Tex-Mex Rice with Bacon (GF)

Tex-Mex Rice with Bacon merges the best of both Texas and Mexican cuisines with bold, in-your-face flavor that is absolutely addictive. I love this rice so much that I could eat it as is for a main course, but it also makes a beautiful side dish! No matter how you choose to serve it, your family and guests will enjoy every bite. We never have much left over because it is a favorite in our house.

Welcome to another edition of Progressive Eats, our virtual version of a progressive dinner party. This month’s theme is Tex-Mex Foods and is hosted by Milisa of Miss in the Kitchen. You’ll love all the recipes we are sharing that will be perfect for your next party! Make sure you check out the links below the recipe to get the full Tex-Mex progressive dinner menu! 

I have traveled a lot in Texas over the years and love the people and the expansiveness of the state. There are so many different areas, each with their own personality and cuisine. However, the overwhelming state favorite meal is barbecue. There is the food cooked over charcoal or gas grills that most of us grew up eating, and then there is food cooked over a live wood fire by pros – the difference is remarkable!.

The habit of cooking over open fires became popular as the easiest way to serve the cowboys herding cattle from Texas up to Kansas. The Americans learned from the Mexican and South American gauchos, who always had mouthwatering foods cooking on their campfires. The chuckwagon was born and became integral to the emerging food scene in Texas.

Today’s barbecue is still cooked over hardwoods, often oak and pecan, which are readily available. Throughout Texas you can find barbecue in the back of a shop, beside gas stations, in a trailer, or a true brick and mortar restaurant. These guys take their barbecue seriously! And it is truly remarkable to watch them at work.

While Milisa is making luscious chicken enchiladas for the main course (see links below), I wanted to try my hand at a favorite side dish. I have loved Mexican rice my entire life, reaching for that flavor when my mom went shopping for Rice-a-Roni. The richness of the tomatoes always made the rice taste better to me and because my mom seldom used anything beyond salt and pepper, this was exotic cuisine to my young palate. 

I got an idea to take the flavors for this rice more to the Tex-Mex side. In addition to the chili powder it calls for, I used some chili sauce along with the tomatoes and seasonings to give it a slight barbecue flavor, perfect to go alongside grilled and smoked meats.

If you want to make this vegetarian, it is simple. Leave out the bacon and use oil to sauté the vegetables and rice instead. A little smoked paprika or chipotle powder will imitate the smokiness of the bacon and a touch of salt will balance the dish.

I hope you put this on your list to make soon. If you want to give it even more smoky goodness than you get from the bacon, you can stir smoked paprika or chipotle powder into the rice. Be careful using the chipotle because it can get very spicy quickly. And you can add jalapenos if you want more chile flavor and heat.

Honestly, I wanted to grab a cowboy hat and hoot and holler when I tasted my first bite! I can’t wait for the leftovers that will be tomorrow’s lunch.

Have a fantastic weekend!

If you try this recipe, let me know! Please leave a star rating in the recipe card, comment below, and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag it @theheritagecook on Instagram! Seeing your creations makes my day and I love hearing from you! 

 

Ingredients needed for Tex-Mex Rice with Bacon:

• Bacon, onion, bell pepper, long-grain rice, diced tomatoes, water, chili sauce (see Pro Tip below), salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, oregano, brown sugar, black pepper, frozen peas, shredded cheese

 

PRO Tip:

If you can’t find the chili sauce (usually near the ketchup) or don’t want to use it, you can use ketchup with some chili powder stirred in for a similar flavor. 

 

How to make Tex-Mex Rice with Bacon:

1. Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven or skillet until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. When cool crumble into bite-size pieces.
2. In the same pan or skillet, cook the onions and bell pepper in the bacon fat until tender. Stir in the rice, making sure that each grain gets coated with the fat in the pan.
3. Combine the tomatoes in a bowl (with the juices), with the water, salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, oregano, and pepper. Stir to blend then pour over the rice in the skillet. Cover the pan, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or according to package directions. Sprinkle the peas over the rice and replace the lid.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and without moving the lid, let it sit for about 10 minutes to finish cooking. When ready, fluff the rice with two forks to break up any clumps.
5. Scoop out individual servings, top with shredded cheese and sprinkle the bacon over the top. Serve hot.

 

PRO Tip:

One trick to rice that doesn’t get gummy is to use long grain rice, sauté it briefly in oil, coating all the grains, and don’t stir it as it is cooking. The less you touch it, the better. Soon you will have perfect rice every time! 

 

Recommended Tools (affiliate links; no extra cost to you):

• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Dutch oven or 10-inch skillet (a Dutch oven has a lid)
• Universal lid for the skillet
• Mixing bowls

 

Gluten-Free Tips:

* If you want to make a vegetarian version of this rice, substitute 3 tbsp of olive oil in place of the bacon. Add 1 to 2 tsp smoked paprika to get the smoky flavor and 1/4 tsp kosher salt.

** Adjust the total liquid amount to match package directions – each type of rice requires a different ratio of rice to water.

*** My preferred brand of kosher salt is from Diamond Crystal. If you use Morton’s or another brand you will likely not need as much because they are saltier.

Heinz Chili Sauce contains no gluten ingredients and is considered gluten-free. You can check with the manufacturer with any questions. If you can’t find or don’t want to use the chili sauce, you can use ketchup with some chili powder stirred in for a similar flavor.

Applegate and Jones Dairy both make gluten-free bacon; make sure you check with the manufacturer of other brands.

Original Lea & Perrin’s Worcestershire Sauce is gluten-free in the United States, however in Canada and Europe they use malt vinegar and are not gluten-free. It is always wise to read all the labels and refer to the producers website if you have any questions. And if there is still any doubt, leave it out! 

All recommended ingredients are gluten-free as of the writing of this article. Always check to be sure the products haven’t changed and are still safe to consume.

 

 

 

 

Create a New Tradition Today!

 

Welcome! The suggestions here are not intended as dietary advice or as a substitute for consulting a dietician, physician, or other medical professional. Please see the Disclaimers/Privacy Policy page for additional details. Unauthorized use, distribution, and/or duplication of proprietary material from The Heritage Cook without prior approval is prohibited. If you have any questions or would like permission, please contact me. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases without any additional cost to you. This page may contain affiliate links. The author makes no claims regarding the presence of food allergens and disclaims all liability in connection with the use of this site. This post was first shared in April 2014. The article was updated in 2026.

 

 

Welcome to another edition of Progressive Eats, our virtual version of a progressive dinner party. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, a progressive dinner involves going from house to house, enjoying a different course at each location. With Progressive Eats, a theme is chosen each month, members share recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party, and you can hop from blog to blog to check them out. Have fun exploring all of these incredible recipes!!!