Mexican Rice with Chorizo and Bacon Recipe
Easy Mexican Rice with Chorizo and Bacon
Looking for a delicious and hearty rice dish? This Mexican Rice with Chorizo and Bacon is full of flavor and perfect for any meal. It’s spicy, smoky, and comforting – a great choice whether you’re cooking for your family or guests.
This dish is made with rice, spicy chorizo sausage, and crispy bacon. These ingredients come together to create a tasty and filling meal. You can enjoy it on its own or serve it with grilled meats, tacos, or other Mexican favorites.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of flavor – thanks to the chorizo, bacon, and spices
- Easy to make – just follow a few simple steps
- Great for any meal – lunch, dinner, or even as leftovers
- Can be customized – make it spicy or mild, add vegetables, or even make it vegetarian
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb (450g) chorizo (raw or ground)
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional)
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Meats
- In a big pan, cook the chopped bacon until crispy (about 5-7 minutes).
- Take the bacon out, but keep the fat in the pan.
- Add the chorizo and cook it well, breaking it into small pieces (5-7 minutes).
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add the onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells nice.
3. Toast the Rice
- Add the rice to the pan. Stir it so it gets covered in the meat juices.
- Cook the rice for 2-3 minutes until it turns a bit golden. This adds a nutty flavor.
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and all the spices (cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper).
- Bring it to a boil.
5. Simmer the Rice
- Turn the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes.
- Don’t stir too much – this helps the rice cook evenly.
6. Add Bacon and Peas
- Once the rice is soft and has soaked up all the liquid, fluff it with a fork.
- Stir in the crispy bacon and frozen peas (if using). Let it sit covered for 2-3 minutes until the peas are warm.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and a little lime juice for extra flavor.
- Serve hot with your favorite Mexican dishes or enjoy it as a meal on its own.
🔄 Tips and Variations
Want to make it your own? Try these ideas:
- Vegetarian option: Use plant-based chorizo and bacon or skip the meat altogether.
- Make it milder: Use less chili powder or a mild sausage.
- More veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini when cooking the onion.
- Low-carb version: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
🧊 Make Ahead & Storage
You can cook this dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a little broth or water.
🍽️ Final Thoughts
This Mexican Rice with Chorizo and Bacon is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to change the ingredients to match your taste or diet.
Try it once, and it might just become your favorite rice dish!