Can I use different types of rice in this recipe?

Absolutely! Long-grain white rice works best with the cooking times listed, but you can use brown rice (increase cooking time by about 15-20 minutes and add an extra 1/4 cup of broth) or even quick-cooking rice (reduce cooking time accordingly). Just adjust the liquid and cooking time as needed.

What if I can't find chorizo?

Andouille sausage makes an excellent substitute, or you can use any smoked sausage and add a bit more chili powder and paprika to mimic chorizo's signature flavor. For a less spicy option, try kielbasa with a pinch of smoked paprika.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

This dish is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it up to two days in advance and reheat it in a covered pot with a splash of broth. It's actually even more flavorful the next day as the spices have time to meld.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe as written should be gluten-free, but always check your specific brands of chorizo and canned goods to ensure they don't contain hidden gluten. Some sausages may contain fillers that include gluten.

One Pot Wonder Spanish Rice with Chorizo Recipe

Name: One Pot Wonder Spanish Rice with Chorizo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Canned Goods:; 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (10 oz.) can Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies; 1 cup chicken broth (or any preferred broth); Fresh Vegetables:; 1 medium sweet bell pepper, seeded and chopped; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; Grains and Spices:; ½ cup uncooked rice; 1 tsp chili powder; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp ground black pepper; Protein:; ¾ lb chorizo sausage links, sliced into ½ inch pieces (about 4 links)

This One Pot Wonder Spanish Rice with Chorizo is a game-changer for your weeknight dinner rotation! Rich, smoky chorizo combines with tender rice, beans, and veggies in a single pot for an incredibly flavorful meal that comes together in just over 30 minutes. The best part? You’ll only have one pot to wash when you’re done!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Truly One-Pot: Everything cooks together in a single pot, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as all ingredients infuse together.
Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavor Packed: The combination of spicy chorizo, smoky spices, and fire-roasted tomatoes creates layers of flavor that taste like they took hours to develop.
Versatile: Works as a main dish, side dish, or even as filling for burritos or stuffed peppers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Black beans: Provides protein and fiber, making this dish more filling and nutritious. Make sure to drain and rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
Rotel tomatoes and chilies: The flavor backbone of this dish, adding both acidity and a pleasant kick of heat. The liquid also helps cook the rice perfectly.
Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the rice as it cooks. Chicken broth works wonderfully, but vegetable or beef broth will work too.
Bell pepper: Adds sweetness, color, and nutritional value. Red, orange, or yellow peppers provide the best flavor contrast.
Yellow onion: Creates an aromatic base for the dish. Don’t rush the cooking process—letting it soften properly builds flavor.
Rice: Uncooked rice absorbs all the flavors as it cooks. Use standard long-grain white rice for best results.
Spices (chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper): Creates that distinctive Spanish-inspired flavor profile. Adjust according to your heat preference.
Chorizo sausage: The star ingredient that adds rich, spicy flavor throughout the dish. Look for Mexican-style chorizo for the most authentic taste.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Vegetarian Version

Replace the chorizo with diced mushrooms or plant-based chorizo and use vegetable broth.

Extra Spicy

Add a diced jalapeño along with the bell pepper or use hot chorizo instead of mild.

Seafood Twist

Add some shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a Spanish paella-inspired dish.

Rice Variations

Try using brown rice (increase cooking time by about 15 minutes) or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option (reduce cooking time to about 5 minutes).

How to Make One Pot Wonder Spanish Rice with Chorizo

Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients

Place your wide, high-sided skillet or pot over high heat. Add the beans, Rotel, broth, bell pepper, onion, rice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the rice is well distributed.

Step 2: Bring to Boil and Simmer

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and bring the liquid to a full boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Add Chorizo

Add the sliced chorizo sausage to the pot and give everything a good stir. Re-cover the pot and continue to simmer until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 10 more minutes.

Step 4: Rest Before Serving

This step is crucial! Remove the pot from the heat, uncover, and let everything rest for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid and helps the flavors meld together perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Toast the Rice: For extra flavor, consider toasting the rice in a little oil before adding the liquids.
Don’t Peek Too Often: Each time you remove the lid, you lose heat and steam, which can result in unevenly cooked rice.
Chorizo Varieties: Spanish chorizo (cured) and Mexican chorizo (fresh) will give different results. This recipe works best with Mexican-style chorizo, but Spanish chorizo will add a delicious smoky flavor if that’s what you have on hand.
Watch the Liquid: Different brands of rice may require slightly different amounts of liquid. If your rice isn’t quite done but the liquid is absorbed, add a splash more broth and continue cooking.

How to Serve

Main Course

Serve in bowls topped with sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Side Dish

Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or alongside traditional Mexican dishes like enchiladas.

Meal Prep

Divide into containers and refrigerate for quick lunches throughout the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they continue to meld together.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to rejuvenate the rice. Microwave reheating works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use different types of rice in this recipe?

Absolutely! Long-grain white rice works best with the cooking times listed, but you can use brown rice (increase cooking time by about 15-20 minutes and add an extra 1/4 cup of broth) or even quick-cooking rice (reduce cooking time accordingly). Just adjust the liquid and cooking time as needed.
What if I can’t find chorizo?

Andouille sausage makes an excellent substitute, or you can use any smoked sausage and add a bit more chili powder and paprika to mimic chorizo’s signature flavor. For a less spicy option, try kielbasa with a pinch of smoked paprika.
Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

This dish is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it up to two days in advance and reheat it in a covered pot with a splash of broth. It’s actually even more flavorful the next day as the spices have time to meld.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe as written should be gluten-free, but always check your specific brands of chorizo and canned goods to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten. Some sausages may contain fillers that include gluten.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Wonder Spanish Rice with Chorizo has become my go-to recipe when I need a flavorful, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The way the rice soaks up all those wonderful spices and the juicy bits of chorizo distribute their flavor throughout the dish is simply magical. Give it a try on your next busy weeknight—I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!