Instant Pot Spanish Rice

Elevate your mealtime with this convenient and delicious Instant Pot Spanish Rice recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Let’s talk about a dish that brings all the zesty flavors of a Mexican fiesta right to your kitchen table. That’s what Instant Pot Spanish Rice is all about!

This dish is a vibrant mix of fluffy long-grain white rice, savory ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a blend of spices that create an aroma to make anyone’s mouth water.

Each spoonful is a burst of flavor – the richness of the beef, the tanginess of the tomatoes, and the warmth of the spices, all perfectly cooked together in the Instant Pot for a hassle-free, delicious meal.

Instant Pot Spanish Rice is more than just a side dish; it’s a versatile, flavorful, and easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Whether you’re craving the comfort of a home-cooked meal or looking to impress your family with your instant pot skills, this recipe has got you covered.

So grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to cook up a storm with this delicious Spanish rice recipe. It’s sure to become a new favorite in your collection of easy, tasty, and satisfying meals!

Common Questions About Instant Pot Spanish Rice

Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?

Certainly! Brown rice can be a great substitute for white rice in this recipe. It’s important to note that brown rice generally takes a bit longer to cook compared to white rice.

This might mean adjusting your Instant Pot settings and increasing the cooking time. Brown rice offers a different texture and nutty flavor, which can add a new dimension to your Spanish rice, making it an even heartier dish.

Is It Necessary to Use a Natural Release Method?

Yes, using the natural release method is crucial for making the best Spanish rice in your Instant Pot. This method allows the rice to continue cooking with the residual heat and steam inside the pot, which helps in absorbing all the delicious flavors thoroughly.

It’s a key step to ensure that your rice cooks evenly without being mushy or undercooked. Skipping this step might give you a less-than-perfect texture.

Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

Absolutely! Making this Spanish rice recipe vegetarian is quite simple and just as delicious. You can easily skip the ground beef or replace it with a vegetarian alternative like beans, which are a staple in many Mexican dishes and a great source of protein.

Beans like black beans or pinto beans can be added directly to the rice mixture before cooking. You can also use vegetable oil instead of olive oil and vegetable or tomato broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors rich and aligned with traditional Mexican cuisine.

This variation is perfect for those who love Mexican-inspired meals but prefer plant-based options!

Storage

Spanish rice is one of my favorite things. Authentic Mexican rice can be a hard thing to come by depending on where you are. This recipe gets as close to the real thing as possible!

Refrigerator

Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat for a quick meal.

Tips

This classic side dish is actually pretty simple. For years, I thought I should find a good recipe, and here it finally is. I just know you’re going to love it!

• Rinse the Rice: Always rinse your rice to remove excess starch. Rinse until the cloudiness in the water goes away.
• Sauté Vegetables: Sautéing onions, garlic, and peppers enhances the flavors.
• Layer Ingredients: Prevent the burn notice by layering ingredients correctly.
• Avoid Stirring: After adding the rice, avoid stirring to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot.
• Let It Rest: Allow the rice to rest for a few minutes after cooking for perfect consistency.

Ingredients

This easy Spanish rice dish will knock your socks off! My personal go-to is jasmine rice, but you can really use any type of white rice you want.

• Ground beef
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Red bell pepper
• Garlic
• White rice
• Chicken or beef broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Paprika, cumin, chili powder
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: parsley for garnish

How to Make Instant Pot Spanish Rice

Let me know if this isn’t the best instant pot Spanish rice you’ve made at home. I’ve tinkered with this recipe quite a bit, and I think it’s as close to perfect as I can get it!

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and let it heat up. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Stir in the rinsed rice, diced tomatoes (with their juices), broth, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
4. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to the sealing position. Cook on manual (high pressure) for 5 minutes.
5. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
6. Carefully open the lid and fluff the Spanish rice with a fork. If there’s excess liquid, let the rice sit for a few minutes to absorb it.
7. Serve the Instant Pot Spanish rice with ground beef hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need

There really isn’t much you need for this easy side dish. Whether you’re serving it with tacos or chicken enchiladas, it’s down-right tasty!

• Instant Pot (Electric Pressure Cooker)
• Mixing Spoon
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cutting Board and Knife
• Serving Dish

What to Serve With Instant Pot Spanish Rice

There are so many things you can serve this with! Mexican restaurants serve it as a side for half their menu for a good reason.

• A side of fresh salsa or guacamole.
• Crunchy tortilla chips.
• A crisp green salad with a tangy dressing.
• Grilled vegetables or a side of refried beans.

Why You Should Make Instant Pot Spanish Rice

Pressure-cooking rice is my favorite way to go these days. I like it even more than my rice cooker. The cook time is quick and the flavor and texture are always perfect!

• Quick and Easy: An easy recipe with simple ingredients.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main dish or a side for Mexican meals.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
• One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup required.

Variations and Add-Ins

Let me know in the comments if you tweaked this Mexican rice recipe at all. I love hearing all your input!

• Different Proteins: Try with chicken, pork, or even shrimp.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the heat with more or less chili powder and cayenne pepper.
• Extra Veggies: Add corn, peas, or carrots for more nutrition.
• Cheese Please: Top with shredded cheese for a creamy texture.

If you love this easy rice recipe, you’re going to love these other side dishes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Rice Recipes

Instant Pot White Rice

Easy Spanish Rice

Cheesy Broccoli Rice

Chicken Fried Rice Restaurant Style

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