15+ Rice Dinner Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

Rice is a versatile and beloved staple in many cuisines around the world. It can be the foundation of countless meals, making it perfect for any dinner occasion. You can create delicious and satisfying rice dinner recipes that are easy to prepare and perfect for feeding your family or guests.

From simple fried rice to hearty rice casseroles, there are endless ways to enjoy this grain. Whether you prefer traditional flavors or want to experiment with new tastes, rice can adapt to your culinary needs. Get ready to explore some tasty options that will make your dinner special!

1) Garlic Cilantro Lime Rice

Garlic cilantro lime rice is a tasty and easy dish to prepare. It pairs well with many meals and adds a fresh flavor to your dinner plate. You’ll love how simple it is to make.

Start by heating some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and onions, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, reduce the heat and stir in cooked rice and salt for added flavor.

Finish it off with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. This dish has a wonderful aroma and will brighten your meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and onions; cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the rice and salt.
4. Add lime juice and cilantro; mix well.

2) Iranian Yellow Rice with Saffron

Iranian yellow rice, or Persian rice, is a delightful dish that brings vibrant flavor to your dinner table. The key ingredient is saffron, which gives the rice its beautiful color and aroma.

To make it, you start by rinsing basmati rice to remove excess starch. Then, cook it with saffron added to the water or broth for a rich taste.

For an extra touch, slice up some crispy potatoes and layer them on top. This adds a nice crunch and makes your dish even more delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 medium potatoes (optional)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear.
2. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
3. In a pot, bring broth to a boil. Add rice, salt, and the saffron.
4. Cook on low heat until rice absorbs the liquid (about 15 minutes).
5. If using potatoes, thinly slice and fry until golden.
6. Serve rice topped with crispy potatoes. Enjoy!

3) Curried Chicken and Rice Soup

Curried Chicken and Rice Soup is a tasty and comforting dish. It’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner. The flavors of curry and chicken blend well, making each spoonful delicious.

You can start by cooking chicken with spices, vegetables, and broth. Adding rice will make the soup hearty and filling. A squeeze of lemon adds a nice touch of brightness.

This soup is great for any night of the week. It’s simple enough for a weekday meal but special enough for guests too. Enjoy it with fresh bread or a salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup rice
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and carrots; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken and cook until browned.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and add rice; simmer until cooked.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

4) Asian Beef and Rice Bowls

Asian Beef and Rice Bowls are a quick and tasty dinner option. They are perfect for busy weeknights and are ready in about 20 minutes. The recipe uses ground beef, which cooks quickly.

You can customize your bowls with your favorite vegetables. Common choices include bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Toss these in for extra flavor and nutrition.

The dish is typically seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This combination brings out a wonderful savory taste. Serve it over rice or even quinoa for a filling meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
• 4 cups cooked rice
• Optional vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, peas)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
3. Stir in soy sauce and brown sugar, cooking until heated through.
4. Serve over cooked rice and top with optional vegetables.

5) Spicy Mexican Rice

Spicy Mexican rice is a flavorful side dish that pairs well with many Mexican meals. You can spice it up to your liking, making it perfect for a family dinner.

To make this rice, start with uncooked long-grain rice. Sauté it with onion and garlic in vegetable oil. Then, add canned tomatoes and low sodium chicken broth for extra flavor.

Spices like cumin and salt will really bring out the taste. Cook it all together until the rice absorbs the liquids and becomes tender.

This dish is great with tacos or enchiladas, adding vibrant flavors to your meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 can (14 oz) whole tomatoes
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the rice and cook until slightly golden.
4. Add the canned tomatoes and chicken broth.
5. Mix in garlic salt and cumin.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
7. Cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender.

6) Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf

Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf is a bright and zesty dish that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. The combination of garlic, onion, and lemon juice gives it a refreshing taste. You can enjoy it as a side dish or even on its own.

To make this dish, you will need long-grain white rice. Chicken broth enhances the flavor, while fresh herbs elevate the taste. Cooking is quick and simple, taking about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill), for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until soft.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add rice and stir for a few minutes.
5. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
7. Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
8. Fluff with a fork, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with herbs.

7) Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice

Stuffed bell peppers with rice are a tasty and simple dinner option. You can fill the peppers with a mix of rice, ground beef, cheese, and spices. This dish is not only delicious but also colorful and fun to serve.

To make this meal, you will need medium-sized bell peppers. You can choose green, red, or yellow ones for added color. Cook the filling in a skillet before stuffing the peppers.

Baking the stuffed peppers melds the flavors together, making them even better. This dish is great for busy weeknights or family gatherings and can be prepared ahead of time.

Ingredients

• 4 medium bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned.
4. Mix the cooked beef with rice, tomato sauce, cheese, and herbs.
5. Stuff each pepper with the filling.
6. Place the peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

8) Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and rice casserole is a comforting dish that’s easy to make. You can enjoy a creamy, hearty meal with just a few ingredients. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights.

You will need chicken, rice, and a creamy sauce. Many variations exist, so you can add vegetables or different seasonings as you like. Using rotisserie chicken can save you time and effort.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the rice, soup, milk, and seasonings.
3. Add the shredded chicken and peas, stirring until combined.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake for 45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the dish is bubbly.

9) Cheesy Broccoli and Rice

Cheesy broccoli and rice is a simple and tasty dish. It combines fluffy rice with fresh broccoli and gooey cheese. This meal is perfect as a side or a main dish.

You can use fresh or frozen broccoli. Just cook your rice first, then add the broccoli. Stir in cheese until it melts. You can even mix in some chicken broth for extra flavor.

This recipe is great when you need something quick. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes. Your family will love its creamy texture and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a separate pot, bring the broth to a simmer.
3. Add the broccoli and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Combine the cooked rice and broccoli.
5. Stir in the cheese until melted.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

10) Egg Fried Rice

Egg fried rice is a quick and tasty meal you can whip up any night. It combines fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, and your favorite vegetables.

You can use leftover rice for this dish, making it even easier. Just heat up some oil in a pan, scramble the eggs, and add the rice and veggies.

Season with soy sauce and sesame oil for a burst of flavor. In just a few minutes, you have a delicious dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Green onions for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Scramble the eggs in the pan until fully cooked.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and stir for a couple of minutes.
4. Mix in the cooked rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
5. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Garnish with green onions before serving.

11) Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet is a simple and tasty dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. You can make it all in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

For this meal, you combine ground beef with rice, veggies, and seasonings. It’s not only hearty but also packed with flavor. Many families enjoy this dish because it’s delicious and easy to prepare.

To add more taste, consider topping it with cheese or fresh herbs. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 ½ cups rice
• 1 cup vegetables (like bell peppers and onions)
• 1 cup tomatoes (diced)
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Seasonings: garlic powder, salt, pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
2. Drain excess fat and add vegetables.
3. Stir in the rice, tomatoes, and broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Stir in cheese if desired, and serve hot.

12) Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a creamy and satisfying dish that you can easily prepare at home. The combination of mushrooms, rice, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich flavor that’s perfect for any dinner.

Start by sautéing fresh mushrooms in butter or olive oil. Adding shallots or onions enhances the taste. Stir in Arborio rice, and let it absorb the flavors.

Gradually pour in warm broth while stirring. This method helps the rice release its natural creaminess. A splash of white wine adds a nice touch.

Finish your risotto with grated Parmesan cheese. You can also sprinkle some herbs for extra flavor. Enjoy your homemade mushroom risotto!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup white wine
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions until translucent, then add mushrooms.
3. Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in white wine and let it simmer.
5. Gradually add broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously.
6. Cook until rice is creamy and tender, about 20 minutes.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper before serving.

13) Spanish Paella with Rice

Spanish paella is a vibrant rice dish that brings the flavors of Spain to your kitchen. It’s packed with saffron rice, chicken, seafood, and fresh vegetables. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

To start, you’ll need a good pan, like a paella pan or a large skillet. This dish is perfect for gathering friends and family. The colorful ingredients create a feast for both the eyes and the stomach.

Ingredients

• 1 cup bomba rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp saffron
• 1 cup chicken, diced
• 1/2 cup chorizo, sliced
• 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup peas
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and chorizo, cooking until browned.
3. Stir in the bell pepper and cook for a few minutes.
4. Add the rice and saffron, mixing well.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
6. Add shrimp and peas, cooking until the rice absorbs the broth.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

14) Honey Soy Baked Chicken and Rice

Honey Soy Baked Chicken and Rice is a simple and delicious meal. The sweet and savory flavors come together perfectly, making it a family favorite.

To start, you’ll need chicken thighs for a juicy texture. The marinated chicken cooks alongside the rice, absorbing all the flavors. This makes a satisfying one-pot dinner.

The recipe uses honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of ginger. These ingredients create a rich glaze on the chicken that pairs nicely with the rice.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
3. Place chicken in a baking dish and pour the marinade over it.
4. Add the rice and chicken broth to the dish.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until rice is tender.

15) Zucchini and Rice Bake

Zucchini and rice bake is a delicious and comforting dish. It combines fresh zucchini with cheesy goodness, making it a perfect side or main dish.

To make this recipe, you will need some basic ingredients. The texture is creamy, and the flavors blend nicely. It’s simple to prepare and great for using up extra zucchini.

You can customize it by adding different herbs or spices. Baking brings out the best in the ingredients, giving you a warm, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds zucchini, ends trimmed
• 1 ½ cups water
• ½ cup uncooked white rice
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheeseSure, I can help with that. Could you please provide the text you would like me to edit?

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the zucchini into thin rounds.
3. In a large bowl, mix zucchini, rice, water, butter, and oil.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake for 45 minutes or until the rice is tender.