If you’re a bit tired of pasta but still want a filling dish, turn to these rice-based dinners instead. From quick stir-fries to rich, hearty bowls, these recipes prove that rice can handle main course status with no problem. Easy to prep and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for when you want to mix up your weeknight routine.
Spicy Beef and Red Pepper Rice Bowl
Spicy beef and red pepper rice bowl keeps it easy and exciting with dried chilis and a runny egg on top. Perfect for nights when you want a little heat without a lot of hassle.
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Tofu Fried Rice
Tofu fried rice brings a takeout favorite to your table, with tofu and rice that’s easily customized with whatever veggies you’ve got on hand. A great choice for a meatless meal that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
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Greek Brown Rice Bowls
Greek brown rice bowls load up all the gyro essentials—lamb, pickled onions, cucumbers, and feta. A great rice-based dinner that brings Greek flavors home.
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Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Creamy mushroom risotto with peas is rich without any dairy. Packed with flavor, this rice-based dish delivers comfort and a great depth of taste without going heavy on ingredients.
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Farro Risotto
Farro risotto with white beans and chicken broth makes a heartier, more flavorful take on classic risotto. Perfect for when you want a rice-adjacent meal that feels complete and comforting.
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Bulgogi Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl)
Bulgogi bibimbap keeps it interesting with marinated beef, crisp veggies, and a spicy-sweet kick—all over rice. Perfect for breaking the pasta routine, this one brings Korean flavor to the table without complicating dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Bulgogi Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl)
Spam Fried Rice
Spam fried rice combines the boldness of Spam with seasoned rice, stir-fried to a golden finish. Done in just 15 minutes, this quick-fix meal is great for those nights when you’re short on time but want something hearty.
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Bacon Fried Rice
Bacon fried rice mixes the punch of bacon with the ease of fried rice, using simple ingredients you probably already have. This dish is the perfect solution for when you’re looking for a rice-based meal with familiar flavors.
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Vietnamese Chicken Rice
Vietnamese chicken rice, or Cơm Gà Hội An, serves up shredded chicken tossed with coriander and lime, all over turmeric-infused rice cooked in chicken stock. This dish keeps things fresh and interesting, making it a great go-to when pasta feels overdone.
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Vegetarian Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Vegetarian nasi goreng, an Indonesian favorite, tops fried rice with a sunny-side-up egg and fresh veggies. Traditionally a breakfast, this one also makes a great pick for a quick lunch or dinner, giving you that rice fix with minimal prep.
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Chicken Broccoli Rice
This chicken broccoli rice skillet is a one-pan wonder, ready in under 45 minutes. Perfect for a fast and easy weeknight dinner, it’s loaded with wholesome ingredients and saves you from doing tons of dishes.
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Palak Rice (Instant Pot Spinach Pulao)
Palak rice, or spinach pulao, brings mild and familiar flavors together in a single pot. It’s a great lunchbox option for both kids and adults, made easily on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot.
Get the Recipe: Palak Rice (Instant Pot Spinach Pulao)
Mexican Beef Rice Skillet
This Mexican beef rice skillet is a one-pan meal that comes together quickly. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a hearty choice that’s big on flavor without demanding extra time.
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Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice
Shrimp and chicken fried rice is your answer to weeknight dinner boredom. This protein-packed meal is ready in about 30 minutes, delivering those takeout vibes without the wait.
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Hawaiian Loco Moco with Brown Gravy
Hawaiian loco moco brings together a burger patty over rice, smothered in brown gravy, topped with a fried egg. It’s comfort food at its finest and way easier than it sounds—perfect for when you want something filling and low-maintenance.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Loco Moco with Brown Gravy
Shiitake Mushroom Sushi Roll
This shiitake mushroom sushi roll is a simple, plant-based take on sushi, with hearty mushrooms, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumber. A great choice for a lighter dinner that still feels satisfying.
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Eggplant Teriyaki Rice Bowl
Eggplant teriyaki rice bowl is sticky, saucy, and packed with flavor. Add your go-to veggies, serve it over rice, and you’ve got a perfect bowl for any rice craving.
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Arroz con Pollo
Arroz con pollo combines juicy chicken and fluffy rice with Latin spices, all in one pot. Perfect for weeknights, this dish keeps you away from the sink with minimal cleanup while giving you a complete, flavorful meal.
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Singaporean Rice
Singaporean rice is a fusion dish with rice, noodles, and chicken in a spicy sauce. Great for a casual dinner that feels a bit adventurous without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Singaporean Rice
Creamy Mushroom Rice with Porcini
Creamy mushroom rice is ready in 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with a fresh side salad. Packed with the depth of mushrooms, it’s a great, no-fuss choice when you’re ready to skip pasta.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Rice with Porcini
Risotto Marinara
Risotto marinara brings creamy tomato rice together with shrimp and scallops. While it takes some stirring, the end result is worth it—a great recipe for when you want a rice-based dinner with an Italian twist.
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Asian Black Rice Salad
This Asian black rice salad is packed with colorful veggies, juicy orange slices, and a ginger-orange dressing. A great, meal-prep-friendly side or main dish, it’s perfect when you want to shake things up with a rice-based salad.
Get the Recipe: Asian Black Rice Salad
Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Chicken wild rice soup is loaded with tender chicken, mushrooms, and hearty veggies. It’s the perfect go-to for a comforting, filling meal that keeps rice in the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Copycat Panera Bread Baja Bowl with Chicken
This homemade Baja bowl packs in brown rice, black beans, sweet corn, and creamy avocado. Topped with feta and a drizzle of Greek yogurt and salsa verde, it’s great for any weeknight you’re after a balanced meal that doesn’t take forever.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panera Bread Baja Bowl with Chicken
PF Chang’s Chicken Fried Rice
This homemade PF Chang’s chicken fried rice captures that restaurant feel with fragrant rice, tender chicken, and veggies. A crowd-pleaser that’s quick to whip up, it’s perfect for family dinners at home.
Get the Recipe: PF Chang’s Chicken Fried Rice
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
