This Cheesy Queso Fiesta Rice is sure to tickle your taste buds. It’s creamy, cheesy and full of zesty flavor. It’s perfect for your Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Cinco de Mayo deserves something with a little extra zing, doesn’t it? Something zesty with loads of Mexican flavor.
And this Cheesy Queso Fiesta Rice is it! We usually enjoy it with my Mexican Spiced Chicken Bites and a Watermelon Mint Margarita on the side!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
This rice is super creamy and cheesy and perfect as a side for tacos, fajitas, chicken, fish or just about anything really.
And it’s ready and on your table in roughly 30 minutes, so when you want to impress, but you don’t have lots of time, this is the side to serve.
It’s a simple combination of rice, some red and yellow bell peppers, onions, jalapenos, garlic, salsa and of course the star of the show, some delicious cheesy queso.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- butter
- yellow onion
- red and yellow bell peppers
- salt
- long grain rice
- garlic
- low-sodium chicken broth
- salsa
- queso cheese dip
- jalapeño
- lime
- fresh cilantro
Step-By-Step Instructions
In a large saucepan, you’ll melt the butter over medium-high heat and then add your onion, peppers and salt and cook for three minutes, stirring often.
Add the rice and garlic and cook for an additional two minutes, stirring often, followed by the chicken broth and salsa and bring to a boil.
Once the mixture starts boiling, lower the heat and simmer, covered until rice is tender, about 18 minutes. Add the queso and chopped jalapeños and mix until well combined. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Squeeze in the lime juice and top with the chopped cilantro, if desired.
This is one comfort food rice side dish everyone at the table will love.
Guaranteed you’ll never want to eat plain rice again!
Please let me know if you give the recipe a try. And if you have any questions about the recipe, just drop a comment below. Enjoy!
A Few Cook’s Notes for Cheesy Queso Fiesta Rice
You can seed your jalapeño or leave the seeds in for a spicier taste. Do whatever you prefer.
I know some people don’t like the flavor of cilantro, so if you’re not a fan, just omit.
More Delicious Mexican Recipes to Enjoy
Cheesy Queso Fiesta Rice
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 cups uncooked long grain rice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup queso cheese dip, I use Pancho's Original Queso
- 1 large jalapeno, seeded and chopped
- 2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion, peppers and salt and cook for three minutes, stirring often. Add the rice and garlic and cook for an additional two minutes, stirring often. Add the chicken broth and salsa and bring to a boil. Once the mixture starts boiling, lower the heat and simmer, covered until rice is tender, about 18 minutes. Add the queso and chopped jalapenos and mix until well combined. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Squeeze in the lime juice and top with the chopped cilantro, if desired.
Mondays definitely need an extra zing and this rice would just hit the spot! Love all the flavours going on here, Mary Ann! I wanna dive right in….Pinned :) Have a great week!
It’s so good Dawn! We love that queso addition!
Anything that is described as creamy and cheesy gets my attention straight away! What a delicious dish – perfect with so many things!
know right Alex?! Hope you have a great week!
Oh my word. I don’t need anything else for dinner, just give me a big bowl of this rice! It looks delicious!
I know you’d really enjoy it Kelsie! Tom couldn’t get enough. That queso is super delicious!
Love this! I love rice and am always looking for new ways to serve it, so this one is going to the top of my list, since cheese and rice is definitely calling my name :)
Yay! Hope you enjoy it Jennifer!
This is a flavor packed rice dish! We eat a lot of Mexican food and this would go perfect with our taco nights or with enchiladas. Looks delicious.
You’d really love it Kathy. It’s one zesty dish!
Monday definitely deserves something like this! A little “kick” to start the week? We love Mexican food, although I have to tone down the spice for the kids. Looks amazing!
This one is super tasty Katherine! Hope you give it a go!
If this isn’t next level rice, I don’t know what is!! Seriously, Mare, you have outdone yourself here!!! I mean queso in rice!?!? How brilliant is that!! (And why didn’t I think of it?? Lol) This rice is absolutely EVERYTHING I need in my life! I never thought I’d want to make rice my complete dinner, but now I do!! I’ll be eating this one straight from the pan with a spoon!! Pinned!
Thanks so much Chey!
This cheesy rice is definitely calling my name, Mary Ann! It would make a wonderful side, but, honestly, I’d be happy to make a meal of just this!
I know you’d really enjoy it Marissa! Thanks!
Could you substitute cauliflower for the rice? Recipe sounds so delicious, my mouth is watering. Love your posts:)
That would be delicious Trish. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. It may take a little less time to cook the cauli rice. Enjoy!
Creamy & cheesy? Count me in 100%!!
Thanks Naomi!
Haven’t tried it but it so good. Thinking of using it for my forth coming competition. Thank you Mary Ann
Hope you enjoy it Joseph! It’s one of my favorites. I love the addition of the queso!
My mouth is totally watering for this Mare! SO many delicious flavors and textures. It wouldn’t last long here!
We love it Traci! Can’t pass up any dish with some delicious added queso!
Absolutely delicious and a big hit at the potluck! Will be making it again!
Awesome Yolanda! So happy you enjoyed it!