Rice doesn’t have to be plain or forgettable. With just a few pantry staples and a little know-how, you can turn it into the side dish everyone actually wants to eat. These easy rice recipes are packed with flavor, ready in no time, and made to go with everything from grilled chicken to veggie stir-fries as well as some stand-alones.
Pineapple Fried Rice
This vibrant fried rice combines sweet pineapple chunks with savory vegetables and rice for a quick, flavorful meal. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
Get the recipe: Pineapple Fried Rice
Instant Pot Lemon Rice with Orzo
Bright, zesty, and ready in a flash, this lemon rice with orzo is a weeknight favorite. The Instant Pot handles the heavy lifting, delivering a fluffy, citrus-forward side that pairs well with just about anything.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Lemon Rice with Orzo
Lamb Ouzi Rice
A bold dish featuring spiced lamb and rice, perfect for everyday or special occasions. The aromatic spices and tender meat make it a centerpiece-worthy meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Get the recipe: Lamb Ouzi Rice
Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
These hearty portobellos are filled with a savory mix of wild rice, caramelized onions, and herbs, then baked until golden. The toasted panko topping adds a satisfying crunch, making this a plant-based dish that’s both comforting and impressive.
Get the recipe: Vegan Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Easy Broccoli Rice Casserole
This one-pan casserole combines tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and chickpeas in a creamy, herb-infused sauce. It’s a fuss-free, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something wholesome and satisfying.
Get the recipe: Easy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Indian Fried Rice
A spiced-up version of fried rice featuring aromatic Indian spices, vegetables, and rice. It’s a quick and flavorful dish that’s great for using up leftovers and bringing a taste of India to your table.
Get the recipe: Indian Fried Rice
Stove-Top Chicken and Rice
A cozy, one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs simmered together with brown rice. It’s a comforting dish, perfect for weeknights.
Get the recipe: Stove-Top Chicken and Rice
Coconut Jasmine Rice
Fragrant jasmine rice cooked in creamy coconut milk for a subtly sweet and rich side dish. Perfect alongside spicy curries or grilled meats, this rice adds a touch of tropical flair to any meal.
Get the recipe: Coconut Jasmine Rice
Instant Pot Brown Rice
Brown rice can be fussy, but the Instant Pot takes care of that. No guesswork, no stove watching, just soft, chewy grains ready to go. It’s an easy add-on for dinner or weekly meal prep.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Brown Rice
Spicy Crab Sushi Bake
All the sushi flavor, none of the hassle. This baked rice dish with spicy crab and a creamy topping is rich, savory, and perfect for feeding a group. Scoop it with seaweed or a spoon; either way, it’s a hit.
Get the recipe: Spicy Crab Sushi Bake
No-Boil Stuffed Pepper Casserole
All the flavors of classic stuffed peppers come together in this easy, no-boil casserole. With rice, ground meat, and a savory tomato sauce, it’s a hearty, comforting dish that simplifies dinner prep.
Get the recipe: No-Boil Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Cranberry Apple Walnut Wild Rice Stuffing
A hearty, flavorful pilaf that combines wild rice with tart cranberries, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts. It’s a festive side dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as a wholesome accompaniment to roasted meats.
Get the recipe: Cranberry Apple Walnut Wild Rice Stuffing
Easy Tuna Sushi Bake
A simple, baked take on sushi featuring layers of seasoned rice, creamy tuna, and a spicy mayo topping. It’s an easy, satisfying dish that brings sushi flavors to your table without the fuss.
Get the recipe: Easy Tuna Sushi Bake
