Have you ever had a good idea for dinner using Spanish Rice, only to find out that you don’t have a box of it? That exact thing happened to me, when I wanted to add Spanish rice to homemade burritos. I already had rice in the pantry, and I had the spices. I just didn’t have the box. So instead of running to the store, I figured how to make my own version – no box needed.

This simple homemade version uses pantry spices and regular white rice to create that classic boxed flavor.

Homemade Spanish Rice

This homemade Spanish Rice version uses simple pantry spices and regular white rice to create a flavorful family-size side dish. No box needed.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups water (or broth for deeper flavor)
1 Tbsp oil
2 Tbsp tomato sauce or (1 tablespoon tomato paste + 1 tablespoon water)
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp cumin
optional: 1–2 tablespoons finely diced onion or a small handful of peas and carrots

Method

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add uncooked rice and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden.
Stir in tomato sauce and spices. Mix well.
Add water (or broth) and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let sit covered 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and serve.
Makes about 3 cups cooked rice (4 servings as a side).

If you like making pantry versions of store-bought staple, see my Pantry Fixes

Homemade Spanish Rice (No Box Needed)