23 Easy Rice Recipes to Add to Your Weeknight Rotation
Try these sides, main courses, and even desserts!
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If you’re anything like Ree Drummond, you keep a few different kinds of rice stocked in your pantry at all times. It’s one of those staple ingredients that come in handy on many occasions, simply because there are endless rice recipes out there. Looking for a last-minute addition to a family meal? A roast chicken and a side of rice will come to the rescue! Need a main course? Try an easy casserole or a creamy risotto that has rice as the star. Have leftover rice you need to use? Stuff it into peppers, roll it up into a burrito, or stir it into a soup. There are even rice recipes that are perfect for breakfast and dessert. (Rice pudding, anyone?!)
When it comes to cooking rice, you can invest in a rice cooker or Instant Pot for super easy preparation. But you can also make rice on the stovetop, in the oven, or even in the microwave. There are tons of varieties of rice to choose from too. Here, you’ll find tasty recipes using jasmine, basmati, brown rice, and wild rice. And for more on this versatile grain, check out our rice 101 guide! Enjoy!
Sausage and Rice Stuffed Peppers
Use precooked brown rice or thawed frozen rice as the filling for these stuffed peppers. They’re easy to assemble in advance so you can just throw them in the oven come dinnertime.
Hoisin Steak and Pepper Stir Fry
Saucy steak and charred peppers make a perfect weeknight dinner—especially when served over a steaming bowl of white rice.
Beef Enchilada Casserole
Any casserole featuring rice, beef, and green chiles is bound to be delicious. It’s a cowboy-approved dinner that the whole family will love.
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Here's a comforting new take on chicken soup. This hearty wild rice and shredded chicken version is perfect for chilly nights.
Cashew Chicken and Rice
Ree never gets tired of this saucy chicken and rice dish. It’s full of flavor and texture thanks to the cashews.
Sweet and Sour Pork Meatballs with Rice
These tangy meatballs make a great appetizer, but serve them over a bowl of rice, and you've got a well-rounded weeknight dinner. Be generous with the red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Veggie Burritos with Black-Eyed Peas
Instead of cooking your rice with plain water, try simmering it on the stovetop with onions, garlic, lime juice, and broth. It’ll give your burritos a ton of flavor.
Holiday Wild Rice Salad
This sweet and savory grain salad is loaded with mix-ins like bacon, apples, grapes, and nuts. It’s a tasty side dish for any holiday spread.
Veggie-Stuffed Fried Rice
Making fried rice is a great way to use up leftover cooked rice. In fact, for this recipe, it's actually best to use chilled, cooked rice straight from the fridge.
Instant Pot Risotto à la Carbonara
Risotto is one of those dishes that can feel intimidating to make at home. But this creamy risotto recipe couldn't be easier—it comes together in just 30 minutes!
Brown Rice Power Bowl
Rice—especially brown rice—can be a healthy addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. This nutritious rice bowl is packed with veggies, protein, and fresh herbs for a hearty lunch or light dinner.
Wild Rice Pancakes
Wild rice adds texture and nutty flavor to this morning meal. Serve these delicious pancakes just like you would regular pancakes—butter and syrup recommended!
One-Pot Shrimp and Coconut Rice
Everything in this Thai-inspired dinner—including the rice— is cooked in the same pot. It couldn’t be easier!
Mashed Potato and Wild Rice Stuffed Mushrooms
Serve these stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer on Thanksgiving. Everyone will love the festive filling of creamy mashed potatoes, rice, and cheese.
Rice Pudding
This decadent rice pudding is finished with a sweet caramel-pecan topping that’s out of this world! Just be sure to use medium-grain rice (not long-grain) for the best texture.
Lemon Basil Shrimp Risotto
Homemade risotto takes a bit of time and patience but it’s so worth it! Be sure to use Arborio rice, which is high in starch and essential for giving risotto its creamy texture.
Breakfast Fried Rice
Transform this classic dinner recipe into a hearty breakfast. It already has eggs, so all you need to do is add some breakfast sausage for the perfect morning meal.
Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole with Gruyere
This comforting casserole is a play on creamy chicken and wild rice soup. It’s great for chilly nights, winter holidays, and feeding a crowd.
One-Pot Sausage and Veggie Rice
Long-grain white rice, like jasmine rice, works well for this one-pot meal. It’s great for busy nights when you want to get dinner on the table without too much effort (or cleanup).
Spinach Basil Pesto Risotto
Bright and colorful, this creamy risotto is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. You won't believe it’s dairy-free.
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