Rice is a kitchen staple that can transform into a wide variety of delicious main dishes. From comforting casseroles to flavorful fried rice, this versatile ingredient works with cuisines from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special to impress guests, these 18 rice recipes will show you just how creative and satisfying a rice-based main dish can be!

Cauliflower Rice Recipe – Easy, How-to Instructions

Cauliflower Rice Recipe – Easy, How-to Instructions. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Cauliflower rice is a game-changer when you want a low-carb option that’s light and fluffy. With just a few steps, you’ll have a homemade alternative to regular rice that you can pair with just about any dish!
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice Recipe – Easy, How-to Instructions

Chicken Peppers Onion and Rice

A white plate with roasted cauliflower florets and a lettuce leaf topped with a cheesy ground meat and rice mixture, garnished with chopped herbs—a delicious choice for anyone who loves comfort food or is seeking simple rice recipes.
Chicken Peppers Onion and Rice. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This colorful dish blends tender chicken, sautéed peppers, and onions with fluffy rice. It’s packed with flavor and is a great way to add a pop of veggies to your dinner!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Peppers Onion and Rice

Filipino Fried Rice

Filipino Fried Rice. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Filipino fried rice brings bold flavors to your table with garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness. Every bite is an adventure and can be easily customized with your favorite add-ins.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Fried Rice

Mexican Chicken and Rice

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

This spicy and hearty combination of chicken and rice is brimming with classic Mexican flavors. Think zesty seasoning, fresh cilantro, and just the right kick of spice!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken and Rice

Orange Rice

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

Add a citrusy twist to your meal with orange-infused rice. It’s light, zesty, and pairs wonderfully with chicken or seafood dishes.
Get the Recipe: Orange Rice

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

A bowl of cilantro lime cauliflower rice.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Brighten up your meal with this fresh and zesty cauliflower rice! The combination of lime and cilantro makes it an easy and healthy side for any dish.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Easy Shrimp Mei Fun Recipe (Stir Fry Rice Noodles)

Savory shrimp stir-fried mei fun rice noodles on a plate.
Easy Shrimp Mei Fun Recipe (Stir Fry Rice Noodles). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Recreate the magic of Trader Joe’s arancini rice balls at home! These crunchy, cheesy bites are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Mei Fun Recipe (Stir Fry Rice Noodles)

Brisket Fried Rice

Brisket fried rice in black serving dish on white background.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tender brisket combined with savory rice is a match made in heaven. This recipe transforms leftovers into a flavor-packed meal that everyone will rave about.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Coconut Cauliflower Rice inside golden plate with lime slices.
Coconut Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Bring tropical vibes to your dinner table with creamy coconut-flavored cauliflower rice. It’s light, aromatic, and gives your meals a unique twist.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Authentic Shrimp Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout!)

Bowl of shrimp fried rice with vegetables, accompanied by a small dish of chili sauce, on a table with a blue checkered cloth.
Authentic Shrimp Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout!). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Skip the takeout and create your own shrimp fried rice masterpiece! Loaded with juicy shrimp, veggies, and savory seasonings, it’ll quickly become a household favorite.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Shrimp Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout!)

Basil Fried Rice: Delicious Thai-Inspired Recipe

A plate of fried rice with cherry tomatoes, basil, green onions, spinach, and lime wedges.
Basil Fried Rice: Delicious Thai-Inspired Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This Thai-inspired recipe dazzles with fragrant basil and a burst of umami flavor. It pairs wonderfully with any protein of your choice or as a satisfying standalone dish.
Get the Recipe: Basil Fried Rice: Delicious Thai-Inspired Recipe

Pineapple Rice

Pineapple Rice. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Sweet, tangy pineapple gives this rice dish a vibrant, tropical flair. It’s a delicious side or base for your next stir-fry.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Rice

One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole

A close-up of a plate of cheesy sausage jambalaya, featuring sliced sausage, melted cheese, and rice, garnished with herbs.
One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Cheesy, creamy, and oh so comforting, this one-pot dish combines rice, sausage, and savory seasonings. You’ll want seconds… and maybe thirds!
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole

Easy Spinach Mushroom Rice Recipe (Vegan Friendly)

A bowl of rice mixed with mushrooms, spinach, and herbs.
Easy Spinach Mushroom Rice Recipe (Vegan Friendly). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

A rich blend of spinach, mushrooms, and fluffy rice makes this a go-to vegan meal. It’s a simple way to pack your plate with hearty, plant-based goodness.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spinach Mushroom Rice Recipe (Vegan Friendly)

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.

Savory pork chops nestled in a bed of seasoned rice equals comfort food paradise. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chop and Rice Casserole

Pork Fried Rice

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

Classic pork fried rice takes center stage in this satisfying dish. It’s a perfect way to use leftovers while creating something delicious.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe: For Busy Weeknights

A plate of fried rice with tofu, peas, corn, carrots, and egg.
Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe: For Busy Weeknights. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

With crispy tofu and perfectly seasoned rice, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you need something fast and nourishing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe: For Busy Weeknights

Mexican Cauliflower RIce

Teal bowl of cauliflower rice.
Mexican Cauliflower RIce. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Enjoy a fiesta of flavors in this low-carb Mexican cauliflower rice! It’s vibrant, healthy, and a fantastic complement to tacos or grilled veggies.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cauliflower 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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