Whole Meal Rice Dishes

Whole meal rice dishes are incredibly versatile and filling meals that your whole family will love. These dishes combine rice with a variety of ingredients, making them nutritious and satisfying. From fried rice to casseroles, these recipes are perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal for a gathering, whole meal rice dishes have you covered.

Why Make This Recipe

Making whole meal rice dishes is a great idea because they are easy to prepare and can feed a crowd. They allow you to use up leftovers and customize the ingredients to your tastes. Plus, they can be made in one pot or pan, which means less clean-up for you. These dishes are also packed with flavor and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults!

How to Make Whole Meal Rice Dishes

Ingredients:

3 cups rice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 large yellow onion
2 cloves garlic
1 cup peas and carrots
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce
green onions
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 white onion
4 cloves garlic
1 pound ground beef
15 ounces corn kernels
15 ounces black beans
1 envelope taco seasoning
14 ounces chunky salsa
1 cup minute rice
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup diced smoked uncured ham steak
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
3 cups cooked and cooled jasmine rice
1 package dry onion soup mix
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 1/4 cups milk
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup water
2 cups minute rice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
parsley
cracked black pepper for garnish

Directions:

For Better Than Takeout Fried Rice:
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Stir in peas and carrots, then add cooked rice, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
- Push rice to one side of the pan, scramble eggs on the other side, then mix everything together.
- Garnish with green onions.
For Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil, and sauté onion and garlic.
- Add ground beef, cooking until browned.
- Stir in corn, black beans, taco seasoning, salsa, minute rice, and chicken broth.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
For Ham Fried Rice:
- In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat.
- Add ham, onion, and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in peas and carrots, then add the jasmine rice, beaten eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Mix well and garnish with green onions.
For Chicken and Rice Casserole:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix chicken, onion soup mix, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, water, minute rice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour into a baking dish and bake for 1 hour.
- Garnish with parsley and cracked black pepper.

How to Serve Whole Meal Rice Dishes

Serve your whole meal rice dishes hot, right out of the oven or skillet. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Pair them with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Whole Meal Rice Dishes

To store leftover rice dishes, let them cool completely. Place them in airtight containers and refrigerate. They can usually keep for 3-4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.

Tips to Make Whole Meal Rice Dishes

Use leftover cooked rice for a quicker meal.
Cut your vegetables into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
Experiment with different proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for variety.
Don’t overcook the rice—al dente is best for texture.

Variation

Try using different sauces or spices to change the flavor. For example, adding curry powder to the fried rice makes an exotic twist, while trying a white sauce in the casserole can give it a creamy touch.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid.
What can I add to make these dishes healthier?
Add more vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for extra nutrients.
Can I make these dishes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day before and reheat them when you’re ready to serve.

Whole meal rice dishes are the perfect solution for a busy day. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can serve a delightful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!