Old El Paso Mexican Style Rice Pouch – Ready in 60 Seconds for Busy Work-from-Home Lunches
Old El Paso Mexican Style Rice Pouch – Ready in 60 Seconds for Busy Work-from-Home Lunches
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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
Does this rice pouch really only take 60 seconds so I can eat between meetings?
Yes, the Old El Paso Mexican Style Rice microwaves straight from the pouch in about 60 to 90 seconds, making it one of the fastest hot sides you can keep at your desk or in the office breakroom.
Can I heat this pouch at my desk without a stove or pot?
Absolutely, the self-contained microwavable pouch requires no draining, no pots, and no extra water. Just tear, microwave, and eat right from the pouch.
Will the easy-tear top open cleanly when I am in a rush?
Yes, the pouch is designed with an easy-tear open top so you can get it into the microwave in seconds without scissors or knives.
Does the portion size fill up a working adult for lunch?
The 8.8 oz pouch provides a generous single-person portion that works well as a quick lunch on its own or as a hearty side alongside a protein.
Is the pouch small enough to fit in a work-bag or breakroom drawer?
The flat, lightweight 8.8 oz pouch stores easily in a desk drawer, a work-bag, or a small pantry shelf and takes up very little space.
Is this rice a good option when I have only 10 minutes for lunch?
Yes, with about 60 seconds of microwave time and zero prep, it is ideal for anyone who needs a hot meal in under five minutes total.
Can I use this rice as a fast base for a work-from-home burrito bowl?
Yes, many home cooks add canned beans, salsa, and a protein to the heated rice to build a complete burrito bowl in just a few minutes.
Does the shelf-stable format mean less food waste if I forget it in the pantry?
Yes, the long shelf life means the pouch stays fresh in the pantry for months, so it works as a reliable backup when meal plans change.
Is the Old El Paso brand reliable enough for me to keep stocked at the office?
Old El Paso is a trusted name in Tex-Mex staples, and many office workers keep these pouches on hand for consistent, predictable flavor.
How does the 90-second microwave time compare to making rice in a rice cooker?
A typical rice cooker takes 30 minutes or more, so the 60 to 90 second pouch is roughly 20 times faster for a similar finished portion.
Can I eat this straight from the pouch without dirtying a dish?
Yes, the pouch is designed to be eaten from directly, which means no dishes to wash during a busy work day.
Will the mildly spicy seasoning keep me alert or feel too heavy after lunch?
The mild Mexican-style profile is family-friendly and gentle on digestion, so most people find it satisfying without that afternoon sluggish feeling.
Is this pouch cheaper than ordering takeout for a quick lunch?
At well under the cost of a typical fast-casual rice bowl, the 8.8 oz pouch delivers a filling hot side for a fraction of a delivery order.
Do I need to refrigerate the pouch before microwaving it at work?
No, it is shelf-stable and can be stored in a pantry, desk, or breakroom cabinet until you are ready to heat it.
Can I prep several pouches at the start of the week for fast lunches?
Yes, since the pouches are shelf-stable you can stock a few at once and heat one whenever you need a quick meal.
Is the pouch safe to microwave without venting?
Yes, follow the package directions, which include a brief vent step, and the pouch heats safely and evenly.
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.
