What to Eat with Mexican Rice (37 Easy Options)

If you’re wondering what to eat with Mexican rice, we’ve got you covered!

If you’re anything like us, you’re constantly looking for a clever, delicious way to complement your Mexican rice.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered.

In this post, we’ll show you some of our favorite recipes that pair amazingly with Mexican rice.

We’ve picked out some of our favorites and gathered them into a collection that will make your tastebuds sing and your stomach say “wowza!”

See Also: 22 Best Mexican Vegetable Side Dishes

What to Eat with Mexican Rice

It’s no secret that Mexican rice is a delicious side dish, but it’s not always the easiest to pair with your main course.

When you’re trying to make a whole meal out of it, where do you go from there?

Not to worry—below, we’re diving into some of our favorite Mexican rice recipes that will have your entire family asking for seconds (or thirds).

1. Tacos

Tacos are one of those dishes that is so simple, it requires nothing more than freshly made tortillas and incredibly juicy filling to make them shine.

But adding a side of Mexican Rice is a great compliment to any taco recipe!

We love serving this rice with fish tacos, steak tacos, pork carnitas tacos and more!

2. Burritos

Burritos are the ultimate comfort food!

They can be filled with all kinds of ingredients, like shredded beef burritos, chile verde burritos, carne asada burritos or breakfast burritos.

They’re great on their own but even better when served with a side of rice.

3. Fajitas

Fajitas are basically our go-to dinner party dish—it’s impossible to go wrong with them!

Prep all the toppings ahead of time and set everything up on a buffet station, so your friends can customize their fajita fillings however they like.

That way, you can relax and enjoy yourself during the party instead of worrying about cooking everything to perfection.

And don’t forget to serve the fajitas with Mexican Rice on the side!

It’s an instant crowd-pleaser.

4. Quesadillas

We love quesadillas for their versatility.

Whether you’re having them as a snack or serving them as an appetizer, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.

And we can’t think of anything better than the combination of gooey melted cheese, crispy tortillas and fluffy Mexican Rice on the side—it’s like a party in your mouth!

This is one of our favorite dishes to eat with Mexican Rice because there are so many ways you can make this dish your own—from adding different cheeses and meats to pairing it with homemade guacamole!

5. Chicken Flautas

This dish is full of savory chicken and cheese rolled in tortillas and then baked until crispy.

And yes, they are absolutely delicious on their own.

But add in some Mexican Rice, and you have an especially flavorful meal that will bring your family together around the table.

6. Tamales

Tamales are another dish that pairs well with Mexican Rice!

The savory flavors in this dish pair well with the creamy texture of the tamale dough.

And because tamales already have a sweet component, the small amount of sweetness in Mexican Rice just adds another layer to this amazing dish!

7. Carnitas

Make these tasty morsels of pork yourself or order them from your favorite restaurant—either way, Mexican rice is an ideal accompaniment to carnitas.

If you’re having carnitas over greens, the rice will add a nice grainy texture; if you’re having them in a taco with fresh cilantro and lime, the neutral flavor and fluffy texture of Mexican rice will help balance out the tang of the other ingredients.

8. Tortas

Also known as “sub sandwiches” in some parts of Central America, tortas are traditionally served on a crusty roll that resembles French bread.

The toppings can vary from cheese, tomato and avocado to refried beans, chorizo and spicy salsa verde.

These handheld sandwiches are typically served with a side of fries or potato chips.

But we think they taste even better when you pair them with Mexican rice!

9. Soups

If you’re looking for something a little heartier, try making soup!

Tortilla soup, black bean soup and chicken chili verde are some of our favorite soups to serve with Mexican rice—and they’re all super easy to make!

10. Beans

Beans are the ultimate comfort food.

And Mexican rice—with its texture and flavor—is a match made in heaven for any delicious bean dish you can think of: bean burritos, beans and rice, or even black beans and corn with salsa.

We love topping our beans with cheese and hot sauce, too.

11. Refried Beans

If you’ve never tried refried beans and Mexican rice together, what have you been doing with your life?

This classic combo is the perfect side dish for almost any meal!

Try pairing them with enchiladas, any kind of burrito or even just some grilled chicken and avocado.

So many possibilities!

12. Eggs

Whether they’re scrambled, fried, poached or baked in a quiche, eggs are a terrific protein that pairs well with many different dishes.

Why not add a side of Mexican Rice for something extra?

13. Avocado Salad

For the perfect balance between fresh and savory, try serving our Mexican Rice with an avocado salad!

This dish is loaded with crisp romaine lettuce, buttery avocado, red onion and tomatoes—so you know it’s going to taste amazing.

Plus, thanks to the avocado it’s also super creamy and satisfying!

14. Yellow rice

While yellow rice isn’t in the same family as traditional Mexican rice, it’s still a great thing to eat with Mexican rice!

It’s super easy to make, too!

All you have to do is combine rice, chicken broth and saffron in a pot, bring it to a boil and then let the heat do its thing.

The result?

A deliciously fluffy dish that will complement your Mexican Rice beautifully!

15. A side of greens

Mexican Rice tastes fantastic when combined with other fresh vegetables.

Try pairing your Mexican Rice with a fresh salad filled with ingredients like arugula and corn kernels or a simple side of sautéed mushrooms.

16. Roasted vegetables (zucchini, broccoli, mushrooms)

Roasted veggies are an easy way to incorporate more healthy ingredients into your daily diet.

We like roasting zucchini, broccoli and mushrooms in the oven at 425°F for about 20 minutes (or until golden brown).

Serve these roasted veggies alongside our Mexican Rice for a meal that’s both healthy and filling!

17. Salsa

We always love to eat Mexican rice with salsa! Whether it’s our homemade salsa recipe, or a store-bought brand you love, this is a simple and easy way to enjoy Mexican rice.

We typically like to make our own salsa recipes, since they’re quick and easy to make.

But if you’re in a pinch and need something to go with the Mexican rice—grab a jar of your favorite store-bought salsa and go!

18. Ground beef

Ground beef is such a versatile ingredient, and one of our favorite ways to use it is in Mexican-inspired recipes like ground beef chili, ground beef burritos or enchiladas and more!

And making those recipes even better is topping them with some delicious Mexican rice!

19. Carne Asada

Carne Asada is an excellent choice for dinner any day of the week—especially when paired with Mexican Rice!

The tender meat is packed with flavor and complements the savory notes of the rice perfectly.

This combination will definitely be a favorite at your table!

20. Enfrijoladas

Enfrijoladas are tortillas coated in bean sauce and cheese, then folded over and topped with all kinds of delicious toppings like sour cream, onions, cilantro, queso fresco and more.

The softness of the enfrijoladas combined with the crunchy toppings will make your taste buds dance in excitement!

We recommend serving this meal with a side of Mexican rice and some refried beans on the side!

21. Huevos rancheros

This traditional Mexican breakfast dish is made with fried eggs and beans, topped with salsa roja and cheese.

It’s amazing all on its own—but adding a heaping spoonful of Mexican rice makes it even better!

It helps balance out the richness from the egg yolks and adds more substance to this meal.

22. Arugula and tomato salad

This light salad is a great dish to serve alongside Mexican rice because it offers a nice contrast in flavors and textures.

The freshness of the arugula, the crunch of the tomatoes and the tartness of vinegar all come together in a way that contrasts beautifully with the comfort food flavor of this rice.

23. Lemon chicken strips

Lemon chicken strips are an easy and tasty meal—and even better when served with Mexican Rice!

Shredded cabbage, cilantro lime dressing and spicy jalapenos all work together to give this dish a real kick of flavor.

24. Chipotle bowls

Chipotle bowls are an easy way to add some spice to otherwise ordinary dishes like chicken or steak.

But when you add Mexican Rice as a base and then top it off with our favorite sides like pico de gallo, guacamole and fresh salsa?

You’ll be in heaven!

It’s also super easy to make your own chipotle bowl at home by using any kind of meat like chicken breasts or ground beef, then adding your favorite toppings like shredded cheese and sour cream.

25. Tostadas

Tostadas are essentially tacos that have been fried in oil so that the tortilla becomes crispy and golden brown.

When served alongside our Mexican Rice, they turn into the perfect two-bite appetizer!

Using our rice as an easy base, you can pile on all your favorite toppings like ground beef, shredded cheese and guacamole for an easy dinner or party snack!

26. Chimichangas

Chimichangas are essentially small burritos filled with meat, beans and cheese—a savory combination that is often served with Mexican rice as well.

The rice adds a nice touch to the overall dish because it helps soak up all the wonderful flavors of the chimichanga!

Make sure you serve this meal with some guacamole on the side (and maybe even top off your chimichanga with some sour cream).

27. Nachos

A plate of nachos is practically an art form.

A little cheese here, a little meat there and some chips in the middle—wow—it’s almost too much beauty to handle.

You can add some extra flavor (and color) to your next nacho plate by adding in a side of Mexican rice!

This will give you the perfect balance of carbs and protein with every bite.

28. Cornbread

Cornbread is the ultimate comfort food, but it’s usually only served alongside chili or soup.

Make your next batch of cornbread extra special by serving it with Mexican rice!

The flavors taste amazing together, and the combination makes a perfect complement to your favorite soups and stews.

To make it even better, top your cornbread with melted butter and honey drizzle for an added touch of sweetness—you won’t regret it!

29. Tortilla chips

Yes, you read that right.

If you’re making a big batch of Mexican rice, be sure to save some as leftovers!

The next day, simply heat up the rice in a pan until it’s crispy and use it as a base for nachos.

Or, if you want something less spicy, just top your favorite tortilla chips with salsa and queso blanco.

They’re delicious either way!

30. Chipotle peppers

Looking for a way to spice up your dinner routine?

There’s nothing like the smoky heat of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to do the trick.

Combine some chipotles with browned ground beef and serve with Spanish Rice for a quick and easy dinner that’s sure to be a hit at your house!

31. Chorizo sausage

If you’re looking for a dinner that will wow the entire family, serve chorizo sausage with our Mexican Rice and beans as a side dish.

The kid-friendly dinner will leave everyone feeling full and happy!

32. Fried plantains

If you’ve never tried fried plantains before, then we promise that you’re missing out on a sweet treat!

Plantains are similar to bananas but not as sweet.

They have a starchy texture and taste incredible when pan-fried in oil until they turn golden brown.

Pair this dish with Mexican Rice for an easy (yet impressive) side dish that tastes just like the ones they serve in Cuba!

33. Chili

If you love big, hearty flavors and crave something warm, comforting and filling in the winter months, then chili is the answer.

This spicy dish has a lot of similarities to Mexican food and we like to think that a bowl of chili topped with Mexican rice is just as good as a burrito bowl!

34. Cilantro

If you’re anything like us, you can’t get enough of soups and stews during the winter months.

But your classic chicken soup won’t cut it in our book—we need something lathered in Mexican spices!

So we whip up this Cilantro Lime Chicken Soup and serve it with Mexican Rice on the side.

The result is a warm bowl of spicy goodness and rice that will leave everyone at your dinner table asking for seconds!

35. Hot sauce

You don’t have to add hot sauce on top of your bowl of Mexican Rice—you can serve it as a dip instead!

When you present your family with this spicy treat, they will excitedly scoop up their Mexican Rice with warm and crispy tortilla chips to discover the bold flavors underneath.

36. Caldo de Res

Caldo de Res is a famous Mexican beef soup with hearty potatoes and veggies.

The best part about this soup?

It starts with an incredible broth—perfect for dipping warm tortillas into and sponging up all that flavor.

To make your caldo de res a full meal, add a side of Mexican rice, which adds even more body to this already filling dish.

37. Chili con carne

This is a super hearty dish that basically has everything you need in one bowl.

We like to serve our Mexican rice with chili con carne because it adds a perfect balance of texture and flavor to an already-amazing dish.

How to decide what to eat with Mexican rice

When you’re trying to figure out what to eat with your Mexican rice, there are several things that must be considered:

• What are you looking for in terms of texture? Are you looking for a side dish that’s crispy? Or something soft and fluffy? Or something chewy?
• Are you looking for a side dish that complements the flavors in the Mexican rice or contrasts with them?
• Do you want a side that’s easy to make or a bit more complex?
• How much time do you have? Do you need a side dish that can be made quickly, or one that takes a little more time so it can simmer on the stove top and let the flavors develop?