Name: Quick Eats: 7 Step Spanish Rice with Salsa : A Budget Friendly Comfort Food
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups white long grain rice (Rinsed); 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred); 2 Tbsp Butter; 4 tvsp tomato paste; 3 tbsp lime juice (or juice of 2 limes + zest); 1 tbsp dried onion flakes; 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp cumin; 1 10 Oz. can Rotel diced tomatoes (drained); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese; Salt and pepper to taste (optional)

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Close up of Quick eats cheesy Spanish rice with salsa

This quick eats recipe is great if you’re short on time, but still want something flavorful, budget friendly, and comforting. This cheesy Spanish rice with salsa vibe is your new “go to” dish.

It’s loaded with savory spices, zesty lime, and gooey melted cheese. This is the kind of quick eats recipe that doesn’t just satisfy your hunger, it comforts and supports your gut too. Yes, there are surprising digestive benefits packed in here, and we’ll get to that.

So whether you’re looking to feed the family, prep lunches, or just dig into something warm after a long day, this one pan side dish checks all the boxes: easy, hearty, affordable, and downright delicious.

Table of Contents

Why This Dish Belongs in Your Quick Eats Arsenal

Life gets busy. Between work, errands, and life. Cooking can feel like a chore, but this recipe is designed for real people with real schedules. It comes together in one pot (less mess!), and uses things already in your pantry.

Unlike some so called “quick meals” that leave you hungry an hour later, this Spanish rice is packed with complex carbs, healthy fats, and just enough protein from the cheese to keep you full and fueled.

Ingredient Breakdown (and Why Your Body Will Love It)

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups white long grain rice (rinsed)
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 Tbsp butter
4 Tbsp tomato paste
3 Tbsp lime juice (or juice of 2 limes + zest)
1 Tbsp dried onion flakes
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 (10 oz.) can Rotel diced tomatoes, drained
1½ cups shredded cheddar jack cheese
Salt and pepper to taste (optional)

This is real vegetarian comfort food, and it also happens to be loaded with gut friendly ingredients.

Tomato paste and Rotel tomatoes bring a tangy depth and subtle spice, while the lime juice adds vitamin C and boosts digestion. Cumin and paprika aren’t just flavor bombs, they’re also anti-inflammatory spices that support digestive health. And garlic powder is a natural prebiotic, which feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Who said tasty can’t be healthy?

How to Make It:

In a large pan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the rice that’s fully rinsed, and toast it until it turns slightly golden. This adds a nutty depth and makes the dish feel way more indulgent than it is.
Stir in the tomato paste and lime juice to coat the rice completely.
Add the vegetable broth, onion flakes, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and optional salt and pepper. Give it a good stir. Cover and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
When the liquid is nearly absorbed, stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes. Cover again and keep simmering until the rice is tender and the liquid is gone.
Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover the pan, and let it sit for 2–3 minutes to melt.

Budget Friendly Comfort Food (That Doesn’t Taste Cheap)

This dish is perfect if you’re looking for vegetarian recipes on a budget. You’re looking at basic ingredients such as: rice, broth, spices, and cheese. In which you can scale down or swap for a dairy free alternative if you want.

If you want to save more, buy your spices in bulk or hit the ethnic aisle for cheaper seasonings.

Make it even heartier by serving with beans, tortilla chips, or a green salad. You can turn this into burritos, stuff peppers with it, or just eat it cold out of the fridge the next day.

Health Benefits Beyond the Flavor

This dish has many health benefits and supports your gut with:

–High fiber from tomatoes and rice. (especially if you switch to brown rice)

–Antioxidants in cumin, garlic, and paprika.

–Anti-inflammatory properties from lime juice and spices.

–Mood boosting minerals like magnesium and potassium in the broth and cheese.

–Gluten Free and of course, meatless.

–Can be made vegan easily if needed.

Quick Tips to Customize

Go vegan: Swap the butter for olive oil and use plant based cheese.
Add protein: Stir in black beans or lentils to make it even more filling.
Make it spicy: Use fire roasted Rotel or add jalapeños for heat.
Meal prep magic: This keeps beautifully in the fridge and reheats like a dream.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, just add a splash of broth or water, and microwave or warm on the stove for a fresh texture.

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Final Thoughts: Flavor Fast-Tracked

This quick eats recipe isn’t just about saving time, it’s about indulging in something that’s healthy, yet still delicious. Therefors, you’re not sacrificing flavor, nutrition, or comfort.

Whether you’re craving something cozy, trying to eat cleaner, or just need a break from boring dinners, this Spanish rice with salsa inspired flair delivers. It’s proof that delicious, nutritious, and affordable can all live in the same pot, and on your plate.

If you’re looking for a great appetizer recipe to go with this, try our delicious Hummus And Pita recipe.

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