Rice Becomes The Hero In All Of These Delicious Rice Recipes

Rice is more than just a simple side—it can truly shine as the star of a delicious and flavorful meal. These must-try recipes put rice in the spotlight, showing just how versatile and satisfying it can be. From hearty casseroles to flavorful pilafs, each dish brings a unique combination of flavors and textures that make rice the hero of the table.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a show-stopping main course for a special occasion, these recipes prove that rice has what it takes to take center stage. Get ready to elevate your meals and discover just how impressive rice can be as the main ingredient in these delicious dishes.

Broccoli Chicken and Rice

This Instant Pot Broccoli Chicken and Rice is a perfect example of recipes with rice as the hero. It brings together tender chicken, cheesy broccoli, and perfectly cooked rice for an easy, comforting meal that’s naturally gluten-free and kid-friendly—ideal for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Chicken and Rice

Tuna Rice Salad

For a quick and light meal, this Tuna Rice Salad is a top pick in recipes with rice as the hero. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish, combining fresh tuna, crisp veggies, and hearty rice for a satisfying lunch or dinner that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Rice Salad

Hamburger Rice Casserole

Hamburger Rice Casserole is comfort food at its finest, showcasing rice as the hero in this easy, hearty meal. With ground beef, steamed broccoli, and creamy sauce, this casserole is a family favorite that’s both filling and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Rice Casserole

Ham Rice Casserole with Brussel Sprouts

When you’re looking for recipes with rice as the hero, this Ham Rice Casserole with Brussel Sprouts is a standout. The rich, cheesy layers and savory ham make it a filling dish, while the rice provides the perfect base to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Get the Recipe: Ham Rice Casserole with Brussel Sprouts

PF Chang’s Fried Rice

This PF Chang’s Fried Rice copycat recipe is one of those recipes with rice as the hero, bringing the classic restaurant flavors right to your table. With a blend of fresh veggies, fluffy rice, and a sweet-savory sauce, it’s a quick dish that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: PF Chang’s Fried Rice

Jollof Rice

Jollof Rice is a one-pot wonder in the category of recipes with rice as the hero. Packed with rich tomato flavors, spicy peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices, this West African dish turns simple rice into a flavorful, filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Jollof Rice

Easy One-Pot Creamy Spinach Rice

In this Easy One-Pot Creamy Spinach Rice, you’ll see why it belongs among recipes with rice as the hero. The creamy Boursin cheese and spinach blend perfectly with the naturally starchy rice, creating a side dish that’s both rich and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Easy One-Pot Creamy Spinach Rice

The Best Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a fantastic choice when you’re exploring recipes with rice as the hero. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, making it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
Get the Recipe: The Best Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Creamy Wild Mushroom Risotto

Creamy Wild Mushroom Risotto takes its place among recipes with rice as the hero by turning simple ingredients into a gourmet meal. The rich, creamy risotto pairs perfectly with caramelized mushrooms, sharp parmesan, and a hint of white wine.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Wild Mushroom Risotto

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice is one of those recipes with rice as the hero that’s quick, easy, and healthier than takeout. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a mix of veggies, it’s ready in just 15 minutes and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Lebanese Spiced Rice with Toasted Nuts

Lebanese Spiced Rice with Toasted Nuts is a must-try in recipes with rice as the hero. This dish features fluffy, fragrant rice, seasoned with aromatic spices and topped with crunchy toasted nuts, making it a flavorful and filling option as a side or main dish.
Get the Recipe: Lebanese Spiced Rice with Toasted Nuts

Spam Fried Rice

Spam Fried Rice is an ultimate comfort dish in the collection of recipes with rice as the hero. With crispy Spam, vibrant veggies, and leftover rice, this quick one-pan meal delivers a savory flavor that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Spam Fried Rice

The Best Instant Pot Spanish Rice

The Best Instant Pot Spanish Rice stands out in recipes with rice as the hero, offering a flavorful, seasoned dish that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly delicious. Let your Instant Pot do the work while you enjoy the bold, vibrant flavors of this family favorite.
Get the Recipe: The Best Instant Pot Spanish Rice

Healthy Brown Rice Salad

This Healthy Brown Rice Salad is a refreshing choice among recipes with rice as the hero. With a mix of colorful veggies and a zesty dressing, it turns humble brown rice into a fragrant, nutritious meal that’s perfect for lunch or as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Brown Rice Salad

Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice is a standout in recipes with rice as the hero, offering a fresh, tangy flavor that’s a perfect match for any Mexican-inspired meal. Whether you’re making taco bowls or burrito bowls, this Chipotle copycat is easy to make and even better at home.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Dirty Rice with Sausage

Dirty Rice with Sausage takes center stage in recipes with rice as the hero. This hearty dish combines browned sausage, softened veggies, and Cajun seasoning with long-grain rice, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Rice with Sausage

Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp Fried Rice is a restaurant-quality dish that belongs in the collection of recipes with rice as the hero. Made with fresh shrimp, garlic, ginger, and a mix of veggies, this one-pan meal is packed with savory flavors and ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup is one of those recipes with rice as the hero that warms the soul. Easy to prepare and full of fresh flavors, this dish makes a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for cold days or whenever you need a little extra comfort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice

In recipes with rice as the hero, this Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice is a clear winner. It’s a simple, delicious side dish that’s ready in no time, combining creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked rice in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice

Chimichurri Rice

Chimichurri Rice is a bold, flavorful dish in the line-up of recipes with rice as the hero. Infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of red pepper, this rice dish brings a burst of flavor to any meal and is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Chimichurri Rice

Italian Rice Salad

Italian Rice Salad is a vibrant and refreshing option among recipes with rice as the hero. Packed with fresh vegetables and Mediterranean flavors, this salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a versatile side dish that adds a pop of color to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Rice Salad

Vermicelli Rice

Vermicelli Rice is a comforting dish that showcases rice as the hero in a unique way. With sautéed vermicelli and basmati rice, enriched by warm spices, this easy-to-make recipe fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with rich, vibrant flavors.
Get the Recipe: Vermicelli Rice

Arroz Con Pollo

Arroz Con Pollo is a classic one-pot meal that truly embodies recipes with rice as the hero. With juicy chicken, flavorful yellow rice, and savory vegetables, each bite is packed with Latin-inspired spices, making it a comforting and complete meal that’s perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Con Pollo

Instant Pot Beef and Rice

Instant Pot Beef and Rice is a must-try in recipes with rice as the hero. With tender beef, sesame seeds, and fluffy brown rice, this dish is a sure winner for a satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Rice

Double Batch Casserole Recipes You Can Freeze

Prepare and Freeze: Double Batch Casserole Ideas for Busy Days