Description
Smoky and savory Mexican Rice with Chorizo & Bacon is a flavorful one-pot dish packed with bold spices, crispy bacon, and seasoned rice. Perfect as a main meal or a hearty side!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 oz chorizo, crumbled
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the bacon and chorizo – In a large, deep skillet or pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, cook the chorizo, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.
- Sauté the aromatics – Add diced onion and garlic to the pot with the chorizo. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Toast the rice – Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb some of the flavorful oils from the chorizo and bacon.
- Add the liquids and seasonings – Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. If using, add finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper for extra heat.
- Simmer the rice – Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in vegetables – Add the peas and carrots, then fluff the rice gently with a fork. Cover and let sit for an additional 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to heat through.
- Garnish and serve – Stir in the crispy bacon pieces and freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- Make it spicier – Add more jalapeño, serrano, or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use brown rice – Swap white rice for brown rice, but adjust cooking time as needed.
- Vegetarian option – Substitute soy chorizo and omit the bacon.
- Add beans – Black beans or pinto beans make a great addition for extra protein and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: mexican inspired
Keywords: Mexican rice, chorizo rice, bacon rice, one-pot meal, smoky rice dish