Smoky Bacon Rotel Rice
This Smoky Bacon Rotel Rice is a savory, flavor-packed Spanish-inspired dish that blends the richness of bacon fat with spicy or mild Rotel tomatoes. Enhanced by the aromatic sauté of onions, garlic, and green peppers, and finished with green chilies and tender long-grain rice, this dish is a family favorite with a kick. Ideal for spice enthusiasts, this rice can be adjusted for heat by selecting your preferred Rotel variety. Hearty, comforting, and oh-so-tasty, it's the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
4 strips (fried and crumbled)
long grain white rice
1 cup (uncooked)
Rotel tomatoes
10 ounces (canned, mild or hot)
onion
1 (chopped fine)
green pepper
1 small (chopped fine)
garlic
2 cloves (crushed)
chicken broth
1 cup (none)
green chilies
2 cans (canned)
butter
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the strips of bacon until they are crispy and browned. Remove them from the skillet, let them cool slightly, then crumble and set aside.
2
Leave the bacon grease in the skillet. Add the butter and let it melt into the bacon fat.
3
Add the finely chopped onion, green pepper, and crushed garlic to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables in the bacon-butter mixture until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Pour in the can of Rotel tomatoes, the green chilies, and the chicken broth. Stir well, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and allow it to cook for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5
Stir in the long grain white rice, ensuring it's fully submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and allow it to sit, covered, for a few minutes. This helps to finish the cooking process and lets the flavors deepen.
7
Before serving, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of the rice. Serve hot and enjoy a taste of flavorful comfort.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Bacon Rotel Rice?
It is a savory, Spanish-inspired dish that combines bacon, Rotel tomatoes, green chilies, and long-grain white rice for a flavorful and comforting meal.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked long grain white rice.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can choose between mild or hot Rotel tomatoes to control the heat.
How much bacon is needed?
The recipe requires 4 strips of bacon, which are fried and then crumbled.
What is the purpose of the butter in this recipe?
One tablespoon of butter is melted into the bacon grease to provide extra richness for sautéing the vegetables.
What vegetables are included?
The dish includes one finely chopped onion, one small finely chopped green pepper, and two crushed garlic cloves.
How much chicken broth do I need?
You will need 1 cup of chicken broth to cook the rice.
How many cans of green chilies are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cans of canned green chilies.
What size can of Rotel tomatoes should I use?
Use one 10-ounce can of Rotel tomatoes.
How long does it take to cook the rice?
After bringing to a simmer, the rice should cook covered on low heat for approximately 20 minutes.
Do I drain the bacon grease?
No, leave the bacon grease in the skillet as it provides the smoky base flavor for sautéing the vegetables.
When do I add the crumbled bacon?
The crumbled bacon should be sprinkled over the top of the rice just before serving.
Should I sauté the vegetables?
Yes, sauté the onion, green pepper, and garlic for about 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
Yes, but chicken broth is recommended to add more depth and flavor to the rice.
Why should I let the rice sit after cooking?
Allowing the skillet to sit covered for a few minutes after removing from heat helps finish the cooking process and allows flavors to deepen.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It can have a kick depending on the variety of Rotel tomatoes you use and the presence of green chilies.
What are the main flavor profiles?
The dish is smoky, savory, and aromatic with a touch of heat.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is hearty enough to be served as a main dish or a side dish.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The recipe specifies using 2 cloves of garlic that have been crushed.
How do I prepare the onion and green pepper?
Both the onion and the small green pepper should be chopped fine.
What is the first step in making this rice?
The first step is to fry the strips of bacon in a large skillet until they are crispy.
Is the rice cooked before adding it to the skillet?
No, you stir in 1 cup of uncooked long grain white rice into the liquid mixture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: bacon, rice, Rotel tomatoes, onion, green pepper, garlic, chicken broth, green chilies, and butter.
Can I use brown rice?
The recipe specifies white rice; using brown rice would require more liquid and a significantly longer cooking time.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, with a prep and cook time mostly involving simmering, it is considered a relatively quick and easy family meal.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include spanish rice, bacon, rotel, spicy, comfort food, easy, and savory.
Should the skillet be covered while simmering?
Yes, use a tight-fitting lid to ensure the rice absorbs the liquid properly.
Does the recipe include salt?
The recipe relies on the saltiness of the bacon, broth, and canned tomatoes rather than adding extra table salt.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The result is tender, fluffy rice infused with a rich, smoky liquid and topped with crispy bacon.