One Pot Mexican Rice - a flavour packed rice dish with spicy tomato flavours, black beans and a little kick of jalapeño that makes the perfect side for all your favourite Mexican inspired meals. It is easy to make, full of colour and delicious enough to enjoy all on its own.

I always love finding ways to make simple sides feel a little more tasty, and this Mexican rice does exactly that. The fresh blended tomato and spice mixture gives the rice that gorgeous colour and loads of flavour, while the black beans make it extra hearty and satisfying. Once everything is started on the stove, it finishes cooking in the oven, leaving you free to get on with the rest of dinner.
Calories in Mexican Rice
This recipe serves 4 and is 254 calories per serving.
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If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie needs using a reliable calorie calculator. The calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use. Using your own calculations helps ensure you're meeting your individual needs. A calorie calculator can help you make informed choices and stay on track with your goals.
See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.

Ingredients Notes
To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- Long Grain Rice - Long grain rice works perfectly for this recipe, staying fluffy and separate while soaking up all the delicious flavours.
- Passata - Adds rich tomato flavour and helps give the rice its beautiful colour.
- Jalapeño Peppers - Add a gentle kick of heat and lots of flavour. Removing the seeds helps keep the spice level milder.
- Onion and Garlic - These form the flavour base for the rice and add plenty of savoury depth.
- Cumin and Paprika - Adds a warm earthy flavour that is essential in Mexican inspired dishes and works perfectly with the tomato, jalapeño and black beans.
- Chicken or Vegetable Stock - Cooks the rice while adding lots of extra flavour. Vegetable stock is perfect if keeping the dish vegetarian.
- Olive Oil - Helps toast the rice and cook the flavour base, adding a little richness and helping bring all the ingredients together.
- Black Beans - Add extra protein, fibre and texture, making the rice more filling and satisfying. Be sure to drain and rinse them well before adding.
- Fresh Coriander (Cilantro) - Adds freshness and a burst of flavour that works perfectly with all the Mexican inspired ingredients. It is the perfect finishing touch before serving.
Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.
See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.
Variations and Substitutes
This Mexican rice is really easy to adapt depending on what ingredients you have on hand and how you plan to serve it.
- Swap the black beans for pinto beans, kidney beans or cannellini beans.
- Add sweetcorn for extra sweetness and colour.
- Bell peppers are a great addition and add extra texture to the rice.
- Add extra jalapeños or a pinch of chilli flakes if you like more heat.
- Fresh chilli can be used instead of jalapeños.
- Chicken stock adds extra flavour, but vegetable stock works perfectly for a vegetarian version.
- Fresh parsley can be used if you are not a fan of coriander.
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving adds a lovely fresh finish.
- Add diced tomatoes alongside the passata for a chunkier texture.
- Stir through some grated cheddar cheese before serving for a cheesy Mexican rice variation.

What to Serve With
This yummy rice dish is one I often make to serve alongside Mexican Chicken Skewers, and a fresh Mexican Copped Salad for a delicious complete family meal. It is the perfect kind of meal for placing in the middle of the table and letting everyone help themselves.
You can also serve it alongside tacos, tortilla chips and add some extras like soured cream, guacamole, sliced avocado, fresh salsa, jalapeños or a squeeze of lime for even more flavour and let everyone build their own perfect plate.
Storing, Freezing and Reheating
Storing
Allow the rice to cool before transferring to an airtight container and storing in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This Mexican rice freezes really well, making it perfect for meal prep and batch cooking. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a saucepan over a low to medium heat until piping hot, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat portions in the microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway through until heated through. Fluff with a fork before serving.

More Mexican Inspired Dishes
Love Mexican inspired recipes? Check out these:
See more Mexican Recipes →
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Joanna Jarrett says
Making this for the second time tonight. Big hit with kids and hubby. Thanks!
x
Clare23911 says
Just made this for dinner - was absolutely delicious! Nicer than any spicy rice I've had in a Mexican restaurant and it's syn-free! I had this with the Mexican Chicken (in the Mexican BBQ section) and some salad. Will definitely make this again 🙂 Thanks!
carol says
Can you use kidney beans instead of black beans, cannot find them
Siobhan (Slimming Eats) says
yes you can 🙂
Emma Hope says
Made this to go with tacos and it was yummy. Dead easy to make too.
Lisa says
Absolutely love this recipe but made too much even to eat following day so wondered if I could freeze please?
Siobhan (Slimming Eats) says
yes so long as it's frozen as soon as it cools down and reheated thoroughly it's fine to freeze.
Rona says
Siobhan could you just cook on the hob on a low simmer if you don't want the oven on?
Gabrielle says
I have just made this and stuck it in a wrap with some salad & cheese and extra jalepenos and it was DELICIOUS.
Plenty left over also, so hoping my husband and little girl enjoy later plus my Mum (who follows the SW diet & will be delighted that this is syn free and speedy!) who is on route home from holidays.