not? Double the oniony goodness!
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained ( 411g ) Don't drain them! We want that juice.
- 2 cups chicken broth ( 475ml ) Adds so much flavor! Look for low sodium .
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened ( 113g ) That's the secret to the creamy Mexican rice part, y'all. Make sure it's softened !
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ( 100g ) Ooey gooey goodness!
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro For a fresh pop of flavor, you know?
Seasoning Notes
We're aiming for a Southern Mexican rice , so don't be shy with those spices! Chili powder and cumin are our best friends.
A little garlic and onion powder just boost the flavor. No fancy substitutes needed. Salt and pepper to taste, always! I’m telling you it is the best Mexican rice recipe !
Equipment Needed
- A large skillet with a lid This is key!
- Measuring cups and spoons Gotta be precise, sometimes.
- Cutting board and knife For chopping those veggies.
Don't sweat it if you don't have a fancy skillet. A regular saucepan will work in a pinch. Now, this easy Mexican rice recipe is just about ready to go, can you believe it?
Honestly, the magic of this Mexican rice side dish comes from the heart. Remember my Great Aunt Mildred, she would have loved this recipe! She made the best comfort food Mexican rice I have ever tasted.
Cooking Method: The Secret to Paula's Creamy Fiesta Rice
Alright, y'all, let's talk about how we're gonna bring this Paula Deen Mexican Rice Recipe to life. We're aiming for comfort food perfection, you know ? That creamy, cheesy goodness that just makes you feel good inside.
This ain't just any Mexican rice recipe; this is Southern Mexican Rice with a hug from Paula Deen herself!
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row, Honey
Before we even turn on the stove, mise en place is key. Chop that onion, mince the garlic. Honestly, pre-chopped stuff from the store works too if you're in a pinch.
Rinse your rice under cold water. This helps get rid of extra starch. It's like giving your rice a spa day before the party.
Time saving tip? Get everything measured out beforehand. Trust me, you don't want to be scrambling when the rice is toasting.
Safety reminder: don't be a dummy. Keep that knife sharp and watch your fingers!
step-by-step to Fiesta Flavor
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add your chopped onion and cook it 'til it's softened. We're talkin' translucent, like they glowed up.
- Toss in your minced garlic and cook until you smell the aroma (about 30 seconds ). Smells so good, doesn’t it?
- Add 1 cup of rinsed rice, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder. Toast the rice for about 3 minutes . Stir it up good .
- Pour in 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring that baby to a boil!
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes , until all the liquid is absorbed. This is where patience is your friend.
- Remove from heat. Stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Top with 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Serve it up hot!
Pro Tips: Secret Southern Charm
Wanna take this Easy Mexican Rice Recipe to the next level? Toasting the rice is crucial . It adds a nutty flavor you just can't get any other way.
Don’t skip that step!.
Common mistake? Overcooking the rice. Keep an eye on the liquid level and resist the urge to peek.
make-ahead option? You can make the rice ahead of time and just add the cream cheese and cheddar before serving.
Hello potluck superstar. This Homemade Mexican Rice will be the talk of the town.
This recipe is a winner! My best friend loves it, and now you will too.
Recipe Notes
Alright, y'all! Before we get cookin' this Paula Deen Mexican Rice Recipe , let's chat about some things I've learned over the years while makin' my version of this Mexican rice recipe .
Honestly, this recipe's so good, it’s practically illegal . We are talkin' about Comfort food Mexican rice . Trust me.
Serving Up Some Deliciousness
Wanna make this easy Mexican rice recipe look fancy? I get it. Plating is half the fun! Try moundin' it up in a bowl and topping it with extra cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
For a pop of colour, sprinkle some diced red bell pepper on top. As for sides, this Mexican rice side dish is amazing with grilled chicken, fajitas, or even just some black beans and a side of cornbread now that's a real Southern twist.
And don't forget a frosty margarita to wash it all down!
Storage Savvy
Okay, so you’ve got leftovers. Lucky you! For refrigeration, just pop the rice into an airtight container and it'll be good for about 3-4 days.
When you're ready to reheat, a splash of chicken broth helps to keep it moist. Freezing? Sure thing! Portion it out into freezer bags, flatten them, and they'll last for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, add a lil' water or broth.
Remixing the Recipe
Honestly, sometimes I'm feelin' a little adventurous. One time, I tried making a spicy version. Oh my gosh! I added some chopped jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper, and it was seriously delicious.
For a vegetarian option, swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Boom! And if you're watching your waistline (like I should be most days!) use reduced fat cream cheese and cheddar.
Or if you like Cheesy Mexican rice recipe just add more.
Nutrition Breakdown
Okay, let's talk nutrition. While this is incredibly tasty, this Southern Mexican rice it's not exactly a health food. A serving will clock in around 250-300 calories , with a good amount of carbs and fat, thanks to that cream cheese and cheddar.
But hey, everything in moderation, right? Plus, the tomatoes give you a boost of Vitamin C, and the cheese provides calcium.
Remember this Fiesta rice recipe it's made to be enjoyed! It is that Creamy Mexican rice that we love!
So there you have it! Some extra tips and tricks to make this Homemade Mexican rice extra special. Now go on and get cookin'! You've got this! And don't forget to crank up some music while you're at it.
Cooking should be fun, y'all! I hope you enjoy this Paula Deen rice recipe as much as my family does!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Paula Deen Mexican Rice Recipe ahead of time?
Sure can, buttercup! This rice is great for making ahead. Just cook it according to the directions, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Just like leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner, it tastes even better the next day!
How do I store leftover Paula Deen Mexican Rice?
Storing this rice is a piece of cake, darling! Put any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them promptly. It'll keep well for 3-4 days. Be sure to use it up before then.
If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze it for up to a month, but the texture might change slightly upon thawing; think of it like freezing mashed potatoes still good, but not quite the same.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese in this recipe?
Alright, so you're looking to lighten things up a bit, huh? If you're trying to cut back on the richness, you can use Neufchâtel cheese (it's like cream cheese's healthier cousin), or even Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.
Alternatively, you can omit the cream cheese altogether and just rely on the cheddar for cheesy flavor. It won't be quite the same Paula Deen experience, but it'll still be mighty tasty!
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Honey, if you like a little kick, absolutely! You could add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices, or toss in a finely diced jalapeño or two when you sauté the onions and garlic. For a smoky heat, a little chipotle powder would be divine.
Just remember, a little goes a long way, so start small and taste as you go to get it just right. You don't want to breathe fire!
Is Paula Deen Mexican Rice Recipe gluten-free?
As written, yes, this recipe should be gluten-free. However, always double check the labels on your chicken broth and any other processed ingredients to make sure they don't contain any hidden gluten. Some broths use wheat based thickeners.
If you are very sensitive to gluten, it's always better to be safe than sorry like wearing sunscreen at the beach!
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? How would that change the cooking time?
You sure can use brown rice, darling! It'll give the rice a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber. However, brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. You'll need to increase the cooking time to about 45-50 minutes, and you might need to add a little extra chicken broth to ensure it cooks through properly.
Just keep an eye on it and add more liquid if it starts to look dry. Think of it like watching a pot of gold, you gotta be patient!
Paulas Creamy Fiesta Rice A Southern Twist
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 275 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 17.5g |
| Fiber | 2.5g |
