Quick dinners are a must on weeknights. Enter these recipes made with instant rice, sure to get supper on the table in a snap.
39 Things to Make with a Box of Instant Rice
Updated on Nov. 14, 2023
Rice-Stuffed Peppers
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
1/39
2/39
Spanish Rice
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
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.
3/39
Bacon Cheeseburger Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I thought the original skillet dish lacked pizzazz, 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.
4/39
Cajun Pork Chops and Rice
Total Time
4 hours 35 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
5/39
Meat Lover’s Pizza Rice Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
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.
6/39
Mom's Paella
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy cooking ethnic foods, especially those that call for lots of rice. Like my mom, I often prepare this dish for special Sunday get-togethers. Traditional paella uses saffron, but turmeric is a budget-friendly alternative. —Ena Quiggle, Goodhue, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 258 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 711mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
7/39
8/39
Quick Chicken & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
9/39
Lemony Chickpeas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
10/39
Pork Spanish Rice
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
11/39
Gumbo in a Jiffy
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a yummy dish. My husband loves the kick that the sausage gives this quick gumbo, and it’s such a cinch to assemble. —Amy Flack, Homer City, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 279 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 1197mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
12/39
Sassy Salsa Meat Loaves
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
2 loaves (6 servings each)
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.
13/39
Foil-Packet Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
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.
14/39
Shrimp Creole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
An authentic Cajun dish, this tastes even better if refrigerated overnight to allow all the flavors to blend.
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 358 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 224mg cholesterol, 440mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
15/39
Zucchini Beef Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
16/39
Turkey Sausage Cabbage Rolls
Total Time
7 hours 50 min
Servings
12 servings
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.
17/39
Slow-Cooked Stuffed Pepper Stew
Total Time
4 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
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.
18/39
Chicken Brunch Bake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
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.
19/39
Lemon Chicken and Rice
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
2 casseroles (4 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I couldn’t say who loves this recipe best, because it gets raves every time I serve it! Occasionally I even get a phone call or email from a friend requesting the recipe, and it's certainly a favorite for my grown children and 15 grandchildren. —Maryalice Wood, Langley, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2 chicken thighs with 3/4 cup rice mixture: 624 calories, 26g fat (6g saturated fat), 173mg cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 53g protein.
20/39
Ham and Rice
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
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.
21/39
Salsa Rice
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5 servings
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.
22/39
Sausage Rice Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
23/39
One-Pot Stuffed Pepper Dinner
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
24/39
Spinach Rice
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
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.
25/39
Vegan Burritos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
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.
26/39
Inside-Out Stuffed Cabbage
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
27/39
Peachy Pork with Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
28/39
Saucy Pork Chop Skillet
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
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
29/39
Gulf Coast Jambalaya Rice
Total Time
3 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
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.
30/39
Balsamic Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves pork chops, so I try to find new ways to use them. He calls this version "restaurant quality!" —Nicole Clayton, Prescott, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3 tablespoons sauce: 715 calories, 41g fat (17g saturated fat), 169mg cholesterol, 557mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 46g protein.
31/39
Dirty Rice with Ground Beef
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
32/39
Sausage, Rice and Broccoli
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
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.
33/39
Skillet Nachos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
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.
34/39
One-Pot Beef & Pepper Stew
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings. (3 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love most things made with green peppers, tomatoes or green chiles. I wanted to prepare a quick and satisfying dish one evening and came up with this recipe with things I had on hand. —Sandra Clark, Sierra Vista, BC
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 244 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 467mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch.
35/39
Mandarin Pork Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
36/39
Southern Pork & Rice
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
37/39
Curry Chicken and Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
38/39
Green Curry Salmon with Green Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
39/39
Brown Rice Turkey Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
5 servings
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.
