6 Ways To Enjoy Rice - The Best Family Recipes!

6 Ways To Enjoy Rice - The Best Family Recipes!

Let's be honest, rice is that one ingredient we all have in our pantry, but we get bored of making it the same way. If you're tired of plain white rice, I've got you covered.

Today I'm sharing 6 of my most-loved, family-approved rice recipes. They are easy, budget-friendly, and use simple ingredients. From creamy to spicy to takeout-style, there's something for everyone. Let's get cooking!

1. French Onion Rice

This one is comfort in a bowl. It's creamy, cheesy, and has those sweet caramelized onions on top. It tastes like French onion soup meets rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long grain rice
• 10.5 oz French onion soup
• 1 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup salted butter
• 1 tsp fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350F.
2. In a baking dish, mix uncooked rice, French onion soup, and beef broth.
3. Cut butter into small pieces and place on top.
4. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Remove foil, stir, and bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes until rice is tender.
6. Top with fresh parsley and serve hot.

2. Souper Rice

If you have a can of cream of chicken soup, you can make this. It's so creamy and cheesy, it feels like risotto but without all the work.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups instant white rice
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, bring chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, bouillon, and pepper to a simmer.
2. Stir in the instant rice. Cover and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
3. Fluff with a fork, then stir in parmesan cheese until melty.
4. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

3. Spanish Rice

This is the classic restaurant-style red rice. Perfect side for tacos, grilled chicken, or just on its own.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 bell pepper
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 14.5 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:

1. Heat butter and oil in a large skillet. Add rice and toast for 3-4 minutes.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Saute for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and all spices.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is cooked.
5. Let it rest 5 minutes, then fluff.

4. Better Than Takeout Fried Rice

Why order takeout when you can make better at home in 15 minutes? The secret is using cold, day-old jasmine rice.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/4 large Vidalia onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• Green onions
• Cilantro

Instructions:

1. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan on high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Add peas and carrots, cook 2 minutes.
4. Push veggies to one side, crack eggs in and scramble.
5. Add cold rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Toss on high heat for 3-4 minutes.
6. Top with green onions.

5. Dirty Rice

Don't let the name fool you, this is SO delicious. It's savory, a little spicy, and packed with meat and veggies. A complete meal in one pan.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb ground pork sausage
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 cup yellow onion
• 1 cup green bell pepper
• 1 cup celery
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 sprigs thyme
• Parsley

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown sausage and ground beef until no longer pink.
2. Add garlic, onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in rice and Creole seasoning, toast for 1 minute.
4. Pour in beef broth and add thyme. Bring to a boil.
5. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
6. Remove thyme, fluff, and sprinkle fresh parsley.

6. Homemade Chicken Fried Rice

My family's absolute favorite. It's loaded with juicy chicken, eggs, and veggies. Kids love it.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups jasmine rice
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 lb chicken breast
• 1/4 cup white onion
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet, cook chicken until golden. Remove.
2. In same pan, add remaining oil, saute onion and garlic.
3. Add peas and carrots, cook 2 minutes.
4. Scramble eggs on the side of the pan.
5. Add rice, cooked chicken, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry on high heat for 4-5 minutes.
6. Serve hot.

Final Tip: All these rice dishes store great in the fridge for 3-4 days. Perfect for meal prep!