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27 Rice Recipes That Will Elevate Your Weeknight Meals

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Rice is the perfect canvas for your culinary creations, eager to absorb any flavor you add! As the foundation for countless delicious dishes worldwide, it can take you from hearty Asian bowls to savory, aromatic pilafs. This list will take you on a global food adventure, one grain at a time. Prepare to discover your next favorite rice dish!

Ham Fried Rice

A close-up view of a colorful fried rice dish in a pan, featuring diced beef, corn, peas, carrots, and chopped spring onions. A wooden spoon is partially visible, resting on the right side of the pan. The ingredients are well-mixed and look freshly cooked—perfect for any rice dish recipes collection.
Image Credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Got some leftover ham? Whip up some awesome Ham Fried Rice! It’s so tasty, you’ll start saving ham just to make it again! Mix up day-old rice, diced ham, and veggies in a quick, flavorful stir-fry.

Get The Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Pesto Rice

A white baking dish filled with a colorful mixed vegetable casserole, consisting of rice, diced chicken, peas, carrots, sun-dried tomatoes, and garnished with fresh basil leaves. A wooden serving spoon is placed inside the dish. Discover more delightful rice dish recipes to elevate your meals.
Image Credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This ONE-PAN Pesto Rice dish is a complete meal rolled into one! Picture this: juicy smoked chicken sausage mingling with flawlessly tender rice, an abundance of colorful veggies, all coated with a luscious basil-pesto sauce. The magic happens in a single pan (yes, even the raw rice cooks perfectly!) with minimal hands-on effort needed.

Get The Recipe: Pesto Rice

Perfect Vegetable Risotto

Image Credit: Inspired Taste

This veggie risotto recipe brings together two of our fave things: fresh veggies and super creamy risotto rice. And hey, it’s actually pretty fun to whip up. Don’t stress about making risotto – we’ve got your back with our easy-peasy recipe and tips. We’ll walk you through each step so you can whip up the yummiest veggie risotto right in your own kitchen.

Get The Recipe: Perfect Vegetable Risotto

Italian Style Rice

A bowl of Italian Style Rice bursting with roasted vegetables ready to eat.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Craving comfort food with a twist? This combines roasted vegetables and fluffy rice with a burst of Italian flavors. Enjoy it as a vegetarian main course or a flavorful side dish.

Get The Recipe: Italian Style Rice

Wild Rice Pilaf

A vibrant, colorful salad on a white plate features a mix of wild rice, chopped vegetables, leafy greens, roasted sweet potatoes, cranberries, and nuts. Drawing inspiration from rice dish recipes, it's garnished with fresh parsley and served with a large spoon and fork.
Image Credit: Love & Lemons

This vibrant wild rice pilaf is studded with delicate shavings of Brussels sprouts, fragrant herbs, and savory roasted vegetables. A delightful and festive side dish perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion.

Get The Recipe: Wild Rice Pilaf

Weeknight Paella

A plate of bright yellow saffron rice topped with chorizo and shrimp.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This one-pot, simple Paella recipe uses Shrimp, Chorizo, and savory saffron rice. It’s a wonderful, easy meal that is full of flavor. 

Get The Recipe: Weeknight Paella

Jambalaya

Image Credit: Cooking Classy

Jambalaya! This awesome southern dish is packed with three proteins – juicy shrimp, chicken, and sausage, all mixed with hearty rice and a colorful mix of veggies. Plus, it’s seasoned with tasty cajun spices.

Get The Recipe: Jambalaya

Healthy Low Fat Fried Rice

Low Fat Chicken Fried Rice - Erren's Kitchen - This flavorful chicken fried rice has a fraction of the fat of your normal take out and makes a fantastic, a super-speedy one-pan supper.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Enjoy your favorite fried rice without compromising on taste or health! This recipe uses clever techniques to create a light and flavorful dish that’s as easy on your eyes as it is on your waistline.

Get The Recipe: Healthy Low Fat Fried Rice

Chicken Carrot and Wild Rice Soup

A close up image of Chicken and Wild Rice with carrots Soup.

Indulge in a rich and comforting Chicken, Carrot, and Wild Rice Soup, effortlessly prepared in just one pot! This satisfying and hearty soup is packed with tender chicken, a variety of vegetables, and nutty wild rice, all blended in a creamy and comforting broth that’s sure to warm your senses.

Get The Recipe: Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Classic Rice Pilaf

A bowl of rice Pilaf in a dish with salt and pepper mills in the background.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Tired of plain white rice? This versatile Rice Pilaf takes center stage alongside chicken, fish, or any protein you choose. Packed with flavor, it’s a delicious upgrade to any meal.

Get The Recipe: Rice Pilaf

Vegan Fried Rice

A close up image of Vegan Fried Rice being served with a wooden spoon.
Image Credit: Marly McMillen/Namely Marly

Craving takeout flavors? Skip delivery! This veggie-packed fried rice is stir-fried to perfection with a savory sauce in just 30 minutes.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Fried Rice

Easy Saffron Risotto

a close up image of The cooked Saffron Risotto in a black pan with a wooden spoon
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

The luxurious flavor of saffron forms the base, while the lemon zest, parsley, and Parmesan cheese add a delightful finishing touch. Feel free to get creative and customize it with your favorite vegetables or seafood for a truly personalized dish.

Get The Recipe: Easy Saffron Risotto

Cheesy Enchilada Rice

A close-up of a wooden spoon scooping a cheesy rice dish from a pan. The dish includes melted cheese, corn, black olives, rice, and is garnished with chopped cilantro. The mixture looks creamy and gooey with a savory, comforting appeal perfect for rice dish recipes.
Image Credit: Noshing With The Nolands

This Cheesy Enchilada Rice recipe is great as a side dish for your Mexican feasts. Super simple to whip up with rice, beans, corn, cheese, and more!

Get The Recipe: Cheesy Enchilada Rice

Lemon Shrimp Risotto

a dish of a dish of Shrimp Risotto with Broccoli.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This no-stir Risotto recipe makes a creamy risotto with lemon, shrimp, and veggies bursting with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Shrimp Risotto

Mexican Rice

A close-up shot of a bowl of vibrant Mexican rice garnished with freshly chopped cilantro. The rice is mixed with finely diced red and green bell peppers and onions, a staple in many rice dish recipes. Two lime wedges are placed on the side.
Image Credit: Downshiftology

This Mexican rice recipe jazzes up your plain white rice into a colorful and tasty side dish. It mixes onion, bell peppers, garlic, jalapeno, tomato sauce, broth, and spices. For a fantastic Mexican-style meal, serve it with seared seafood, grilled chicken, or tacos.

Get The Recipe: Mexican Rice

Best Ever Fried Rice

A close up of a bowl of fried rice with chop sticks next to it.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Restaurant-worthy in 20 minutes! This easy homemade fried rice with egg is a flavor bomb on a plate.

Get The Recipe: Best Ever Fried Rice

Spanish Rice

Two bowls of seasoned rice garnished with cilantro are shown. One bowl is held by a hand with a fork poised above the rice, while the other bowl is also topped with cilantro. The rice dish recipes feature visible tomato pieces and are arranged on a light marble surface.
Image Credit: Love & Lemons

This easy and delicious homemade Spanish rice recipe is a perfect side dish! With its fluffy texture and burst of flavors, it’s an ideal complement to Mexican favorites such as tacos and enchiladas.

Get The Recipe: Spanish Rice

Turmeric Chicken and Rice Casserole

A rectangular white baking dish contains a vibrant baked meal with four pieces of white fish fillets on a bed of yellow rice. The rice, part of classic rice dish recipes, is garnished with chopped green herbs, giving it a colorful and fresh appearance.
Image Credit: Downshiftology

A chicken and rice casserole – with a healthy, turmeric twist! It’s the perfect go-to for a simple, tasty dinner packed with comforting flavors. And hey, it’s got that nice mix of protein, carbs, and sneaky veggies. Win-win situation!

Get The Recipe: Turmeric Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ham Fried Rice

A close-up of a pan filled with fried rice. The dish contains diced ham, peas, corn, green beans, carrots, and scrambled eggs, all mixed with rice. A wooden spoon is partially submerged in the rice, suggesting it is being stirred or served—perfect for those seeking delicious rice dish recipes.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

Ham Fried Rice is a delectable dish that combines the sweetness and savoriness of ham with rice and simple ingredients. It’s perfect for either a satisfying dinner or for preparing lunches for the week. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover ham and create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Get The Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Dirty Rice With Sausage

Dirty Rice With Sausage
Photo credit: Cheerful Cook

Dirty Rice With Sausage Photo credit: Cheerful Cook Wanna whip up some Dirty Rice And Sausage at home? This hearty one-pot dish is a must-try!
Get the Recipe: Dirty Rice With Sausage

Crockpot Chicken and Rice

A plate of creamy chicken and rice casserole, straight from cherished rice dish recipes, is topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese and garnished with chopped parsley. A fork is placed on the side of the dish. The casserole is served on a dark plate.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

Crockpot Chicken and Rice is a delectable dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and melty cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s incredibly easy to prepare – simply set it in the morning and come home to a delicious dinner with almost no effort.

Get The Recipe: Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Chicken and Yellow Rice

a pan full of Chicken and yellow rice in a black skillet.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This delicious Chicken and Yellow Rice recipe offers an easy one-pot meal solution, ideal for making the most of any leftover chicken.

Get The Recipe: Chicken and Yellow Rice

Salmon and Pea Risotto

Easy Salmon and Pea Risotto on a white dish with a fork next to it.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This easy risotto features tender salmon, and vibrant peas simmered together for a quick and flavorful meal.

Get The Recipe: Salmon and Pea Risotto

Lemon Chicken & Rice Bake

A spoonful of chicken and rice being scooped from a blue pan.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Whip up this one-pan wonder made from scratch with fresh ingredients. It’s a crowd-pleasing feast all in a pan.

Get The Recipe: Lemon Chicken & Rice Bake

Hamburger and Rice

A skillet with hamburger and rice garnished with parsley, close-up.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Homestyle Hamburger and Rice Skillet is a quick and easy weeknight dinner packed with flavor and comfort.

Get The Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Turkey Rice Casserole

Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

This delightful casserole is a medley of leftover turkey, peas, rice, and flavorful veggies topped off with a delectable bread crumb mixture. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family!

Get The Recipe: Turkey Rice Casserole

Mushroom Rice Pilaf

Mushroom rice pilaf in a serving dish with the lid behind it.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This rice dish is your weeknight savior! Packed with savory mushrooms, it’s the perfect side dish ready in a flash.

Get The Recipe: Mushroom Rice Pilaf

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