Fluffy grains turn into a stage for crispy bits, saucy drips, and crunchy toppings. It’s texture on texture with smart seasoning doing all the heavy lifting. The bowl feels bottomless in the best way. Budget hides behind big flavor. You’ll start calling leftovers “ingredients.”

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

A skillet filled with beef, rice and vegetables.
Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Try try cheesy Skillet Beef and Rice diner for a quick to make meal with ground beef, fluffy rice, and rich flavor from the pepper and onion.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

A white oval plate filled with shrimp biryani, featuring yellow rice, visible shrimp, and herbs—an epic rice bowl placed on a light textured surface.
Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Experience the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine with Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani. Fragrant rice, succulent shrimp, and aromatic spices meld together, capturing the essence of this classic dish, now achievable with the Instant Pot.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole

Shrimp and rice in a skillet.
Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole is packed with bold flavors and comforting warmth. It’s both spicy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole

Ham Fried Rice

A rectangular plate of fried rice with vegetables, sliced green onions, and diced ham sits beside whole garlic, onion, and green onions on a stone surface with a green napkin—perfect for those craving cheap rice bowls.
Ham Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

So easy and so delicious, this is an amazing meal for any night of the week. Make it with leftover ham and whatever veggies are in your fridge! Grab a fork – or chopsticks – and dig in!
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Image shows a closeup of a spoon holding some Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole with the full skillet behind it.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Introducing the delectable Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole – a mouthwatering blend of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and ooey-gooey melted cheese. This hearty one-pot wonder is sure to satisfy your cravings with its irresistible combination of savory flavors and comforting textures. Indulge in a delightful dish that will leave you wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Brisket Fried Rice

A bowl of epic rice bowls features vegetable fried rice garnished with lime wedges and jalapeño slices, surrounded by cilantro, garlic, a red onion, and a pepper grinder on a textured surface.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Got leftover brisket? With a Southwestern spin, Brisket Fried Rice is bold, sassy, and full of big flavors – oh, and your leftover brisket!
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Spicy Tuna Rolls

Image shows Chopsticks holding spicy tuna roll over a plate with more of the roll.
Spicy Tuna Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Elevate your at-home sushi game with a tantalizing twist on the classic spicy tuna roll, using canned tuna as a convenient and delicious alternative. Discover how to create a mouthwatering blend of flavors, incorporating the perfect amount of heat and texture to satisfy your sushi cravings without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rolls

Mediterranean Rice

Mediterranean Rice in a black bowl on concrete.
Mediterranean Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Loaded with onions, peppers, fresh herbs and lemon, this flavorful and easy rice side dish is a quick fix in 1 pot. Jazz up any meal with this amazing dish!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice

Orange Rice

Bowl of rice with chopped celery and orange slices on a wooden table.
Orange Rice. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This baked orange rice is a delightful accompaniment to any meal. The combination of rice, vegetables, and citrus creates a flavorful side dish.
Get the Recipe: Orange Rice

Basic Risotto

A person scooping risotto from a red-rimmed bowl on a wooden table with a white napkin and scattered herbs.
Basic Risotto. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Risotto is a northern Italian staple of rice, garlic, onions and cheese that provides a hearty base for a variety of dishes. You can cook it on the stovetop and eat it on its own or mix in your favorite veggies and protein.
Get the Recipe: Basic Risotto

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a delicious one-pot weeknight dinner idea that is easy enough for beginner cooks to make — no stuffing vegetables required. It comes together in just 45 minutes and yields a filling, flavorful family meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A bowl of wild rice mushroom soup with a spoon.
Wild Rice Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Wild Rice Mushroom Soup is hearty and full of rich, nutty flavor. The rice cooks while you simultaneously cook the other ingredients to save you time and ensure you can prep and serve the soup as quickly as possible.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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