Imagine creating an authentic Spanish rice dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor - without standing over a hot stove! This incredibly simple Crock Pot Spanish Rice recipe will transform your meal prep, delivering a mouth-watering side dish that tastes like it's been prepared by a professional chef. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or just someone who loves delicious food without complicated techniques, this recipe is about to become your new kitchen secret weapon.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the rice thoroughly and draining excess water. Chop the onion and bell pepper into small, uniform pieces.
- Grease the inside of your crock pot with a light cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add the long-grain rice to the crock pot, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the pot.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the rice, ensuring all rice is covered with liquid.
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, distributing them evenly across the rice.
- Sprinkle the chopped onion and bell pepper over the rice mixture.
- Season the rice with garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set to low heat setting.
- Cook for 4 hours, avoiding lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and moisture.
- After 4 hours, check the rice for tenderness. If needed, stir gently and let sit for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains and release steam.
Tips
- Rice Quality Matters: Always use long-grain rice for the best texture and prevent mushiness.
- Don't Lift the Lid: Resist the temptation to check frequently, as this releases heat and can disrupt the cooking process.
- Liquid Ratio is Key: Ensure your rice is fully covered with vegetable broth for even cooking.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to add diced jalapeños or swap vegetable broth with chicken broth for a different taste profile.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an extra flavor boost.
- Storage Tip: This rice keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats beautifully in the microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
