Cheesy Salsa Rice

Transform your weeknight meals with this easy and satisfying Cheesy Salsa Rice! This one-pot wonder combines perfectly fluffy white or jasmine rice with the zesty kick of your favorite salsa, melted cheddar cheese, and a touch of butter for rich, creamy flavor in every bite. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile recipe is perfect as a savory side dish or a standalone comfort food. Customize the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa, and elevate the presentation with fresh cilantro and green onion garnishes. Whether you're pairing it with tacos, grilled chicken, or enjoying it solo, this cheesy, tangy twist on classic rice will become your go-to for Tex-Mex-inspired dinners.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup white or jasmine rice
• 2 cups water
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot as desired)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons green onions (optional, sliced for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed.

Step 4

Remove the cooked rice from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, still covered, to steam for fluffier grains.

Step 5

While the rice is resting, warm the salsa in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Step 6

After the rice has rested, fluff it with a fork and stir in the butter until melted and evenly distributed.

Step 7

Add the warm salsa to the rice and mix until well combined.

Step 8

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the rice and cover with the lid for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.

Step 9

Gently stir the melted cheese into the rice, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 10

Transfer the Cheesy Salsa Rice to a serving dish and garnish with optional cilantro and sliced green onions if desired.

Step 11

Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy on its own!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1077.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1002.6

Total Fat 60.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 37.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 186.9mg	0%
Sodium 3679.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 78.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.7g	0%
Total Sugars 10.8g
Protein 37.8g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 924.2mg	0%
Iron 4.0mg	0%
Potassium 830.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.8%

Protein: 15.0%

Carbs: 31.2%