Rice is a staple food across many cultures, from Africa to Asia and Latin America. Not only is it inexpensive and versatile; but its many applications make it suitable for nearly every meal you prepare.
Be it something savory like risotto or something lighter, these budget-friendly rice recipes will surely please all members of the family.
Cheesy Rice
Cheesy rice is an easy and delicious side dish that pairs well with just about any meal. Plus, its minimal ingredient requirements make it one of our go-to budget recipes! Check out one of our best cheap recipes below.
Your taste may dictate whether or not this dish serves as an appetizer, side dish or main course; add meat or fish for extra protein or make it vegetarian-friendly by replacing chicken broth with vegetable stock instead.
This delicious cheesey broccoli rice casserole is an easy and quick meal perfect for busy families or individuals on-the-go! Packed full of tender broccoli florets and delicious sharp cheddar cheese, all it requires are just a few ingredients!
Make this delicious cheese-y rice dish vegan by substituting butter and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives, or by replacing cheddar with mozzarella or blue cheese – another form of delicious cheese might even work!
Start this cheesy broccoli rice recipe by sauteeing onions in olive oil until soft, before stirring in the rice and other ingredients until everything is evenly combined. Once your dish is finished cooking, stir in cheese until it melts completely into your meal!
Once your cheese has melted, remove from heat and allow it to sit for several minutes so it can fully incorporate with the dish. Avoid getting it too browned as that could compromise its flavor!
If you want a richer taste, opt for long-grain rice as it produces fluffier results without as many clumps.
Yellow onions are recommended in this dish because their sweetness pairs better with cheese. You could also try adding green bell peppers for additional color; however, you may notice your rice becomes slightly bitter from doing so.
Once your rice has cooked, mix in garlic and cheese before stirring in chicken broth with crushed red pepper flakes for additional flavor. Serve immediately!
Cream of Anything Rice
Cream of Anything Rice is an easy, quick, and inexpensive dish you can whip up in 15 minutes! It’s basically instant rice but with extra flavor thanks to condensed cream of mushroom soup – ideal when time is scarce but creamy rice needs satisfying! This recipe also works great as an “on the fly” meal when craving creamy comfort food!
At holiday parties or potlucks, this delicious recipe makes an ideal dish to bring along. Plus, its interactive preparation process gets everyone involved in cooking up something yummy!
Make this quick and simple rice dish in just 15 minutes using ingredients found in your pantry! Create this tasty recipe using cream of mushroom soup, chicken soup or any other canned soup available to you.
Add crushed pineapple for extra flavor – perfect for quick dinner or breakfast! Plus, saving money while enjoying an equally delectable meal!
Make this effortless rice dish easily by simply combining all of the ingredients in a saucepan and simmering them, letting the milk absorb all of its flavors! In no time at all you will have smooth and creamy textures!
Rice can be served both warm or cold. You can customize its flavour by topping it off with fruits, nut butters or syrups.
Healthy options exist for those who are vegan, dairy free and gluten free. You could use low-fat milk or soy milk in place of the traditional whole milk to create this dish.
Rice is one of our favorite ways to spend a quick Sunday morning! All it takes to make this delicious treat is mixing all of the ingredients in a saucepan, stirring until evenly distributed and heating over medium-low heat.
Once finished, remove from heat and allow to sit for several minutes before serving with cinnamon, cocoa powder or fresh fruit as toppings.
There is an abundance of fantastic rice recipes available for you to try when planning your next meal, all quick and simple – many even budget friendly!
Rice Fritters
Making these delicious rice fritters is one of the easiest and quickest ways to use up leftover grains, providing a filling lunch or snack that will keep you satisfied until dinnertime.
Trisha Yearwood created this delicious recipe of her husband Garth Brooks’ favourite leftover rice dish inspired by Trisha’s husband Garth Brooks’ passion for them, using only minimal ingredients and effort for perfect results.
This recipe is ideal for using up any leftover rice; but can also be made using any kind of cooked grain, from basmati and jasmine varieties through to sushi rice. Add grated cheese, herbs and spices for additional flavour.
To create these delicious bites, combine one cup of cooked, uncooled rice with an egg, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg until well mixed; then stir in some flour for extra binding power.
For an extra sweet version, swap some of the sugar out with honey or golden syrup and roll your fritters in icing sugar before serving with custard, pap, oats or any other sweet fillings.
These quick and easy lunchbox dishes for the whole family are packed with nutritious vegetables, gluten-free, freezer friendly and ready in under 20 minutes! Perfect for busy parents!
Eat them alone or pair them with a delicious combination of sour cream and sweet chilli sauce dipping mixture! Pack a lunchbox complete with tomatoes, spinach and rocket leaves as well as this dip for an easy meal on the go!
Make this delicious alternative a satisfying lunch with salad and protein and chips or simply as an exciting side. Kids are sure to love them!
At your supermarket, it is easy to find recipes for fried rice patties – an easy and delicious way to use up leftover grains or garden onions – that contain only 149 calories, 8 grams of fat and 16 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Coconut Milk Mango Rice
Coconut Milk Mango Rice is an indulgent dessert that combines the sweet tastes of mango with creamy coconut milk and just a touch of sweetness from sugar. With only three pantry ingredients required to create it, this delectable treat makes a delightful accompaniment for vegan Pad Thai, slow cooker Thai red curry or even Thai pizza!
An easy and nutritious dish to create for your family. Just ensure you use high-quality coconut cream and fresh mangoes; though you’ll likely be able to find these items in most grocery stores. This recipe uses fresh mangoes for optimal flavor and texture!
Once rinsed and drained, soak your rice overnight in cold water to increase flavor while helping it avoid becoming sticky during cooking. Furthermore, it may help to steam the grains before mixing them with your sauce of choice.
Step two involves combining coconut milk, sugar and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat and simmering it until the sugar has completely disintegrated – this should take approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Do not let it boil as doing so could curdle the coconut milk.
Once the sauce has reached a thick consistency, combine with cooked rice and simmer until tender and absorbing most of the coconut milk, about 15 minutes. Fold diced mango into the mixture before serving in individual bowls garnished with fresh mint sprigs.
Make this delicious dessert ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, but be sure to taste test it prior to refrigerating or reheating in the microwave before serving.
Add an extra savory flair by serving this dish with fried mung beans or crispy mung bean noodles – both can be found at most Asian grocery stores.
Make this dish vegan-friendly by substituting almond or soy milk for coconut milk and switching out sugar for natural sweeteners like maple syrup or raw cane sugar. Add some vanilla extract for additional flavor enhancement and to enhance both sauce and rice pudding!