Mexican Rice Uncle Ben’s Recipe: Zesty Tomato-Infused Side Dish

This tomato-infused rice transforms a simple side into a flavorful experience. Using Uncle Ben’s as the base ensures consistent texture and quick preparation.

I developed this method to capture authentic Mexican flavors while keeping it accessible. The combination of tomatoes, onions, and spices creates a zesty profile that complements any main dish.

The process is straightforward yet delivers restaurant-quality results. Each grain absorbs the savory tomato broth, resulting in a vibrant, aromatic side dish.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The recipe scales easily to serve a crowd or just a few.

Ingredients for Mexican Rice Uncle Ben’s

Transform simple rice into a vibrant, zesty side with these accessible ingredients.

The rice base matters here. Uncle Ben’s Converted Rice gives the perfect texture—consistent, fluffy, and absorbs the tomato broth beautifully. Most grocery stores carry it in the rice aisle. For the tomato sauce, Hunt’s or Muir Glen are reliable brands. The vegetable broth should be low-sodium to let you control the seasoning. Look for vibrant color in your bell pepper and onion—they should feel firm, not soft.

No Uncle Ben’s? Any long-grain white rice works, but may require adjusted liquid ratios. Short on time? Pre-diced onions and peppers (fresh, not frozen) save chopping. Fresh cilantro can be swapped with parsley, though the flavor profile shifts slightly. For extra heat, add half a minced jalapeño with the onions. The lime juice is non-negotiable—it brightens the entire dish.

This dish tastes better the next day once flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cilantro garnish is best added fresh, so keep it separate until serving. Reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Mexican Rice

This method ensures perfectly fluffy grains with vibrant tomato flavor in every bite.

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics in Olive Oil

Heat the 0.25 cup Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 whole Yellow Onion (finely diced) and 1 whole Green Bell Pepper (finely diced), cooking for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.

Add the 3 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as this will impart a bitter flavor to the dish. The mixture should be bubbling gently at this stage.

Step 2: Toast the Uncle Ben’s Converted Rice

Stir in the 2 cups Uncle Ben’s Converted Rice and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice turns a light golden color. This toasting step is crucial for developing a nutty depth of flavor and preventing the grains from becoming mushy.

You’ll notice the rice grains becoming slightly opaque as they absorb the oil. At this point, add the 1 tsp Ground Cumin, 1 tsp Chili Powder, and 1 tsp Dried Oregano, stirring to coat the rice evenly with the spices.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the 1.5 cups Tomato Sauce and 2.5 cups Vegetable Broth, stirring to combine. Add the 1 whole Bay Leaf and 1 tsp Salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.

The rice is done when all the liquid has been absorbed and the grains are tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this releases steam and can lead to uneven cooking. If the rice is still firm after 25 minutes, add a splash of broth and continue cooking.

Step 4: Rest and Garnish

Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the steam to finish cooking the grains and ensures they stay fluffy. Remove and discard the Bay Leaf before serving.

Fluff the rice gently with a fork and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with the 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped) and a squeeze of juice from the 1 whole Lime. The cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note, while the lime brightens the rich tomato flavor.

Dietary Considerations for These Flavors

Vegetarian Friendly

This dish is naturally vegetarian, making it perfect for meat-free meals. The base of Uncle Ben’s rice, vegetable broth, and tomato sauce provides hearty flavor without any animal products. I love serving it with black beans for extra protein.

Vegan Adaptation

To make it fully vegan, simply ensure your vegetable broth is certified vegan—some brands use honey. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based. I use Imagine Foods broth for this reason.

Gluten-Free Status

Uncle Ben’s Converted Rice is naturally gluten-free, but always check the label for cross-contamination warnings. The spices and tomato sauce are typically safe, but verify if you have celiac disease.

Allergen Considerations

This recipe contains no major allergens, but watch for sulfites in dried spices if you’re sensitive. The olive oil and fresh ingredients are low-risk. Always rinse rice before cooking to remove any residual starch.

Low-Sodium Option

Use low-sodium vegetable broth and no-salt-added tomato sauce to reduce sodium. I like Muir Glen Organic for both. Then adjust seasoning at the end with 1 tsp salt to taste. 💪

Diabetic Friendly

With 2 cups rice serving 4 people, each portion has about 35g carbs. Pair with non-starchy veggies like roasted zucchini to balance the meal. The fiber from tomatoes helps slow glucose absorption.

Frequently Asked Questions