Learn This Quick and Easy Method for Making Boxed Rice A Roni Conveniently in an Instant Pot!
Hi! If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!
Cilantro Lime Rice A Roni has earned a permanent place on my pantry shelf.
It is one of those simple convenience sides that instantly makes burrito night feel more complete. My husband is a huge fan of this flavor in particular, and it pairs perfectly with seasoned meats, beans, and fresh toppings.
That said, I do not love cooking it on the stovetop.
Standing there stirring, watching the pan, and trying to keep the rice from sticking feels like far too much effort for something meant to be quick and easy. Especially on nights where I already have a lot going on in the kitchen.
I already have a method for cooking Beef Rice A Roni in the Instant Pot, and it works beautifully. Naturally, I assumed I could use the same approach here. Turns out, not quite.
When I tried the cilantro lime version the same way, the texture was off and the flavor did not come together the way it should.
After a few small tweaks and another test round, this version finally clicked. This is now the method I use every time. It is reliable, hands off, and frees me up to prep the rest of burrito night while the rice cooks.
Every meal I take care to make at home, whether fully from scratch or using convenience foods like this, saves us money over time.
That matters for us as a military family on baby step 2 of our debt free journey, where stretching each grocery trip just a little further makes a real difference.
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
living frugally and fully
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As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
So step into the kitchen with me and let’s make this easy Cilantro Lime Rice A Roni in the Instant Pot so burrito night can be simpler and more hands off!
Equipment
- Instant Pot or another pressure cooker with Sauté mode
- Measuring cup
- Spoon or spatula
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Ingredients
Serves 2-4
- 1 box Cilantro Lime Rice A Roni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 1/4 cups cold water
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1
Turn your Instant Pot on to Sauté mode. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
Step 2
Open the Rice A Roni box and separate the rice and pasta mix from the seasoning packet. Add only the dry rice and pasta mix to the melted butter.
Step 3
Cook the rice and pasta in the butter for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until it just begins to turn lightly golden.
Step 4
Cancel Sauté mode. Pour in the cold water and gently stir to make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5
Secure the lid and set the valve to SEAL, not VENT.
Cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes.
Step 6
When the cook time is finished, carefully perform a QUICK release by turning the valve to VENT.
Step 7
Once the pressure is fully released, remove the lid and immediately stir in the seasoning packet.
Step 8
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.
How to Freeze After Cooking
This rice freezes surprisingly well once cooked.
Let the rice cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave gently with a splash of water until heated through.
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes
- Adding the seasoning after pressure cooking is key for this flavor. Adding it before can throw off the texture.
- This recipe doubles well if you want to stock your freezer for future burrito nights.
Troubleshooting
- Rice too wet? Let it rest uncovered for a few minutes before fluffing.
- Rice too firm? Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot water and cover loosely for a few minutes.
- Burn notice? Always make sure the bottom of the pot is fully deglazed before sealing.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooked rice for up to 2 months.
- Reheat with a splash of water to restore texture.
Serving Ideas
- Burrito bowls with seasoned chicken or beef
- Tacos with fresh salsa and sour cream
- As a side for grilled meats
- Meal prep lunches with beans and roasted vegetables
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?!
- Truly hands off cooking
- Perfect texture every time
- Faster than stovetop with less cleanup
- Uses pantry staples
- Freezer friendly for future meals
FAQ
Can I use this method for other Rice A Roni flavors?
Some flavors work the same, but others need small adjustments. I test each one separately and share what works.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Double all ingredients and keep the same cook time.
Can I use broth instead of water?
You can, but it is not necessary for this flavor and may overpower the seasoning.
Make This Recipe With Me!
Sometimes it’s just easier to watch a video than read a recipe card isn’t it?! So here’s a quick tutorial on how to make this simple and delicious recipe at home and on a budget – thank you for joining me in the kitchen today!
How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice A Roni in an Instant Pot!
February 7, 2026Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Turn your Instant Pot on to Sauté mode. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
- Open the Rice A Roni box and separate the rice and pasta mix from the seasoning packet. Add only the dry rice and pasta mix to the melted butter.
- Cook the rice and pasta in the butter for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until it just begins to turn lightly golden.
- Cancel Sauté mode. Pour in the cold water and gently stir to make sure nothing is stuck to the bottom of the pot.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to SEAL, not VENT. Cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes.
- When the cook time is finished, carefully perform a QUICK release by turning the valve to VENT.
- Once the pressure is fully released, remove the lid and immediately stir in the seasoning packet.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.
- This rice freezes surprisingly well once cooked.Let the rice cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months.To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave gently with a splash of water until heated through.
Video
Notes
- Adding the seasoning after pressure cooking is key for this flavor. Adding it before can throw off the texture.
- This recipe doubles well if you want to stock your freezer for future burrito nights.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooked rice for up to 2 months.
- Reheat with a splash of water to restore texture.
Related Recipes
- Check out all our Rice Recipes!
- And here’s all the Instant Pot Recipes on the blog!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The Takeaway
This Instant Pot method takes a simple boxed side and makes it easier to fit into real life cooking. No babysitting the stove. No sticking pans.
Just reliable rice that works perfectly for burrito night and saves time when you need it most!
What to Try Next?!
Share & Rate This Recipe!
If this method makes burrito night easier in your kitchen, tap the stars on the recipe card and leave a quick comment. Sharing helps other busy families find simple wins too.
Last update on 2026-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
