Rice is often seen as a basic side dish, but it’s capable of so much more. From hearty mains to creative sides, these recipes show just how versatile and flavorful this humble grain can be. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or a dish with bold flavors, rice has a place at every meal. These dishes will make you rethink what rice can bring to your table.
Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani
This dish combines fragrant basmati rice with shrimp, all cooked together in an Instant Pot for a fast meal that’s ready in under an hour. The spices bring warmth, while the shrimp adds a touch of sweetness. The combination of ingredients results in a flavorful, aromatic dish. Perfect for when you’re craving something a little different from the usual rice dishes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to make and delivers a restaurant-quality dish right at home. The rice is cooked with beef broth and butter, giving it a rich, savory flavor. The addition of finely chopped parsley and green onions brightens the dish, making it a versatile side. It pairs well with just about any main course.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Ready in just under an hour, this casserole is a comforting combination of ground beef, rice, and cheese. The beef adds heartiness, while the melted cheese offers a creamy texture. With a hint of tomatoes and seasonings, it’s a flavorful, satisfying dish. Ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something filling and easy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
This recipe blends the nuttiness of wild rice with the sweetness of roasted butternut squash, creating a delightful contrast. Cooked in about 45 minutes, it’s a dish that balances earthiness with a touch of sweetness. The combination of flavors makes it a great side for any fall-inspired meal. Perfect when you want to impress with something a bit different.
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Coconut Cauliflower Rice
This dish offers a low-carb alternative to traditional rice, combining cauliflower with coconut milk and flakes for a tropical twist. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s light yet satisfying, with a subtle sweetness from the coconut. The flavors pair well with curries or grilled fish. A great option for when you’re looking for something refreshing and healthy.
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Mediterranean Grain Bowl
This grain bowl is a vibrant mix of rice, vegetables, and protein, all drizzled with a tangy dressing. Taking around 30 minutes to prepare, it’s a balanced meal that’s as colorful as it is flavorful. The ingredients like olives, feta, and cucumbers add freshness and texture. Perfect for a light yet filling lunch or dinner.
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Instant Pot Chicken Biryani
This chicken biryani recipe uses the Instant Pot to cook everything together in about 40 minutes, resulting in a flavorful, aromatic dish. The basmati rice absorbs the spices and chicken juices, creating a rich, savory taste. The dish is both filling and comforting. Ideal for when you want a one-pot meal that feels like a special treat.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Biryani
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken fried rice is a quick, 20-minute dish that turns leftover rice into a flavorful meal. The chicken is seasoned and stir-fried with the rice, vegetables, and soy sauce, creating a savory and satisfying taste. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with whatever veggies you have on hand. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a quick lunch.
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Chicken Biryani
This traditional chicken biryani is a fragrant mix of basmati rice, spices, and tender chicken, cooked together for a deeply flavorful dish. Ready in about an hour, the rice soaks up the spices and chicken juices, making each bite aromatic and rich. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish. Great for when you want to impress with minimal effort.
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The Perfect Rice Pilaf
This rice pilaf recipe takes about 35 minutes to make and offers a light, fluffy texture with a subtly seasoned flavor. The rice is cooked in broth with onions and spices, making it a versatile side dish. It’s simple yet elegant, perfect for pairing with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. An easy way to elevate any meal.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Rice Pilaf
Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice
This dish brings together tender chicken thighs and seasoned rice, all cooked in the Instant Pot in about 40 minutes. The chicken juices infuse the rice with flavor, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. A one-pot wonder that requires minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice
Pork Fried Rice
This pork fried rice recipe is a quick, 30-minute meal that combines seasoned pork with rice and vegetables. The soy sauce adds a savory depth, while the pork brings a satisfying richness. It’s an easy dish that’s perfect for using up leftover rice. A great option when you need something tasty and fast.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice
Taco Rice Skillet
Taco rice skillet is a 30-minute dish that combines ground beef, rice, and taco seasoning for a flavorful, hearty meal. The rice soaks up the savory spices, making each bite full of flavor. It’s topped with cheese, adding a creamy finish. Perfect for when you want a one-pan meal with minimal fuss.
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Mujadara
Mujadara is a Middle Eastern dish that takes about 45 minutes to prepare, combining lentils, rice, and caramelized onions. The lentils add earthiness, while the onions bring sweetness, resulting in a well-balanced flavor. It’s a simple, nutritious dish that’s both filling and comforting. Great as a side or a light main course.
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Uzbek Chicken Plov
This Uzbek chicken plov recipe takes about an hour and combines rice, chicken, and a mix of spices for a fragrant and hearty dish. The rice absorbs the chicken’s flavor, making it rich and satisfying. It’s a traditional dish with deep roots, offering a taste of Central Asia. Perfect for when you want something different yet comforting.
Get the Recipe: Uzbek Chicken Plov
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice
This cilantro lime chicken and rice dish is ready in about 30 minutes and offers a bright, zesty flavor. The rice is cooked with lime juice and cilantro, creating a fresh and vibrant taste that complements the chicken. It’s a light yet filling meal. Ideal for when you want a quick and refreshing dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Chicken & Rice
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
This creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice is a low-carb meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The beef is cooked in a creamy sauce, making it rich and satisfying, while the cauliflower rice keeps it light. It’s a comforting dish that doesn’t feel heavy. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice
Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
Jamaican red beans and rice is a flavorful dish that takes about an hour to make, combining rice, red beans, and coconut milk. The coconut milk adds a creamy texture, while the spices bring warmth, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s a staple in Jamaican cuisine. Great as a side dish or a light main course.
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Instant Pot Mexican Rice
This Instant Pot Mexican rice is a quick, 15-minute recipe that’s full of flavor. The rice is cooked with tomatoes, spices, and broth, resulting in a savory and slightly tangy taste. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with just about anything. Ideal for when you need a fast and tasty side.
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Middle Eastern Tofu Rice Bowl
This Middle Eastern tofu rice bowl is a 30-minute dish that combines spiced tofu with rice and vegetables for a balanced, flavorful meal. The tofu is marinated and cooked to perfection, making it a satisfying vegetarian option. The rice soaks up the spices, creating a rich taste. Perfect for a healthy and filling lunch or dinner.
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Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole
This chicken enchilada rice casserole takes about 45 minutes to make and combines rice, chicken, and enchilada sauce for a hearty, flavorful dish. The rice absorbs the sauce, making it rich and satisfying, while the chicken adds protein. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. A great way to enjoy the flavors of enchiladas without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
These ground turkey stuffed peppers take about 50 minutes to prepare and combine rice, turkey, and seasonings for a filling, flavorful meal. The rice and turkey are seasoned and stuffed into bell peppers, creating a well-rounded dish. It’s a nutritious and satisfying option. Great for when you want something hearty and wholesome.
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Rice with Grapes
This rice with grapes dish takes about 40 minutes to make and offers a unique combination of flavors. The rice is cooked with chicken broth and combined with sweet grapes, creating a delightful contrast. It’s a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Perfect for when you want to try something a little out of the ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Rice with Grapes