Short Description
Spicy Mexican Dirty Rice is a bold and flavorful dish packed with heat, robust spices, and hearty ingredients. This one-pot meal is quick to prepare and delivers a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and spicy notes. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main course, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting yet fiery meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in a single pan.
- Packed with Flavor – The combination of smoky spices, fresh herbs, and hearty ingredients creates a mouthwatering dish.
- Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice level to your preference with different types of chilies and seasonings.
- Versatile Dish – Serve it as a side, a filling for burritos, or a standalone main course.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- White rice
- Ground beef or chorizo
- Onion
- Garlic
- Bell pepper
- Jalapeño or serrano pepper
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Black beans or kidney beans
- Corn kernels
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Oregano
- Salt and black pepper
- Lime juice
- Fresh cilantro
- Olive oil
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients – Finely chop the onion, garlic, and peppers. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
- Brown the Meat – Add ground beef or chorizo to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Spice it Up – Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a minute to toast the spices.
- Incorporate Rice and Liquid – Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring to coat in the spices. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Stir well.
- Simmer the Rice – Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Add the Final Touches – Stir in black beans, corn, and lime juice. Let cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve – Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option – Skip the meat and use extra beans or crumbled tofu.
- Different Proteins – Swap ground beef for shredded chicken, turkey, or even shrimp.
- Extra Spicy – Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or an extra jalapeño.
- Milder Version – Reduce chili powder and use sweet bell peppers instead of spicy ones.
- Cheesy Twist – Sprinkle shredded cheddar or cotija cheese on top before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes and add extra broth as needed.
2. What’s the best meat for this recipe?
Ground beef and chorizo work best, but you can use shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles.
3. How do I make it less spicy?
Reduce or omit the jalapeño and chili powder. Use mild paprika instead of smoked.
4. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the ingredients as directed, then cook under high pressure for 10 minutes with a natural release.
5. What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with warm tortillas, avocado slices, or a simple green salad.
6. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day! Store in the fridge and reheat before serving.
7. What kind of broth should I use?
Chicken broth provides great flavor, but vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version.
8. Can I add cheese?
Absolutely! Cotija, cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese all complement this dish well.
9. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Use a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave in short bursts to prevent drying out.
10. Can I serve this as a burrito filling?
Yes! It works great as a burrito or taco filling with some fresh toppings.
Conclusion
Spicy Mexican Dirty Rice is a vibrant and satisfying dish that delivers bold flavors with every bite. It’s easy to make, highly versatile, and perfect for meal prep or quick dinners. Whether you enjoy it as a side or a main course, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Mexico in your own kitchen!
Print
Spicy Mexican Dirty Rice Recipe – Flavorful & Easy!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Spicy Mexican Dirty Rice is a bold, one-pot meal packed with smoky spices, hearty ingredients, and customizable heat. Perfect as a main dish or side, this easy recipe is ready in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups white rice
- 1 lb ground beef or chorizo
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients – Finely chop the onion, garlic, and peppers. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
- Brown the Meat – Add ground beef or chorizo to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Spice it Up – Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a minute to toast the spices.
- Incorporate Rice and Liquid – Add the rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring to coat in the spices. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Stir well.
- Simmer the Rice – Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Add the Final Touches – Stir in black beans, corn, and lime juice. Let cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve – Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option – Skip the meat and use extra beans or crumbled tofu.
- Different Proteins – Swap ground beef for shredded chicken, turkey, or even shrimp.
- Extra Spicy – Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or an extra jalapeño.
- Milder Version – Reduce chili powder and use sweet bell peppers instead of spicy ones.
- Cheesy Twist – Sprinkle shredded cheddar or cotija cheese on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: mexican inspired
Keywords: Spicy rice, Mexican dirty rice, one-pot meal, easy Mexican recipe, flavorful rice dish
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