19 Rice Recipes That Make Every Grain Count

Rice might be one of the most humble ingredients in your pantry, but with the right recipe, it transforms into something truly satisfying. These 19 rice dishes go far beyond plain white rice—think flavor-packed stir-fries, creamy risottos, hearty casseroles, and vibrant rice bowls. Whether you're looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side, there's something here to suit every craving.

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice in Instant Pot. — Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Make tender chicken thighs and fluffy rice at the same time with your Instant Pot. These come out perfect every time! Have dinner ready in about 40 minutes with very little hands on time!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice

Onigiri

Onigiri, Japanese rice triangles or Japanese rice balls with savory fillings, are great to eat on the go. This onigiri recipe provides an easy step-by-step guide for how to make onigiri rice balls at home.
Get the Recipe: Onigiri

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Beef bulgogi in a bowl with rice and cucumbers. — Beef Bulgogi Bowls. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Beef Bulgogi Bowl recipe makes a delicious one-bowl meal. It's a super easy weeknight dinner, featuring marinated, thin slices of tender beef cooked on a barbecue, griddle, or skillet and served over a bed of rice.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Chicken Biryani

Chicken biryani is a succulent mix of chicken pieces steeped in a vibrant blend of spices, tucked amidst fragrant basmati rice.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Biryani

Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Overhead shot of a platter of shrimp biryani. — Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Experience the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine with Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani. Fragrant rice, succulent shrimp, and aromatic spices meld together, capturing the essence of this classic dish, now achievable with the Instant Pot.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Pork Fried Rice

I love using leftover Char Siu (or any delicious pork) to make Pork Fried Rice!
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Instant Pot Cajun Rice and Sausage

Close up of Cajun Rice and Sausage on a plate. — Instant Pot Cajun Rice and Sausage. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Enjoy the Cajun flavors in this filling Instant Pot Cajun Rice and Sausage recipe!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Rice and Sausage

Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice

Picture of chicken and rice in a red bowl topped with avocado slices. — Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

This is a great meal for families! Try 15 Minute Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice tonight and wow the family!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Introducing the delectable Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole - a mouthwatering blend of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and ooey-gooey melted cheese. This hearty one-pot wonder is sure to satisfy your cravings with its irresistible combination of savory flavors and comforting textures. Indulge in a delightful dish that will leave you wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Whole30 Meatballs and Gravy Over Riced Veggies

Clear bowl of riced veggies and meatballs. — Whole30 Meatballs and Gravy Over Riced Veggies. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Whole30 Meatballs and Gravy over Riced Veggies is a great meal for the family, whether you are doing a Whole30 or not!
Get the Recipe: Whole30 Meatballs and Gravy Over Riced Veggies

Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

A wooden spoon lifting a serving of italian ground beef skillet garnished with parsley from a cast-iron skillet. — Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This is an easy Italian ground beef skillet meal you can throw together in 30 minutes or less. Just cook the beef in a creamy tomato sauce, mix in cauliflower rice and top the whole skillet with mozzarella cheese and parsley!
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Chicken, sausage, and rice in instant pot with wooden spoon. — Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice is a delicious one pot Cajun meal that’s ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Tomato Lime Chicken

This tomato lime chicken is a dump and go recipe at its best. It has a ton of flavor and is beyond simple to make, perfect for tacos, to enjoy over salad, in rice bowls, and more.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken

Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole

Shrimp and rice in a skillet. — Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole is packed with bold flavors and comforting warmth. It’s both spicy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole

Tofu Fried Rice

Tofu fried rice is a flavorful and easy meal that brings takeout vibes to your dinner table in a healthier way. It’s an excellent clean-out-the-fridge meal adaptable to any veggies you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Gochujang Chicken

This gochujang chicken is a quick 30-minute dinner featuring a takeout-inspired sticky, spicy and sweet sauce that's perfect served over white rice.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Chicken

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes. — Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With this easy one dish taco rice skillet dinner will be on the table in about 20 minutes! Only 8 simple ingredients for a tasty family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Beef Kafta

Beef kafta is a traditional Middle Eastern (Lebanese) style dish that’s packed with flavor yet so simple to make. Typically served as kabobs, this recipe goes great with a side of rice, a tomato cucumber salad and sprinkling of feta or dollop of hummus.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta

Thai Fried Rice

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice or Khao Pad is quick and easy to make, with pineapple, chicken eggs, vegetables, and cashews and seasoned with Thai fish sauce.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice