15 Minute Instant Pot Mexican Rice – contains affiliate links
I feel that I jumped on the Instant Pot bandwagon a little late, but the craze is still intensifying, so even if you JUST bought an Instant Pot, you are certainly not too late. I finally bought one when they were on deep discount right before Christmas a few years ago. My first experience with the Instant Pot was not good. I was just so happy to be able to cook a frozen chicken breast quickly. Well…the thing they do not tell you is that the cooking time is really actually the time not counting pre-heating. It took an insane amount of time and I was pretty frustrated and put it up for awhile. Oh and always make sure you’re adding enough liquid. I’m sure you can all imagine my sad, sad chicken breast that I waited far too long to enjoy.
Then, I decided to try to make Mexican rice, and I am happy to say that it turned out so well! How long does rice take in the instant pot, you ask? This recipe is only 15 minutes from start to finish. It is the fluffiest, most delicious rice that I have ever cooked and it has been the same result every single time I make this recipe. I still make this recipe, two years later. I also went on to perfect the chicken in the Instant Pot and made Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice and also 30 Minute Steak Rice Bowls. Can you tell that we love eating rice?
I am the worst at being consistent with my recipes, just ask my husband. When I have fixed Mexican rice NOT in the Instant Pot, sometimes it was crunchy in the middle and sometimes it was mushy.
I will never make Mexican rice in anything but the Instant Pot, ever again. Call it Mexican Rice, call it Spanish Rice .. whatever you may call it, it needs to be a side dish to all of your Mexican food dishes!
I make this recipe at least once a week and I have made it for many people and they always have a positive reaction. This Mexican rice is GOOD! And it is! If we have leftover rice, I’ll even put it in a thermos for the boys for their school lunch. Did you know that rice actually has protein, so it makes a really great entree, too!! It is such a warm, delicious treat to open up on a school day when sandwiches and cold lunches are the norm.
I always start my rice first, then prepare tacos, enchiladas, and of course, salsa, while the rice cooks. It only actually takes 8 minutes to cook, with the pressurization and whatnot, it ends up being about 10, in my experience. But, it doesn’t really change consistency if it sits for 30 minutes in the Instant Pot. Just don’t release the pressure and you’ll be good to go, no matter what time dinner is done. I’ll even start the Mexican Rice in the Instant Pot and go outside to grill and no matter how long it takes me to do that, the rice will be warm and waiting for us when I get back. It also transfers to a disposable foil dish to be delivered to neighbors or those in need of a meal. It only dries out when left in the fridge for a few days, and then, warming it up in the microwave with a cup of water beside the dish, NOT in it, moistens the rice up and is delicious once again.
Don’t miss these delicious recipes to serve with your Instant Pot Mexican Rice:

Authentic Cheese Enchiladas and Instant Pot Mexican Rice go hand in hand at our house!

You will need to either have two Instant Pots or be well prepared, but Instant Pot Refried Beans and Instant Pot Mexican Rice made the perfect side dishes to any Mexican food meal!
And this recipe for Mexican Street Corn sounds amazing, too!! There are SO many delicious recipes out there, both for the Instant Pot and not, so just explore and find your favorites to go with my 15 Minute Instant Pot Mexican Rice!
Looking for a low carb version of this recipe? Check out my Mexican Cauliflower Rice!

15 Minute Instant Pot Mexican Rice
Delicious, perfect Mexican rice, every time! Instant Pot Mexican Rice is easy and the perfect side dish!
Ingredients
- 2 TBSP avocado oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 3/4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- dash cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot on saute and add your oil and onions. Leave the lid off and stir frequently.
- Saute the onions for about 4 minutes and then add in the rice and garlic.
- Saute the onions, garlic and rice for about 2 minutes, until they begin to turn a golden color.
- Add in the tomato sauce, chicken stock, salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper and stir. Scrape the bottom so the rice doesn’t burn.
- Close and lock the lid. Turn the Instant Pot to Manual for 8 minutes.
- When 8 minutes is up and Instant Pot beeps, open the vent and place a towel over it. Be careful, it is very hot.
- Serve with your favorite Mexican food, like my Authentic Cheese Enchiladas!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, 6 Quart, Stainless Steel/Black
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Lundberg Family Farms - Organic White Long Grain Rice, Subtle Flavor, Remains Separate When Cooked, Pantry Staple, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, USDA Certified Organic, Vegan, Kosher (32 oz)
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1/2 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 158Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 871mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 4g
The writer is not a doctor or nutritionist and this nutritional information is just a guideline. Please consult your doctor or nutritionist for more accurate information.
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Heather Oxender
Saturday 21st of October 2023
The flavor of the rice is spot on, but the liquid measurements are off. Rice stuck to the pot and burned (only slightly) and was undercooked. Had to finish on the stove.
Gena
Sunday 22nd of October 2023
So sorry! Always make sure the liquid is fully covering the rice and give it a good stir and scrape the bottom before cooking.
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