Description
This hearty and flavorful Mexican rice is loaded with smoky chorizo, crispy bacon, and aromatic spices. Perfect as a side dish or main course, it’s a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups long-grain rice, rinsed
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1/2 lb (225g) Mexican chorizo, casing removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon and chorizo: In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan. Add the chorizo to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Toast the rice: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the spices and oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is lightly toasted.
- Simmer the rice: Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine and garnish: Stir in the cooked bacon, chorizo, and peas (if using). Fluff the rice with a fork, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add a diced jalapeño along with the bell peppers or use spicy chorizo.
- This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, or as a filling for burritos or tacos.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 30mg