If you are looking for a vibrant, comforting, and truly fuss-free dish to jazz up your weeknight meals, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Easy Fiesta Rice Recipe. It brings together creamy nacho cheese goodness, perfectly tender rice, and just the right touch of moisture from milk and water to create a side dish that’s packed with flavor and color. Whether you’re serving it alongside tacos, grilled chicken, or just craving a cozy, cheesy bowl all on its own, this recipe hits all the right notes without demanding much effort from you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Fiesta Rice Recipe is how simple the ingredient list is, yet each element plays a crucial role in delivering that irresistible taste and texture. They come together quickly and create a dish that feels both hearty and festive.
- Campbell’s Fiesta Nacho Cheese soup: This canned soup adds creamy, cheesy richness and the signature fiesta flavor that defines the dish.
- Water: Essential for cooking the rice evenly and making sure it absorbs all those delicious flavors.
- Milk: Adds a subtle creaminess and smooth texture that balances the cheese’s intensity.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice: The base of the recipe, rice cooks up tender and fluffy, soaking in all the savory goodness around it.
How to Make Easy Fiesta Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF. This temperature allows the rice to cook through perfectly while melding all the flavors together under gentle heat.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
In a 9×9-inch baking pan, pour in the entire can of Campbell’s Fiesta Nacho Cheese soup. Add the cup of water and the â…“ cup of milk, then stir in the ¾ cup of uncooked long-grain white rice until everything is evenly combined. This mixture ensures the rice absorbs every bit of that creamy, cheesy goodness while baking.
Step 3: Cover and Bake
Cover the pan tightly with foil to trap steam and promote even cooking. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the rice is tender. This method creates the perfect texture—rice that’s soft and infused with the rich flavor of the cheese soup.
Step 4: Stir and Serve
Once baked, remove the foil and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and blend flavors. Stirring also allows any remaining creamy sauce to mix throughout, creating that irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Easy Fiesta Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate this dish into a true fiesta on your plate. Try chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. These add color, freshness, and even more layers of flavor that complement the cheesy base beautifully.
Side Dishes
This rice is an ideal partner for Mexican-inspired meals. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, carnitas, seasoned ground beef, or even crispy avocado slices. You can also serve it beside steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a lighter meal with a fun flavor boost.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to mix things up? Serve the Easy Fiesta Rice Recipe in colorful bowls to enhance its festive vibe. Alternatively, stuff it inside bell peppers or use it as a flavorful bed for grilled seafood. Its creamy, cheesy texture and vibrant taste make it incredibly versatile for any presentation style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Fiesta Rice keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it cold helps maintain its creamy texture and prevents the rice from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, freeze the rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your Easy Fiesta Rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to loosen the texture. Stir occasionally to warm it evenly and bring back that creamy consistency you love.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and chewier texture, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You might want to partially cook the brown rice first or increase baking time accordingly to achieve the perfect tenderness.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
For sure! Adding diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the mix before baking will bring a pleasant kick without overpowering the cheesy flavors.
Can I prepare this dish on the stovetop instead of baking?
While the oven method gives the best melding of flavors and perfect texture, you can simmer all ingredients on the stovetop over low heat covered, stirring occasionally. However, keep an eye on the rice to avoid it sticking or burning.
What can I add to make this a complete meal?
Try folding in cooked black beans, corn kernels, or cooked shredded chicken for added protein and heartiness. Fresh veggies like bell peppers or spinach will add nutrition and texture to make it more filling.
Does this recipe work with other cheese soups?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheese soups, but Campbell’s Fiesta Nacho Cheese offers a unique zing and southwestern flavor that’s hard to replicate. If you try others, adjust seasonings to suit the new cheese profile.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a side dish that’s as easy as it is delicious, the Easy Fiesta Rice Recipe is absolutely a must-try. It brings party-ready flavors with minimal ingredients and effort, making it a staple for busy nights or casual get-togethers. Once you make it, I guarantee this recipe will be on your regular rotation, adding that perfect cheesy cheer to your table every time.
Print
Easy Fiesta Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Fiesta Rice is a flavorful and creamy baked rice dish featuring Campbell’s Fiesta Nacho Cheese soup, perfect for a quick and delicious side. This recipe combines simple pantry ingredients and bakes them to tender perfection in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Campbell’s Fiesta Nacho Cheese soup
- 1 cup water
- â…“ cup milk
- ¾ cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature while you prepare the ingredients.
- Combine Ingredients: In a suitable mixing bowl, combine the can of Fiesta Nacho Cheese soup, 1 cup of water, ⅓ cup of milk, and ¾ cup of uncooked long-grain white rice. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the rice mixture into a 9×9-inch baking pan. Spread it evenly, then cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture during baking.
- Bake the Rice: Place the covered pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check the rice at the end of baking to ensure it is tender and cooked through.
- Stir and Serve: Once baked, remove the foil carefully to avoid steam burns and stir the rice gently to fluff it before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute milk with cream or use a cheese-flavored broth in place of water.
- If you prefer a slightly crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings, using a bigger baking dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350ºF for 15-20 minutes or microwave until heated through.
