Vegan Instant Pot Tex-Mex Rice

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This Vegan Instant pot Tex-Mex rice is a super easy vegan instant pot dinner that you’ve been craving. Comes together in just minutes!  Gluten free, oil free option, top 8 allergen free! 

Dinner sometimes is super hard to figure out.  You feel like you’ve had all the same things.  You don’t have a lot of time. Whatever the reason is, it’s just hard sometimes.  This Vegan Instant Pot Tex-Mex Rice is here to save the day.

It all comes together in just minutes and can easily be prepared ahead of time.  It’s great as a dinner, but it could totally serve as a side dish as well.

This recipe is vegan/plant based. But it’s also completely gluten free, we share below an oil free option, and there are no Top 8 allergens in this vegan dinner recipe. 

We originally were inspired to make this when we first went vegan using ; this recipe; however, over time, we’ve turned it into one of our favorite dishes by adding our own twists and turns into it. 

Our kids even request this one, so you know it’s a hit! 

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What ingredients do you need for Vegan Instant pot Tex-Mex rice?

• Olive oil (sub for veg stock if oil free)
• Brown rice (we use basmati) 
• Red bell pepper
• Red onion
• Garlic cloves
• Vegetable Stock
• Fire roasted tomatoes 
• Black Beans
• Corn
• Cumin
• Taco Seasoning
• Limes

Is this instant pot Mexican rice spicy?

We do not think this is spicy at all; however, everyone’s taste buds will be different.  

We have put in 2 tablespoons of a spicy salsa to add more heat, if you would like to make this spicier. You could also add 2 tablespoons of diced jalapeños too. 

We prefer to make the recipe as is and add jalapeños on top so that people (i.e., our kids) don’t think it’s too spicy and we can adjust the levels on our own. 

How do you make Vegan Instant pot Tex-Mex rice?

We love easy recipes and this is one of them.  The hardest thing is chopping all your vegetables.  You are going to start there. 

Once you have all the vegetables prepared, it’s time to start working on your meal. 

Start by turning your instant pot onto Saute method and add in your olive oil (or veg stock is avoiding oil. Once hot, add in your uncooked rice and stir often so it doesn’t burn until toast, about 3 minutes. 

Then, add in your onions and peppers, cooking 3 minutes or until translucent.  Throw in the garlic and sauted for 1 minute. 

Turn off saute method.  Add in your cumin and taco seasoning. Stir together.  Then, in with your vegetable stock, tomatoes, corn and beans.  Stir together again. 

Put your instant pot lid onto the body and close the lid.  Make sure that the pressure valve is sealed. 

Then, press manual and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. When the time goes off, let the pressure release via Quick Release.  *If you are not sure about this, please read your manual. 

Let the lid stay on for 10 minutes before serving.  Stir everything together serve with tacos, tortilla chips, or even lettuce cups.

Add lime juice on top before serving.

Do I have to make this Vegan Mexican rice in the Instant Pot?

You do not!   While this is the preferred method because of the easy prep and not standing over the stove, you can make this on the stove. 

You want to make your rice first according to the package instructions on your rice. Use the vegetable stock instead of water. Depending on your package you may need to increase or decrease the amount of stock called for in the recipe.

While that is cooking, chop your vegetables. 

Then, proceed with the recipe in a large skillet by sautéing the vegetables, adding in the seasoning, and the tomatoes, beans, and corn.  Once your rice is done add that in and stir to combine. 

You add the vegetable stock in while making the rice and not in with skillet ingredients. Add a splash of stock if needed while cooking on the skillet.

Can I prep this Vegan Instant pot Tex-Mex rice ahead?

Yes!  This can be made ahead of time.  In fact, if you store it in an air tight container, this can be stored for up to 7 days.  It’s absolutely perfect for those of you who meal prep. 

Do I have to use brown rice?

You do not have to use brown rice.  However, if you do use white rice in this recipe, you need to reduce the time to 10 minutes on manual instead of 25. 

Can this be Top 8 Allergy Friendly Instant pot Tex-Mex rice?

This recipe as written is already Top 8 Allergen Friendly; however, it’s important to know that you should always double check your ingredients.  For example, some taco seasoning have wheat or even dairy in them, so just double check. 

Also, if you are corn free, you can just omit the corn in this recipe. 

What are other vegan dinner ideas I should try?

If you love this easy dairy free dinner recipe, you may be wondering what other dairy free dinner ideas we have. Here are some ideas we have (all are vegan): 

• Dairy Free Taco Casserole
• Dairy Free Pizza
• Vegan Italian Meatballs
• Dairy Free Alfredo 
• Dairy Free Nachos
• Easy Dairy Free Spinach & Walnut Pesto 

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This post was originally published on 9/4/2019 and updated on 4/2/2020.