Rice is one of the most versatile and beloved ingredients, forming the base for countless satisfying meals around the world. From comforting classics to bold and flavorful dishes, these 18 rice recipes pair perfectly with hearty main courses to create complete, delicious meals. Whether you prefer simple and wholesome or rich and indulgent, these recipes will inspire your next dinner.

Chicken Peppers Onion and Rice

Chicken Peppers Onion and Rice. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This comforting dish combines tender chicken with sweet bell peppers, caramelized onions, and fluffy rice for a meal packed with satisfying flavor. Perfect for a family dinner, this one-pan recipe brings all the components together with minimal clean-up.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Peppers Onion and Rice

Mexican Chicken and Rice

Mexican Chicken and Rice. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Bursting with bold, zesty flavors, this recipe brings together spiced chicken with seasoned rice, black beans, and fresh toppings like cilantro and lime. It’s a fiesta for your taste buds and a filling option for weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken and Rice

Pork Fried Rice

Pork fried rice in a blue and white striped bowl.
Pork Fried Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Ideal for quick lunches or dinners, this hearty dish transforms leftover rice and tender pork into a savory masterpiece. Tossed in soy sauce and sesame oil, every bite offers a delightful balance of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Thai Fried Rice

Overhead shot of Thai fried rice in a white bowl with a skillet of fried rice on the side.
Thai Fried Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Transport your taste buds to Thailand with this aromatic recipe that blends fragrant jasmine rice, traditional spices, and your choice of protein. It’s slightly sweet, a little savory, and undeniably satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A fun fusion recipe that brings together the rich flavors of tacos and the hearty goodness of rice. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Tofu Fried Rice

Tofu Fried Rice. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This vegetarian-friendly dish combines crispy tofu with perfectly seasoned rice and fresh veggies. It’s a wholesome meal full of texture, flavor, and nutritious ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Chicken and rice salad in a glass bowl.
Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Fresh and vibrant, this salad balances tender grilled chicken and fluffy rice with zesty lemon and aromatic basil. It’s a refreshing option for a light yet satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

A bowl of chicken wild rice soup.
Chicken Wild Rice Soup. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Rich, creamy, and comforting, this soup features earthy wild rice, tender chicken, and a creamy broth seasoned with herbs. It’s the perfect warm-up on a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Instant Pot Cajun Rice and Sausage

Close up of Cajun Rice and Sausage on a plate.
Instant Pot Cajun Rice and Sausage. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Packed with bold Cajun spices, this one-pot recipe combines smoky sausage, rice, and bell peppers for a meal bursting with Southern charm and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Rice and Sausage

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.

This cozy recipe layers ground beef, melty cheese, and seasoned rice into a hearty casserole that hits all the right notes. It’s the ultimate comfort food straight from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

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.

This quick and easy skillet dinner pairs savory ground beef with flavorful rice and just the right amount of spice. It’s an effortless option for those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

Turkey And Rice Casserole

A casserole dish filled with vegetables and cheese.
Turkey And Rice Casserole. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Ideal for leftover turkey, this creamy casserole mixes turkey chunks with fluffy rice and a rich, savory sauce. Topped with breadcrumbs, it’s baked to golden perfection.
Get the Recipe: Turkey And Rice Casserole

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A classic takeout-inspired dish that brings crisped rice, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables together with quintessential Asian flavors. It’s quick, satisfying, and utterly tasty.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl

A bowl of tuna rice with sliced avocados.
Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This vibrant dish combines seared tuna, crunchy veggies, and spicy Sriracha mayo served over a bed of warm rice. It’s a fresh and flavorful bowl that’s easy to customize.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl

Pork Chop and Rice Casserole

A baking dish with four cooked pork chops on top of seasoned rice, garnished with chopped herbs. Plates and a salad are in the background.
Pork Chop and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Juicy pork chops are baked atop seasoned rice infused with savory flavors. This one-dish wonder delivers a satisfying, hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chop and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

An excellent low-carb option, this casserole mixes ground beef, healthy cauliflower rice, and spinach with gooey cheese. It’s packed with nutrition without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

A bowl of rice with corn and herbs on a striped cloth with garnishes on the side.
Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Everything you love about enchiladas in one easy-to-make rice casserole! This cheesy, saucy dish is perfect for when you’re craving Mexican flavors with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This island classic features creamy red beans cooked with thyme, garlic, and coconut milk for a flavorful, fragrant dish. It’s a simple yet standout side or main course.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

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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