Family Favorite One-Pan Spanish Rice and Pork Recipe

When the kids were little, one dish always made it to the table on busy weeknights: Spanish Rice and Pork. Simple, hearty, and all done in one pan, it was a meal that filled the kitchen with the warm, savory aroma of stewed tomatoes and tender pork.

What I loved most about this dish was its ease. With little ones running around, I didn’t have time for complicated meals or a sink full of dishes. This recipe kept things manageable — one pan, straightforward steps, and a family that always cleaned their plates (even if they gave the pork a skeptical glance at first!).

I’d start by cutting the pork into bite-sized cubes. Sautéing it first made sure every piece was browned and cooked through, so I never had to worry about cutting it up at the table — something I appreciated when juggling dinner and small kids. Once the pork was browned, I’d set it aside and, in the same pan, begin the Rice-A-Roni Spanish Rice, following the box instructions to sauté the rice and seasoning in butter.

Before the simmering stage, I’d add the pork back into the pan along with a can of stewed tomatoes, giving it all a good stir. Then I’d cover the pan and let it do its magic. Occasionally, I’d lift the lid to stir and inhale the comforting scent as the rice absorbed the rich tomato flavor and the pork grew even more tender.

Despite their initial hesitation about the “pork” — "This is pork." Feeling the need to verify this was indeed the other white meat. "Yes," I'd verify and they would eat everything on their plates loving the combination of the flavorful rice and savory pork - it won them over every time.

I also made this dish with chicken from time to time, swapping the pork for cubed chicken breast when that’s what I had on hand. It worked just as well, keeping the same easy preparation and delicious results. That flexibility was a lifesaver, especially on hectic days when I needed to get dinner on the table quickly but still wanted it to feel like a real meal.

I also loved making dishes like this to help expand my kids' palates beyond the usual toddler basics. From an early age, they were introduced to a variety of flavors. Our family traditions, especially around the holidays, meant they grew up enjoying Greek dishes alongside their grandparents — from lemony roasted potatoes to savory spanakopita. They naturally loved Italian food too, so adding Spanish or Mexican-inspired meals to our regular rotation felt like a natural next step. We even had Taco Tuesdays, which became a weekly favorite and a fun way to explore different flavors together. This dish fit right in, adding a slightly different twist to familiar tastes they already enjoyed.

Whenever I make Spanish rice and pork now, it brings me back to those busy days as a single mom — juggling it all but never missing our family dinners. These days I have more time to pause and reflect, and I find myself appreciating just how much those simple moments meant, and how they grounded us in love and togetherness.

It’s funny how certain smells and tastes can instantly transport you back in time. The moment the stewed tomatoes and spices hit the pan, I’m right back in our old kitchen, cooking at the stove while the kids sat at the counter doing their homework. There was always that familiar bustle — sometimes, particularly as they became teenagers and we’d have to rush off to an evening indoor lacrosse practice — but the house filled with the comforting aroma of home-cooked food.

The ingredients themselves were simple, I always made sure to include canned stewed or diced tomatoes in the pantry. But even if I didn't throw those in, it was the homecooked meal that infused our home with warmth and love. Looking back, I’m grateful I made the effort to cook those meals. They weren’t just dinners; they were memories in the making.

Ingredients:

1 lb pork (or chicken), cut into bite-sized cubes

1 box Rice-A-Roni Spanish Rice flavor

1 can stewed tomatoes

2 tbsp butter (for the Rice-A-Roni)

Water (as per Rice-A-Roni package instructions)

Instructions:

In a large skillet, sauté the cubed pork or chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, prepare the Rice-A-Roni as directed, sautéing the rice and seasoning in butter.

Before adding water, return the meat to the pan and add the can of stewed tomatoes.

Add the water called for on the Rice-A-Roni box. Stir everything together.

Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the flavors are well combined.

Serve warm and enjoy!

For all the busy parents looking for a little dinner simplicity, and for the kids who grow up with these humble meals and carry the memories with them — this one’s for you.

What meals from your family kitchen bring you back to special times? Share your favorite recipes and stories in the comments below!