17 Comforting Rice Meals and Sweet Treats to Try
Rice isn’t just a side, it can be the star of your meal or even a sweet treat! This roundup brings together easy, versatile recipes from hearty dinners and savory casseroles to fun, festive rice-based desserts. Each recipe is designed to be simple, flavorful, and satisfying, making it perfect for weeknight meals, holiday celebrations, or anytime you want a comforting dish with bold flavors. From classic pilafs to creative sweets, these rice recipes are guaranteed to impress.
Korean Purple Rice Recipe (Easy Rice Cooker Version)
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Nutty black rice is combined with white rice for a striking purple hue. Cooking in a rice cooker makes it effortless. The grains are slightly chewy and aromatic. It’s a simple yet visually appealing side dish.
Get the Recipe: Korean Purple Rice Recipe (Easy Rice Cooker Version)
Stir-Fry Shrimp & Veggies with Rice Noodles
Rice noodles are tossed with shrimp and fresh vegetables in a savory sauce. Garlic, ginger, and soy sauce add depth. The dish is light, flavorful, and quick to make. Each bite has a satisfying texture and fresh taste.
Get the Recipe: Stir-Fry Shrimp & Veggies with Rice Noodles
Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner
Ground beef cooks with rice, vegetables, and seasonings in a single skillet. The flavors meld into a savory, hearty meal. The dish is simple, filling, and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a family-friendly, one-pan dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner
The perfect rice pilaf
Rice is lightly toasted before simmering in broth. Aromatics and herbs add flavor and fragrance. The grains turn fluffy and separate perfectly. It’s a versatile side that pairs with a variety of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: The perfect rice pilaf
Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Tender chicken and nutty wild rice simmer in a creamy broth. Aromatics like onions and herbs enhance the flavor. The soup is rich, hearty, and comforting. It’s perfect for chilly days or cozy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
Italian Rice Salad – Insalata di Riso
Cooked rice is mixed with vegetables, olives, and Italian herbs. Olive oil and vinegar dress the salad lightly. The dish is refreshing, colorful, and flavorful. It works as a side or a light lunch.
Get the Recipe: Italian Rice Salad – Insalata di Riso
Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Bars
Crispy rice cereal is bound together with chocolate and peanut butter. The bars are sweet, crunchy, and indulgent. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for dessert or snacks. The chocolate-peanut butter combination is rich and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Bars
Rice Krispies Christmas trees: Festive and Easy Holiday Treat
Rice Krispies cereal is molded into tree shapes and decorated with candies. Marshmallow holds everything together. The treat is fun, crunchy, and festive. It’s ideal for holiday parties or family activities.
Get the Recipe: Rice Krispies Christmas trees: Festive and Easy Holiday Treat
Gluten Free Vegan Samosas in Rice Paper
Rice paper wraps a spiced vegetable filling for a crisp, tender snack. Baking or pan-frying gives a golden exterior. The samosas are flavorful, light, and plant-based. They’re a creative twist on traditional pastry versions.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Vegan Samosas in Rice Paper
Shanghai-Style Stir Fried Rice Cakes Recipe (Restaurant Style!)
Chewy rice cakes are stir-fried with vegetables and sauces. The dish is savory, slightly sweet, and sticky in texture. Garlic and soy sauce bring bold flavor. It’s a restaurant-style dish that’s simple to recreate at home.
Get the Recipe: Shanghai-Style Stir Fried Rice Cakes Recipe (Restaurant Style!)
Sweet Fermented Rice (Jiu Niang)
Glutinous rice is lightly fermented to create a sweet, slightly tangy dessert. The texture is soft and slightly sticky. It’s subtly sweet with a rich aroma. Often served with fruits or small toppings, it’s a traditional treat.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Fermented Rice (Jiu Niang)
Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Tender chicken is cooked with wild rice and vegetables in a flavorful broth. Aromatics and herbs create depth. The soup is hearty, creamy, and comforting. It’s a satisfying meal in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Santa Hat Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispies treats are shaped into festive Santa hats and decorated with icing or marshmallows. The base is sweet and crunchy. They’re fun to make and perfect for holiday celebrations. The design makes them visually festive.
Get the Recipe: Santa Hat Christmas Rice Krispie Treats
Wild Rice Casserole
Wild rice is baked with vegetables, cheese, or cream for a hearty casserole. The grains remain slightly chewy while the topping is golden. The dish is filling, savory, and comforting. It pairs well with roasted or grilled proteins.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole
Taco Rice Casserole
Rice is layered or cooked with seasoned taco meat, beans, and cheese. The casserole is baked until bubbly. Each bite is flavorful and hearty. It’s a simple, one-dish meal with Tex-Mex flair.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Casserole
Spam Fried Rice with Crispy Spam and Fluffy Rice
Crispy cubes of Spam are stir-fried with fluffy rice and vegetables. Soy sauce and seasonings add savory depth. The dish is quick, satisfying, and slightly salty. It’s a fun, nostalgic twist on fried rice.
Get the Recipe: Spam Fried Rice with Crispy Spam and Fluffy Rice
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispies are combined with pumpkin puree and spices for a seasonal twist. Marshmallows or chocolate can enhance sweetness. The treats are soft, chewy, and aromatic. They’re perfect for autumn or Halloween celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
