Easy Spanish Rice
Cook up a tasty batch of Spanish rice with bacon. It’s an easy and flavorful side dish that pairs nicely with meat and seafood.
This easy Spanish rice is a popular recipe made with bacon, canned tomato bisque, and chopped vegetables. It’s an easy side dish to throw together any night of the week and cook quickly on the stovetop. Bacon and the drippings add wonderful flavor to the rice along with garlic, chopped onions, and bell pepper.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, this stovetop rice dish comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or your favorite Tex-Mex meals. It’s also a great way to use up leftover bacon!
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Quick and easy. Made in one pan with simple ingredients and done in about 30 minutes.
Bacon adds depth. Cooking the vegetables in bacon drippings adds extra flavor to every bite.
Great side dish. Pairs well with Mexican, Tex-Mex, grilled meats, or seafood.
Budget-friendly. Uses basic pantry ingredients like rice, canned soup, and vegetables.
Ingredient Notes
- Bacon: Adds smoky flavor—save the drippings to cook the veggies and rice.
- Onion and green bell pepper: Classic aromatic base for Spanish-style rice.
- Rice: Regular long-grain white rice works best—avoid instant rice.
- Garlic: A small amount adds a savory backbone.
- Tomato bisque: Adds creaminess and richness—look for condensed versions like Campbell’s.
- Water: Used to cook the rice and balance the richness of the soup.
- Chili powder and salt: Season to taste—adjust based on your preferred spice level.
Steps to Make the Dish
- Cook the bacon in a saucepan until crisp; drain and set aside.
- Pour off excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
- Sauté onion and bell pepper in the drippings until tender.
- Stir in rice and garlic; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add tomato bisque, water, chili powder, and salt; bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in crumbled bacon and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Spanish Rice
- Stir the rice a few times during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- If you don’t have tomato bisque, substitute with canned tomato soup and a splash of cream.
- Use a tight-fitting lid to keep the steam in while simmering the rice.
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or a chopped jalapeño with the peppers.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the bacon. Use cooked chorizo, ham, or omit meat for a vegetarian version.
- Add beans. Stir in ½ cup of cooked pinto or black beans for extra protein and texture.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes. Replace tomato bisque with canned fire-roasted tomatoes and a splash of cream.
- Add corn. Mix in ½ cup of corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen) for color and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with grilled or broiled steak, pork chops, or sausages.
- Pair with baked fish or spicy shrimp.
- Add to a Tex-Mex plate with enchiladas or tacos.
- Include a green salad or sautéed greens to round out the meal.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Spanish rice can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
To Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals.
Easy Spanish Rice
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup long-grain rice, raw white
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic
- 1 10 3/4-ounce can tomato bisque, condensed, such as Campbell’s
- 1 1/2 cups water, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cook bacon until crisp; remove to paper towels to drain. Crumble and set aside.
- Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the drippings. Cook onion and green pepper in remaining drippings until tender.
- Add the rice and garlic and cook for 2 minutes longer.
- Add tomato bisque soup, water, chili powder, and salt. Bring to a boil; cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until rice is tender. Stir occasionally.
- Add the bacon to the Spanish rice and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
