If you love flavorful and comforting side dishes, this Paula Deen Spanish Rice Recipe is perfect for you. It is rich, slightly spicy and full of delicious taste.
Many people search for the best Paula Deen Spanish Rice Recipe because it is easy and budget-friendly.
This dish pairs well with many meals. If you want to learn how to make Paula Deen Spanish Rice, follow this simple step-by-step guide.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
- The secret of this dish is cooking rice with tomatoes and spices. This gives it a rich color and bold flavor.
- Paula Deen is known for simple and hearty Southern recipes. This dish reflects her style.
- Another secret is sautéing the rice first. This adds a light toasted flavor and better texture.
- Using broth instead of water gives a deeper and richer taste.

Recipe Card
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Spanish Rice
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Calories: 240 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large skillet or pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Spanish Rice
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Heat Oil
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until warm. - Toast Rice
Add rice and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly golden, stirring often. - Cook Onion
Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. - Add Garlic
Stir in garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant. - Add Tomato Sauce
Pour in tomato sauce and mix well with rice. - Add Broth
Add chicken broth and stir to combine all ingredients. - Season Rice
Add salt, pepper, paprika and cumin. Mix well. - Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes. - Rest the Rice
Turn off heat and let rice sit covered for 5 minutes. - Fluff and Serve
Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use vegetable broth for vegetarian version
- Add peas or corn for extra texture
- Add chili powder for more spice
- Use fresh tomatoes instead of sauce
- Do not stir too much while cooking
- Let rice rest for better texture
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this rice warm for the best taste. It pairs well with grilled chicken or beef.
- You can also serve it with tacos or beans. Add fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- It is perfect as a side dish for many meals.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan with a little water or broth to keep it soft.
- You can freeze this rice for up to 1 month. Thaw before reheating.

paula deen spanish rice recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
Heat Oil
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until warm.
Toast Rice
- Add rice and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly golden, stirring often.
Cook Onion
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
Add Garlic
- Stir in garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
Add Tomato Sauce
- Pour in tomato sauce and mix well with rice.
Add Broth
- Add chicken broth and stir to combine all ingredients.
Season Rice
- Add salt, pepper, paprika and cumin. Mix well.
Simmer
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes.
Rest the Rice
- Turn off heat and let rice sit covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff and Serve
- Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for vegetarian version
- Add peas or corn for extra texture
- Add chili powder for more spice
- Use fresh tomatoes instead of sauce
- Do not stir too much while cooking
- Let rice rest for better texture
FAQs about Paula Deen Spanish Rice
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but cooking time will be longer. Adjust liquid and time for best results.
2. How to make Paula Deen Spanish Rice more spicy?
Add chili powder or jalapeños. This will give a stronger spicy flavor.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It will still taste great.
4. Why is my rice mushy?
Too much liquid or overcooking can cause this. Measure carefully and avoid stirring too much.
5. Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can add cooked chicken or beef. It makes the dish more filling.
Conclusion
This Paula Deen Spanish Rice Recipe is simple, flavorful and easy to make. It is perfect for any meal.
Now you know how to make Paula Deen Spanish Rice at home. With simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can prepare it.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious and comforting side dish with your family.

Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.













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