Flavorful and Easy Spanish Rice Recipes

By Edu Valor / Author - Spanish Chef

Explore easy Spanish rice recipes that are quick, tasty, and affordable. From arroz con pollo to arroz con carne, these dishes make weeknight meals a breeze.

There are plenty of easy Spanish rice recipes out there—and trust me, they’re worth trying! One thing I’ve learned over the years is that a good, filling meal doesn’t need to be complicated.

Rice is low-maintenance, budget-friendly, and it lasts practically forever in the pantry.

Rice is one of the simplest dishes to make, and it’s no surprise that Spain—one of Europe’s top rice producers along with Italy—knows how to make it shine.

When you need something hearty, flavorful, and wallet-friendly, rice recipes are the way to go.

I’ve cooked my share of meals over the years. Sure, pasta is another staple, but let’s face it—it doesn’t grow on plants the way rice does!

If you're after something natural and nutritious, legumes like lentils, kidney beans, and garbanzos are great too. But when it comes to sheer versatility and comfort, rice takes the crown.

Valencia, where rice cultivation began ages ago.

Rice has always been a kitchen hero. When I was growing up, the only thing cheaper than rice was potatoes.

The Spanish have been cooking up rice-based meals for centuries—ever since the Moors introduced rice farming in the 8th century. That tradition, rooted in Asian origins, has been passed down through countless generations.

Today, rice continues to feed billions around the world.

It’s no wonder Spain takes rice seriously. One of the most beloved and easy Spanish rice recipes, paella, hails from Spain and has become a global favorite.

If you’ve never had proper paella, you’re truly missing out on one of life’s simple joys.

Pork belly rice.

When I was a kid, one of my favorite meals was yellow rice with chunks of boneless chicken. Simple, right? But it was absolutely delicious.

There’s something comforting about rice. It’s fast, filling, and goes with just about anything. No wonder countries like China eat it daily. And if anyone says rice is boring—they’re probably just cooking it wrong.

As the most widely consumed grain on the planet, rice powers everything from lunchboxes to expedition meals. It's the energy source of choice for adventurers and home cooks alike.

We had “rice day” at least once a week in my house. It was something we looked forward to—cozy, dependable, and satisfying every time.

More Than Just Paella

Don’t get me wrong—paella is fantastic. But there’s a whole world of easy Spanish rice recipes beyond it.

You don’t need a paella pan or special burners to cook great Spanish rice dishes. A regular pot or frying pan will do just fine.

Ever tried arroz a la cubana? It’s rice with tomato sauce, a fried egg, and bananas. Sounds a little unusual, but it’s popular in the Canary Islands—and surprisingly good!

Or how about arroz con pollo? This classic Spanish chicken and rice dish is simple, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights.

So next time you’re wondering what to cook, remember: rice meals are your best friend. They’re affordable, comforting, and super satisfying.

Bonus: they keep well for leftovers, and many of these easy Spanish rice recipes taste even better the next day.

Your taste buds—and your wallet—will thank you.

*****

Edu's Tasty Rice Recipes

Arroz con Costillas (pork ribs rice)

Arroz con Tocino (pork belly rice)

Arroz a la Cubana (Cuban rice)

Arroz con Carne (beef rice)