Old El Paso Spanish Rice Pouch – Shelf-Stable Dinner Side for Picky Eaters and Family Meals
Old El Paso Spanish Rice Pouch – Shelf-Stable Dinner Side for Picky Eaters and Family Meals
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Why you'll love it
- Ready in about 60 seconds in the microwave with no pots or skillets required
- Shelf-stable pouch means no refrigeration and minimal food waste
- Delivers a built-in Mexican flavor profile (kidney beans, bell peppers, smoked paprika) without seasoning from scratch
- Mildly spicy profile keeps it family-friendly while still offering bold taste
- Trusted Old El Paso brand reduces risk of trying an unfamiliar microwavable rice
- Pairs seamlessly with other Old El Paso Tex-Mex staples like taco kits and canned beans
- 90-second microwave time vs 30+ minutes for homemade rice in a rice cooker
- Good portion size for the price
- Doesn't upset stomach (gentle on digestion)
- Easy-open pack
- Can be used as a canvas to 'doctor up' to personal taste
- Gave one reviewer a new outlook on Spanish rice flavor
- No water needed - heats directly
Perfect for
- Ready-in-60-seconds side dish for taco or burrito night
- Shelf-stable pantry backup for last-minute meals
- Base ingredient for build-your-own burrito bowls or stuffed peppers
- Quick office or dorm lunch when a stove isn't available
- Flavor base mixed with beans, salsa, or proteins for a fast casserole
- Base for Spanish rice by adding green chilies, fresh tomatoes, and canned black olives
- Stir fry with green peppers, onions, and mushrooms
- Rice casserole ingredient
- Drizzle cheese on top and serve with chips/crackers as a snack
- Chop onion and tomato on top for fresher presentation
- Serve as side with enchiladas
- Ingredient in burritos combined with rice, beans, meat, cheese, sour cream, and salsa
- Add water not needed - heat directly in pouch
Product Information
MEXICAN STYLE FLAVOR: An enticing recipe of long grain white rice with kidney beans, bell peppers, and smoked paprika QUICK AND EASY: Follow the simple steps on the package for perfect, mildly spicy Mexican style rice, ready in about 60 seconds PANTRY STAPLE: Keep your pantry stocked with pouches of Old El Paso Microwavable Rice for a sensational side dish or recipe ingredient that delivers all the taste without all the hassle ENDLESS OPTIONS: Pair it with Old El Paso Tex-Mex Style Pinto Beans or Santa Fe Style Black Beans, tacos, and burritos; Add it to your favorite Mexican inspired recipes CONTAINS: Shelf-stable, dried Old El Paso Rice, Mexican Style Rice, Microwavable Pouch, 8.8 oz
Product Dimensions : 2.95 x 5.51 x 7.08 inches; 8.8 ounces UPC : 046000137582 Manufacturer : GENERAL MILLS SALES INC. Units : 8.8 Ounce Best Sellers Rank: #18,460 in Grocery & Gourmet Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mexican-style seasoning too spicy for young children?
No, this Old El Paso rice is mildly spiced to keep it family-friendly, so most kids enjoy the bold Mexican flavor without the heat being overwhelming.
Can I use this rice as a side for a family taco night?
Yes, it is designed to pair with taco kits, canned beans, and other Tex-Mex staples for a complete family dinner in minutes.
Is the pouch safe to handle after microwaving?
The pouch warms during heating, so we recommend holding it by the corners or letting it rest for 30 seconds before serving to younger kids.
Can I dress up the rice to make it more appealing for picky eaters?
Absolutely, many parents stir in cheese, top it with fresh tomato, or serve it with chips for a kid-friendly presentation.
Does this rice work as a base for stuffed peppers my family will eat?
Yes, the kidney beans, bell peppers, and smoked paprika in the blend make it a flavorful stuffing for bell peppers that kids can help assemble.
Can I make this rice without using the stove while supervising kids?
Yes, the microwave-only preparation means no hot pots, no boiling water, and no stovetop monitoring while you tend to the children.
Is the portion big enough to feed a small family as a side?
The 8.8 oz pouch is sized for about two to three side-dish servings, so it works well for a small family or a kid lunch plus leftovers.
Can I use this rice to introduce my kids to Spanish rice flavor?
Yes, several home cooks have reported that this product gave their family a new appreciation for authentic-tasting Spanish rice without the work.
Will the kidney beans and bell peppers in the blend appeal to my child?
The pieces are small and well-mixed into the rice, so most kids get the flavor benefit without large chunks that might be turned away.
Is this rice a healthy pantry backup for last-minute family meals?
Yes, the shelf-stable pouch means you always have a quick side dish on hand when the regular meal plan falls through.
How does this compare to making rice from scratch for a family dinner?
Homemade Spanish rice takes 30 to 45 minutes of prep and cook time, while this pouch is ready in about 60 to 90 seconds, saving significant time on busy evenings.
Can I add cheese on top to make it more kid-friendly?
Yes, a quick melt of shredded cheese on the hot rice makes it extra appealing to children and turns it into a fun snack or side.
Is the Old El Paso brand one my family already trusts?
Old El Paso is a long-standing name in Mexican-style home cooking, so most families recognize and trust the brand for weeknight Tex-Mex meals.
Can I serve this rice as part of a build-your-own burrito bowl for kids?
Yes, set out the rice with beans, meat, cheese, and salsa and let each child build their own bowl for an interactive family dinner.
Will this rice upset sensitive young stomachs?
The mild seasoning is gentle on digestion, and many reviewers specifically mention that it does not upset their stomach the way spicier products can.
Can older kids heat this pouch themselves safely?
Yes, the simple tear-and-microwave steps are easy enough for older children and teens to follow with basic microwave safety.
How do I cook Old El Paso Mexican Style Rice in the microwave?
Tear open the easy-tear top, vent the pouch slightly according to package directions, and microwave on high for about 60 to 90 seconds. No water is needed and the rice heats directly in the pouch.
Can I cook this rice on the stovetop instead of the microwave?
It is designed to be heated in its pouch in the microwave, so for best results follow the microwave instructions. If you prefer, you can empty the rice into a skillet and warm it briefly on the stove.
Do I need to add water before microwaving the pouch?
No, the rice comes pre-cooked and pre-seasoned, so you heat it directly in the sealed pouch without adding any water.
Is this rice compatible with other Old El Paso products like taco kits and canned beans?
Yes, it is designed to pair seamlessly with the full Old El Paso Tex-Mex lineup including taco kits, refried beans, black beans, and salsa.
Can I use this rice as a base for a stir fry?
Yes, the seasoned rice works well as a quick base for a Tex-Mex style stir fry with green peppers, onions, and mushrooms added in.
What is included in the pouch when I open it?
Each 8.8 oz pouch contains a fully cooked long grain white rice blend with kidney beans, bell peppers, smoked paprika, and Mexican-style seasoning. Nothing else needs to be added.
Is this rice safe to eat if I do not have a microwave available?
The pouch is designed for microwave preparation, so a microwave is recommended. As an alternative, you can warm the rice in a covered skillet on the stove for a few minutes.
Does the rice contain any major allergens I should be aware of?
The package lists all ingredients and allergen information, including the disclosure that it contains bioengineered food ingredients. Always check the current label for the most accurate allergen details.
How is this microwavable rice different from plain instant rice packets?
Unlike plain instant rice, this pouch comes fully seasoned with a Mexican-style profile and includes kidney beans, bell peppers, and smoked paprika, so you get a complete flavored side dish in one step.
