10+ Rice Recipes You’ll Love for Easy, Tasty Meals

Rice is everywhere. It’s one of those foods that just fits into almost any meal.

You can change it up with all sorts of flavors and ingredients. There are tons of easy, tasty rice recipes out there—no matter what you’re craving.

Maybe you need a quick side dish. Or you want something more filling, like a main.

Rice recipes don’t ask for fancy skills or a long list of ingredients. You can make something delicious with what’s already in your pantry.

1) Buttery Seasoned Rice

Buttery seasoned rice is so much better than plain rice. Start by melting butter in a pan for that rich, creamy flavor.

Toss in some onions and garlic for extra depth. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and maybe a little thyme or parsley.

The rice comes out fluffy and pairs well with almost anything. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of paprika.

It’s quick and doesn’t need much effort.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups long grain white rice
• ⅓ cup butter
• ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cups chicken stock or water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon thyme or parsley, and a pinch of paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and garlic, cook until soft.
3. Stir in rice and toast for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken stock or water, season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
5. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer for 18 minutes.
6. Remove from heat, let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

For more details, check out the Buttery Seasoned Rice recipe.

2) Easy Fried Rice with Vegetables

Fried rice is a classic way to use up leftover rice. Throw in your favorite veggies—peas, carrots, scallions—whatever you’ve got.

Cold rice works best. It keeps everything from getting mushy.

Start by stir-frying garlic and veggies in oil. Add the rice and a splash of soy sauce, tossing everything together.

You can add eggs or tofu if you want more protein. It’s super customizable and comes together in about 15 minutes.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked cold rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in peas, carrots, and scallions; cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Add rice and soy sauce, mixing well.
5. Cook, stirring often, for another 5-7 minutes.
6. Serve warm.

Find more tips for easy fried rice with vegetables here.

3) Mujadarra (Rice and Lentils)

Mujadarra is a humble but flavorful Middle Eastern dish. It’s just rice, lentils, and lots of caramelized onions.

Those onions bring a sweet, deep flavor that makes this dish stand out. Serve it warm or at room temp with yogurt or a crisp salad.

It’s filling, healthy, and budget-friendly. There’s plenty of protein and fiber, too.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown or green lentils
• 1 cup rice (jasmine or long grain)
• 3 yellow onions
• 2-4 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• Water for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse lentils and cook them in boiling water until just tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain and set lentils aside.
3. While lentils cook, thinly slice onions and caramelize in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse the rice and combine with cooked lentils and salt. Add boiling water to cover by about 1 inch.
5. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
6. Mix in caramelized onions and serve warm or cold.

Get more details on the Mujadarra recipe here.

4) Tex-Mex Rice Casserole

Tex-Mex rice casserole is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a mix of cooked rice, salsa, beans, corn, and spices.

You can add ground beef, chicken, or just stick with veggies if you prefer. The whole thing is cozy, filling, and great for leftovers.

Feel free to play with the spice level. It’s easy to throw together and doesn’t need much planning.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 1/2 cups salsa
• 4 oz green chilies
• 1/2 can corn, drained
• 1/2 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 pound ground beef or chicken (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or vegan cheese
• 1 package taco seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook ground beef or chicken in a pan until done.
3. Mix cooked meat (if using), rice, salsa, chilies, corn, beans, and taco seasoning.
4. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
5. Top with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.

5) Basil and Tomato Fried Rice

This one’s bright and fresh. Basil and tomato fried rice is packed with flavor and comes together fast.

Sauté onions and garlic in oil, then add tomatoes and cooked rice. Stir in soy sauce and fresh basil.

It works as a side or a light main dish. If you want more protein, toss in some eggs or chicken.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1/2 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Cook onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in rice and soy sauce.
5. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.
6. Mix in basil leaves and cook for 1 minute.
7. Season with salt and serve warm.

More details in this Basil and Tomato Fried Rice Recipe.

6) Rice Pilaf with Herbs

Rice pilaf with herbs is a classic. Sauté the rice with butter and onions, then cook it in broth for a rich, savory taste.

Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill for brightness. You can mix and match your favorites.

This one goes well with chicken, fish, or veggies. Cooking the rice in broth instead of water really brings out the flavor.

If you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a fun twist.

Ingredients

• 2 cups long grain rice
• 1 cup chopped celery
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ¼ cup butter
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh mixed herbs (parsley, thyme, dill)

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped celery and onion, cook until soft.
3. Stir in rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, coating the grains with butter.
4. Pour in chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, bring to a boil.
5. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender.
6. Remove from heat and stir in fresh herbs. Fluff with a fork.

For a similar recipe with easy steps, see Garlic Herb Rice Pilaf here.

7) Cumin and Cashew Yogurt Rice

This dish is all about contrasts—warm spices, crunchy cashews, and cool, creamy yogurt. Start by cooking basmati rice and letting it cool.

Toast cumin seeds and cashews in ghee or oil until they smell amazing. Add chopped green chiles and a little red chile powder for heat.

Mix the rice with salt, then fold in a creamy yogurt sauce with ginger. Sometimes a little cilantro makes it even better.

It’s a quick, flavorful meal for nights when you want something different but not complicated.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked long-grain basmati rice, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 1-2 fresh green chiles, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red chile powder
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast cumin seeds and cashews in ghee over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add chopped green chiles and red chile powder; stir for 30 seconds.
3. Mix in cooked rice and salt; stir to combine well.
4. In a bowl, whisk yogurt with minced ginger.
5. Fold yogurt mixture into the rice gently.
6. Serve right away or chill for a cool version.

8) One-Pot Mushroom and Ginger Rice

This dish keeps things simple—just one pot. Fresh mushrooms and a little ginger make for a comforting, earthy meal.

Ginger brings a warm, zesty note that plays nicely with the mushrooms. The mushrooms soften as they cook, releasing their juices into the rice.

You don’t need much cleanup, and you can use the stove or a rice cooker. It’s inspired by Cantonese rice bowls that focus on balance and clean flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 1 ½ cups water or broth
• 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or mixed)
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Toss in ginger and mushrooms. Cook for 3-5 minutes, letting them soften.
3. Stir in rice and soy sauce. Make sure the grains get well coated.
4. Add water or broth, plus a bit of salt.
5. Bring everything to a boil. Cover, then turn the heat down to a simmer.
6. Cook for 15-20 minutes. The rice should be tender by the end.
7. Fluff it up with a fork before serving.

Learn more about this method from One-Pot Mushroom and Ginger Rice Recipe.

9) Chicken Cook-Up Rice

Chicken Cook-Up Rice is a one-pot meal you throw together with rice, chicken, and peas. Coconut milk makes it creamy and rich.

Toss in fresh herbs and garlic for extra flavor. The dish is a favorite in the Caribbean, especially Guyana.

You can swap in black-eyed peas or pigeon peas. Want to bulk it up? Add cabbage or onions.

Everything cooks together, and the rice soaks up all the chicken and spices. It’s the kind of comfort food you’ll want any day.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs chicken
• 2 cups brown rice
• 2 cups black-eyed peas or pigeon peas
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the chicken and brown it in a big pot.
2. Add garlic and onion. Sauté until soft.
3. Pour in coconut milk and 2 cups water.
4. Stir in rice and peas.
5. Add fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
6. Cover and simmer for 40-45 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The rice should be cooked through.
7. Stir gently and serve hot.

Learn more about this dish at Guyanese Chicken Cook-Up Rice Recipe.

10) Nigerian Party Jollof Rice

Nigerian Party Jollof Rice is a classic for celebrations. It’s a one-pot wonder, loaded with tomato flavor and a kick of spice.

You’ll cook the rice with tomato paste, peppers, and onions. That’s what gives it such a bold color and taste.

Use meat stock or water—either works. Spices like garlic and bay leaves make the flavors pop.

And if you get a crispy layer at the bottom? That’s the “party” part, and honestly, it’s the best bit.

Ingredients

• 3 cups parboiled rice
• 2 cups meat stock or water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large red onion
• 1 sachet tomato paste (about 70g)
• 2 Maggi cubes or seasoning cubes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water. Keep going until the water looks clear.

2. Toss the red bell pepper, half the onion, and garlic into a blender. Blend until you get a smooth paste.

3. Heat some oil in a pot. Throw in the chopped onion and cook until it softens.

4. Add that blended pepper mix and tomato paste to the pot. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then.

5. Pour in the meat stock and crumble in the seasoning cubes.

6. Add the rice and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well, then cover the pot.

7. Keep the heat low. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

8. Take the pot off the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.