These instant rice recipes use the pantry staple to make fast, flavorful dinners that'll become your weeknight heroes.
When you need to make dinner happen fast, finding ways to shave off even five minutes can make all the difference. These instant rice recipes are made for exactly this kind of night, or any time you need a comforting meal with minimal effort. With a mild flavor and fluffy texture, instant rice makes a neutral base for everything from a garlic-laced stir-fry to a meaty cheeseburger skillet.
These easy rice-based dishes use instant white, brown and multigrain rice for different tastes and dietary needs. You’ll find skillet meals like rice and sausage with broccoli, soups thickened with rice until stew-like and a foil-packet jambalaya that brings all the spice with none of the cleanup. Instant rice works great in classics like stuffed peppers and cabbage rolls, where you cut the prep time but not the flavor, and easy one-pot meals for extra busy days.
Most of these recipes are hearty enough to be the main course, but you can always add a quick side dish to complete the meal. For the best texture, keep an eye on the rice as it cooks because it can go from tender to overcooked very quickly. Grab a box of instant rice and set the timer because you are about to get dinner on the table in record time.
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Stuffed Peppers with Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
Mother used to fix this wonderful, easy dish when we had company. She was from a family of fantastic Cajun cooks, so our food was always well-seasoned. In Louisiana, rice is part of many meals. The cheese sauce sets these stuffed peppers apart from any others I've tried. —Lisa Easley, Longview, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 662 calories, 33g fat (17g saturated fat), 139mg cholesterol, 1964mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 40g protein.
2/32
Spanish Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll find my easy Spanish rice is better than any found in grocery stores. Best of all, it can be prepared in the same amount of time as those so-called “quick and easy” boxes. —Anne Yaeger, Washington DC, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 217 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 886mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
3/32
Cheeseburger Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I thought the original skillet dish lacked pizazz, so we created this tastier version. I've had teenage nieces and nephews request the recipe after their first bite. —Joyce Whipps, West Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 579 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 995mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
4/32
Cajun Pork Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe after returning home from my travels and discovering I had little food in the house. I used ingredients that were already available in the refrigerator and pantry. —Allison Gapinski, Cary, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups pork mixture with 1/4 cup pepper strips: 423 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 573mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
5/32
Meat Lover’s Pizza Rice Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
My son named this “pizza rice” after I threw together a quick dinner from what I had in the fridge and pantry. Add any other pizza topping ingredients you desire. I often add black olive slices or mushrooms. Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 390 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 906mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein.
6/32
Quick Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
From the Recipe Creator:
This Asian chicken and broccoli stir-fry is a household best bet. The spicy sauce works with chicken, seafood, pork or beef. Add whatever veggies you have on hand. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chicken mixture with 1/2 cup rice: 387 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 765mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
7/32
Lemony Chickpeas
From the Recipe Creator:
These saucy chickpeas add just a little heat to meatless Mondays. They're especially good over hot, fluffy brown rice. —April Strevell, Red Bank, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup chickpea mixture with 1 cup rice: 433 calories, 9g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 679mg sodium, 76g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 12g fiber), 13g protein.
8/32
Pork and Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
My family wasn't fond of pork roast until I used it in this yummy casserole. —Betty Unrau, MacGregor, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 304 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 756mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
9/32
Sassy Salsa Meat Loaves
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a twist on classic meat loaf. You can make these loaves ahead, and they’ll last for a few days. Make meat loaf sandwiches with the leftovers, buns and a little Monterey Jack cheese. —Tasha Tully, Owings Mills, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 237 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
10/32
Foil-Packet Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty, satisfying dinner has all the flavors of an authentic jambalaya with little effort. The foil packets can be prepared a day ahead and cooked right before serving. These are also good on the grill! —Allison Stroud, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 287 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 1068mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
11/32
Zucchini Beef Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a speedy summer recipe that uses up those abundant garden goodies: Zucchini, tomatoes and green peppers. —Becky Calder, Kingston, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 470 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 749mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
12/32
Turkey Sausage Cabbage Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
I practically grew up in my Polish grandmother's kitchen, watching Babci cook and listening to her stories. I made her cabbage roll recipe healthier with whole grains and turkey, but kept the same rich flavors I remember. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cabbage roll with 3 tablespoons sauce: 202 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
13/32
Slow-Cooked Stuffed Pepper Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my go-to pepper stew. When my garden yields green peppers, I dice and freeze them for those cold, blustery days to come.—Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 327 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 1637mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein.
14/32
Chicken Brunch Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
Chunks of tender chicken add heartiness to this appealing brunch casserole. This was my son's favorite hot lunch meal from high school. —DeLee Jochum, Dubuque, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 233 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
15/32
Ham and Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
Ham, rice and mushrooms make a tasty combination in this homey stovetop dish. It goes from start to finish in just 25 minutes. —Susan Zivec, Regina, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 322 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 1168mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
16/32
Salsa Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
It's a snap to change the spice level in this popular rice side dish by choosing a milder or hotter salsa. It's a delicious way to round out burritos or tacos when the clock is ticking. —Molly Ingle, Canton, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 232 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 506mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat.
17/32
Sausage Rice Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
Flavorful pork sausage, fresh zucchini and instant rice make this stovetop sensation a favorite. Everyone I have shared this recipe with tells me how delicious it is. —Connie Putnam, Clayton, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 381 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 1153mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
18/32
One-Pot Stuffed Pepper Dinner
From the Recipe Creator:
Thick like chili and with plenty of stuffed pepper flavor, this dish will
warm you up on chilly days. —Charlotte Smith, McDonald, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 415 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 790mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
19/32
Spinach Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this Greek-style rice dish alongside steaks with mushrooms. It makes an elegant side that can be doubled for guests. —Jeanette Cakouros, Brunswick, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 235 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
20/32
Vegan Burritos
From the Recipe Creator:
These hearty and zippy burritos can be whipped up in a jiffy. —Kimberly Hardison, Maitland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 345 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 10g protein.
21/32
Inside-Out Stuffed Cabbage
From the Recipe Creator:
Preparing stuffed cabbage rolls can be time-consuming, but this version with butternut squash has the classic flavors —and it’s table ready in just 30 minutes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 382 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein.
22/32
Peachy Pork with Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
Peach preserves sweeten the spicy salsa in this delicious dish that’s nice enough for company. Adjust the heat level to taste by using mild or spicy salsa and seasoning. —Melissa Molaison, Hawkinsville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup pork mixture with 1/2 cup rice: 387 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
23/32
Saucy Pork Chop Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
Skillet pork chops make easy comfort food. We have them with a salad and fruit. If you've got fresh green beans or steamed broccoli, go for it. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 2/3 cup cooked rice and 1/3 cup sauce: 436 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 382mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
24/32
Gulf Coast Jambalaya Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
As the stew of the South, jambalaya is a definite staple. For ages, home cooks have been making their own tweaks on the traditional recipe. This rendition is my favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 395 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 861mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
25/32
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
From the Recipe Creator:
Dirty rice from a restaurant or box can end up having a surprisingly high amount of sodium and fat. This fast recipe is a hearty, healthy way to trim it down. —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 291 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
26/32
Sausage, Rice and Broccoli
From the Recipe Creator:
The first recipe my kids requested when they left home was broccoli with sausage and rice. If fresh zucchini or summer squash is available, add it to the mix. —JoAnn Parmentier, Branch, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without sour cream and hot sauce): 276 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 853mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
27/32
Skillet Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most. My whole family is on board. For toppings, think sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeno and red onion. —Judy Hughes, Waverly, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 676 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1293mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
28/32
Mandarin Pork Stir-Fry
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband and I were dating, he told me he liked Asian food. I got a wok and discovered the joy of dishes like this pork stir-fry. —Laurie Martignon, Niagara, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 473 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
29/32
Southern Pork & Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house, we're big on healthy eating. These ultra tender chops with colorful rice and black-eyed peas are a meal fancy enough for a dinner party. —Annie Holmes, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1-1/4 cups rice mixture: 484 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 764mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 42g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 3 starch, 1/2 fat.
30/32
Curry Chicken and Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been loving the subtle spice from curry lately, so I incorporated it into this saucy chicken and rice dish. It's a one-pan meal that's become a go-to dinnertime favorite. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 300 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
31/32
Green Curry Salmon with Green Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
Like a lot of people here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, my boyfriend, Michael, loves to fish. When we have an abundance of fresh salmon on hand, this is one way we cook it. —Amy Paul Maynard, Albany, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 366 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 340mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
32/32
Brown Rice Turkey Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I don’t recall where I got this recipe, but it’s my all-time favorite turkey soup. Everyone who has tried it agrees. The sweet red pepper is what gives the soup its distinctive flavor. —Bobby Langley, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 264 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
Instant Rice Recipes FAQ
How do I add more flavor to easy, rice-based dishes?
You can add more flavor to rice-based dishes by cooking instant rice in broth or adding bouillon or miso paste to the rice cooking water for a stronger, savory taste. Before serving, add a handful of chopped herbs, a squeeze of fresh citrus or a few shakes of hot sauce to brighten the dish. To add crunch, garnish with toasted nuts, crispy fried onions or bread crumbs toasted in butter.
How does instant rice differ from regular rice?
Instant rice is regular rice that has been partially or fully cooked and then dehydrated. It saves on cooking and prep time because there is no need to wash or soak the rice, and the fact that it’s precooked means it will be fully tender in a few minutes. This is especially helpful with brown rice, which can take close to an hour to become tender. Instant rice has a softer texture and less starch than dry rice, so it’s not ideal for recipes like risotto or sushi, which need the starch to create the creamy or sticky textures.
Can I use instant rice in casseroles?
Yes, instant rice works well in easy casserole recipes, especially ones with a creamy or saucy base that the grains can soak up as they rehydrate. Do not precook the rice; just stir it into the wet ingredients and bake so it does not overcook and become mushy.
