Rice might be humble, but these recipes take it to the next level. Packed with big flavors, bold spices, and plenty of creativity, they turn a budget-friendly staple into meals that feel like a treat. From quick sides to hearty mains, these dishes prove cheap can be epic.

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

Steak Fried Rice

A bowl of beef fried rice with peas, carrots, green onions, and blue chopsticks placed on the rim—one of those epic rice recipes perfect for fans of easy, cheap meals.
Steak Fried Rice. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Tender pieces of steak folded into garlicky fried rice make this dish a satisfying one-pan dinner. It’s fast, filling, and built for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Steak Fried Rice

Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

A wooden spoon lifting a serving of italian ground beef skillet garnished with parsley from a cast-iron skillet.
Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This is an easy Italian ground beef skillet meal you can throw together in 30 minutes or less. Just cook the beef in a creamy tomato sauce, mix in cauliflower rice and top the whole skillet with mozzarella cheese and parsley!
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice (Easy Homemade Recipe)

A halved pineapple filled with fried rice, chicken, peas, bell peppers, pineapple chunks, and green onions makes one of the most vibrant budget meals among rice dishes—served on a white plate.
Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice (Easy Homemade Recipe). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This mouthwatering recipe combines the sweetness of fresh pineapple with the savory goodness of chicken and perfectly cooked rice grains. With a tropical twist and a burst of flavors, this rice dish will surely become your family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice (Easy Homemade Recipe)

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

Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

A bowl of scrambled eggs garnished with chopped green onions and parsley sits on a patterned cloth—perfect alongside rice dishes for tasty, budget meals. Fresh herbs and a small bowl of sliced green onions are placed nearby.
Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole Recipe has just five ingredients. And you can make it with rice, chicken and cheese you have leftover from other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

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.

This one pot Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole recipe is a quick, delicious dinner you can whip up in one pan. Plus, it is guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters. It’s amazing how a cheesy dish can do that.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cheesy Sausage and Rice Casserole

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.

Basil fried rice is a delightful twist on the classic Thai-inspired dish that combines fragrant basil with the natural sweetness of tomatoes. This vegetarian version is loaded with juicy tomato chunks that add flavor and vibrant color.
Get the Recipe: Basil Fried Rice: Delicious Thai-Inspired Recipe

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.

This spinach mushroom rice recipe is easy to prepare, bursting with flavors, and offers a nutritious twist to regular rice dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spinach Mushroom Rice Recipe (Vegan Friendly)

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.

Shrimp mei fun, also known as shrimp rice noodles, is a mouthwatering and widely beloved Chinese noodle dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Mei Fun Recipe (Stir Fry Rice Noodles)

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

A blue bowl filled with street corn chicken rice bowl, featuring grilled chicken, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and black beans.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Grilled chicken, seasoned rice, and charred corn all get packed into a bowl that delivers bold flavor in every bite. It’s quick to throw together but feels like something special.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

A plate of breaded and fried chicken cutlet topped with brown gravy sits on a bed of white rice. The dish is garnished with chopped fresh herbs and accompanied by a sprig of parsley. A striped yellow and white napkin is placed beside the plate on a wooden table.
Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

There’s nothing more comforting than golden-fried breaded cutlets topped with rich, savory pan gravy. Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy delivers cozy, down-home flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken with Herbed Carolina Gold Rice & Scratch Pan Gravy

Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup

A bowl of creamy chicken and rice soup with shredded chicken, sliced carrots, celery, and herbs, served on a white plate.
Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Turn leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken into a cozy, creamy soup with carrots, celery, and a touch of wild rice cooked low and slow in your crockpot. It’s an easy way to stretch your leftovers into something fresh and satisfying without extra effort. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want comfort food that feels homemade but doesn’t require standing over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey and Rice Soup

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice is a ground beef skillet recipe that can be made in only 30 minutes. It is made in just one pan, is easy to make, and features ingredients like ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, cauliflower rice, and mushrooms.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Chicken Fried Rice

A white bowl filled with chicken fried rice featuring peas, carrots, and chunks of chicken, with a wooden spoon inserted.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Make delicious homemade chicken fried rice in just 30 minutes. Quick, easy and satisfying, this is a tasty dish that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Chicken 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.

This tofu fried rice recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile and packed with healthy ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tofu Fried Rice Recipe: For Busy Weeknights

Copycat Trader Joe’s Arancini Rice Balls

A person pulling apart a gooey, cheese-filled arancini with more of the fried rice balls and sauce in the background.
Copycat Trader Joe’s Arancini Rice Balls. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Arancini are cheese-filled fried risotto balls. They make great appetizers or as a hearty side for a meat or poultry dish.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Trader Joe’s Arancini Rice Balls

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Chicken, sausage, and rice in instant pot with wooden spoon.
Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice is a delicious one pot Cajun meal that’s ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Chicken 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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