Quick Queso Rice

Mexican rice is one of those side dishes I make often because it goes so well with so many of the Mexican-inspired meals my family loves. So when I came across this cheesy quick queso rice, I was excited to give it a try. It has all the comfort of a simple rice side dish, but with extra flavor from cheese, broth, and salsa, plus just a little kick.

What makes this rice especially tasty is all of the flavor built right in. The cheesy goodness comes from a can of fiesta nacho cheese soup along with shredded cheddar cheese, which makes the rice rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Instead of using water, this recipe uses chicken broth, and that one simple swap makes a big difference. Then the salsa adds even more flavor and gives the dish that nice little bit of heat.

Another reason I love this easy recipe is how fast it is to make. Since it uses instant rice, it comes together quickly and easily without a lot of effort. In about 15 minutes, you have a warm, cheesy side of rice ready to serve. It is a great option for busy nights when you want something flavorful to go with dinner but do not want to spend a lot of extra time in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Quick Queso Rice

• FIESTA NACHO CHEESE SOUP – This is what gives the rice its creamy, cheesy flavor. It adds richness along with a little kick, making the rice taste like a quick queso-style side dish.
• CHICKEN BROTH – Chicken broth adds much more flavor than water would. It helps cook the rice while also giving the dish a savory base.
• INSTANT RICE – Instant rice is what makes this recipe so quick and easy to prepare. It cooks fast and soaks up all of the cheesy, flavorful liquid.
• SALSA – Salsa adds extra flavor and a little heat to the rice. It helps give the dish that Mexican-inspired taste and adds a bit of freshness too.
• CHEDDAR CHEESE – Shredded cheddar cheese adds even more cheesy goodness and helps make the rice extra creamy. It melts right into the hot rice for a rich, comforting finish.

Instructions for Quick Queso Rice

In a 2-quart saucepan, stir together the fiesta nacho cheese soup and chicken broth. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.

Once it is boiling, stir in the instant rice, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well combined. Cover the pan, then remove it from the heat.

Let the rice stand for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Give it a stir before serving. This recipe makes about 4 servings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of rice do I need for this recipe?
This recipe is made with instant rice, which is what helps it cook so quickly. Regular long grain rice will not work the same way without adjusting the liquid and cook time.

Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
You can, but chicken broth gives the rice much more flavor. It is an easy way to make the dish taste richer and more savory.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes. Cheddar works great, but you could also use Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

What does the fiesta nacho cheese soup do in the recipe?
It gives the rice its creamy, cheesy texture and adds a lot of flavor. It is what makes this side dish feel like a quick queso rice.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, but it is best served fresh while it is warm and creamy. If you do make it ahead, you may want to stir in a splash of broth when reheating.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Can I add extra ingredients to this cheesy Mexican rice?
Yes. You could add diced green chiles, cooked chicken, black beans, corn, onions, peppers or extra salsa to change it up a little.

What can I serve with cheesy quick queso rice?
This rice goes well with tacos, burritos, enchiladas, grilled chicken, fajitas, quesadillas, or any Mexican-inspired meal. It is an easy side dish for busy weeknights.

Why do I remove the pan from the heat after adding the rice?
Instant rice cooks quickly by absorbing the hot liquid while covered. Letting it stand off the heat helps it turn out tender without overcooking.

Can I double this cheesy rice recipe?
Yes. You can double it if needed, just make sure to use a large enough saucepan so everything fits comfortably.

Tips and Tricks

Use instant rice, not regular rice. Instant rice is what makes this recipe quick and helps it cook properly with the amount of liquid in the recipe.

Use chicken broth instead of water. This adds much more flavor and makes the rice taste richer and more savory.

Stir everything well before covering the pan. This helps the cheese, salsa, and soup mix evenly throughout the rice.

Let it stand covered for the full 5 to 8 minutes. That resting time is what allows the instant rice to absorb the liquid and become tender.

Serve it while it is hot and creamy. This rice is best right after it is made, when the texture is smooth and the cheese is perfectly melted.

 FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Beefy Cheesy Rice
• Easy Cheesy WIld Rice Soup
• Easy Fried Rice with Leftover Rice
• Hawaiian Ham Fried Rice

This recipe is adapted from Plain Chicken.