Slow Cooker Spanish Rice Recipe

If you love flavorful rice but don't want to stand over the stove, this Slow Cooker Spanish Rice is an easy side dish that practically cooks itself.

The rice slowly absorbs all the wonderful flavors of tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and seasonings, creating a delicious side dish that's perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, and Mexican-inspired meals.

What I especially love about making Spanish rice in the slow cooker is how convenient it is.

You can get everything prepared, turn on the slow cooker, and let it do the work while you concentrate on the rest of the meal.

This rice is hearty enough to serve alongside tacos and enchiladas, but it's also delicious with grilled chicken, steak, pork, or even simply topped with cheese and served as a light meal.

Why You Will Love Slow Cooker Spanish Rice

• Easy preparation: The slow cooker does most of the work.
• Full of flavor: Tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic, and spices give the rice incredible flavor.
• Great for busy days: Prepare it ahead and let it cook while you work on dinner.
• Perfect for a crowd: It's an inexpensive side dish that makes plenty.
• Versatile: Add meat, beans, corn, cheese, or extra vegetables to make it your own.
• Pairs with almost everything: Serve it with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.

Delicious Mix-ins for Best Spanish Rice in a Slow Cooker

• Black beans, Pinto beans
• Corn
• Diced green chiles, Jalapeños
• Chopped cilantro
• Green onions
• Diced red or green bell peppers
• Shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese
• Cooked ground beef, Shredded chicken,  Chorizo, Cooked sausage

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Spanish Rice

• Use the right rice: Long-grain white rice is my first choice.
• Avoid instant or quick-cooking rice unless the recipe specifically calls for it because it can become mushy during slow cooking.
• Don't skip the broth: Water will cook the rice, but broth gives it much more flavor. Chicken broth is especially good for a traditional savory taste.
• Watch the liquid: Rice absorbs a lot of liquid, but tomatoes also contribute moisture.
• Measure your ingredients carefully the first time you make this recipe. Slow cookers can vary considerably in how hot they cook

slow cooker Spanish rice, sauce and rice, crockpot Spanish rice, easy Spanish rice, rice side dishes

rice recipes, Spanish rice, slow cooker recipes

American, Spanish

Yield: 6

Author: Claudia Lamascolo

Slow Cooker Spanish Rice

Slow Cooker Spanish Rice Recipe is a great side dish or can be a whole meal!

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 2 HourTotal time: 2 H & 10 M

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped, optional
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro, optional
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, optional

Instructions

1. In a large frying pan, saute the ground beef with salt & pepper until all the pink is gone.
2. Drain the fat before adding it to the slow cooker.
3. Lightly grease the inside of a slow cooker, and add the beef.
4. For the best flavor, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
7. Add the rinsed rice and stir for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly toast it.
8. Transfer the rice mixture to the slow cooker with beef.
9. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and jalapeño if using.
10. Stir everything together well.
11. Cover and cook on HIGH for approximately 2-1/2  to 3-1/2 hours, checking toward the end of cooking. Slow cooker temperatures vary, so begin checking the rice before the expected finishing time.
12. Once the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, turn off the slow cooker and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes.
13. Fluff gently with a fork. Stir in fresh cilantro and lime juice, if desired.
14. Serve warm with your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. 
15. Note: any cooked meat options can be used or make this all vegetarian.

Notes

Delicious Mix-ins for Best Spanish Rice in a Slow Cooker

• Black beans, Pinto beans
• Corn
• Diced green chiles, Jalapeños
• Chopped cilantro
• Green onions
• Diced red or green bell peppers
• Shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese
• Cooked ground beef, Shredded chicken,  Chorizo, Cooked sausage

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Spanish Rice

• Use the right rice: Long-grain white rice is my first choice.
• Avoid instant or quick-cooking rice unless the recipe specifically calls for it because it can become mushy during slow cooking.
• Don't skip the broth: Water will cook the rice, but broth gives it much more flavor. Chicken broth is especially good for a traditional savory taste.
• Watch the liquid: Rice absorbs a lot of liquid, but tomatoes also contribute moisture.
• Measure your ingredients carefully the first time you make this recipe. Slow cookers can vary considerably in how hot they cook

The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.

These are all copyright-protected images and content. Do not reprint/reuse this recipe or its images without my written permission.