Slow Cooker Crockpot Spanish Rice (Mexican Rice)

This Slow Cooker Crockpot Spanish Rice is crafted with a homemade blend of aromatic spices including smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. As the rice simmers low and slow, the rich medley of seasonings infuses every grain, producing mouthwatering flavor in every bite. Pair this with tacos, enchiladas, nachos, or your favorite main dishes.

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Spices and Flavor

Spanish rice is made by cooking rice with various ingredients and seasonings to infuse it with rich flavors.

• Aromatics: Diced onions and minced garlic are often sautéed in oil or butter at the beginning of the cooking process to add depth of flavor. Feel free to complete this step prior to adding them to your slow cooker. You can skip this step if preferred.
• Tomato-Based Sauce: Tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, or tomato paste are key ingredients that provide both flavor and color to the dish.
• Seasonings and Spices: Common seasonings and spices include cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and sometimes a touch of cayenne pepper for heat. These spices add a savory and aromatic profile to the rice.
• Broth or Stock: Chicken or vegetable broth is used to cook the rice, infusing it with additional flavor.
• Vegetables: These are optional and are great for making this a hearty side dish: diced bell peppers, carrots, peas, or corn can be added to the rice for texture, color, and nutritional value.

What Type of Rice to Use

When cooking rice in a slow cooker or Crockpot, it's important to choose a rice variety that can withstand longer cooking times without becoming overly mushy or sticky.

Long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine rice, is a popular choice for Crockpot rice recipes. It has a long and slender grain that tends to stay separate and fluffy when cooked. Long-grain rice holds its shape well and doesn't become overly sticky, making it suitable for slow cooking.

If you use short or medium-grain rice, your rice is likely to turn out mushy.

How to Make Slow Cooker Crockpot Mexican Rice

1. Add rice, broth, tomato sauce, onions, garlic, and spices to the slow cooker.
2. Slow cook.
3. Cool before serving.

Cook Time and How Long to Cook

Every slow cooker cooks at varying speeds. Even when they are the same brand! This is very prevalent when cooking rice and potatoes in the slow cooker. If it is your first time making the recipe, I don't recommend you dump the ingredients, set and forget it.

You should keep a close eye so you know how long it takes your slow cooker to cook the rice. Otherwise, you may end up with mushy overcooked rice.

As a general guide, here's how long you should cook the rice:

1. On Low Heat Setting: Cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. This longer cooking time on low heat helps ensure that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients.
2. On High Heat Setting: Cook on high heat for 1 to 2 hours. The higher heat setting will reduce the cooking time, but it's important to monitor the rice to prevent it from overcooking or becoming mushy.

I don't use the "Keep Warm" setting on the slow cooker once the dish is finished. You risk overcooked mushy rice.

Mushy Rice

• Cooking Time: Overcooking the rice can result in a mushy texture. Rice absorbs more liquid and becomes softer the longer it cooks. Avoid leaving the rice in the Crockpot for too long.
• Lid Removal: Opening the slow cooker lid during cooking releases heat and interrupts the cooking process. This can affect the rice's texture and may result in mushiness. It's best to avoid removing the lid multiple times throughout the cooking process.
• Stirring: Stirring the rice excessively during cooking can cause the grains to break down and become mushy. Unlike stovetop cooking, Crockpot rice benefits from minimal agitation. It's best to let the rice cook undisturbed to maintain its structure.
• Slow Cooker Heat Variations: The heating element and temperature control of slow cookers can vary, which might affect cooking times and rice texture. It's important to be familiar with your specific Crockpot's settings and adjust cooking times as needed to achieve the desired rice texture.

Substitutions and Add-Ins

• Diced bell peppers
• Corn
• Peas
• Carrots
• Tomatoes
• Chicken
• Shrimp
• Chorizo
• Ground Beef
• Black Beans
• Cilantro
• Grated Cheese
• Cheese
• Sour Cream or Plain
• Salsa or Hot Sauce
• Fresh Lime
• Avocado

How to Store

Store leftovers tightly covered and sealed in the fridge for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

You can use a microwave or reheat the rice on the stove. Add a little water or broth to the rice before reheating to help restore moisture and prevent it from drying out.

Freezer Tips

The rice can be safely stored in the freezer (tightly covered and sealed) for up to 3 months. After this period, it may begin to lose quality and taste. Defrost in the fridge overnight.

Pair With These Recipes

Shrimp Enchiladas
Chiptole Cilantro Lime Rice
Chipotle Pollo Asado
Instant Pot Black Beans
Smoked Salsa
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Homemade Queso Cheese
Oven Baked Roasted Corn on the Cob

More Related Recipes

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Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Cod Fish Tacos
Lobster Tacos