Are you tired of the same old weeknight meals? Look no further! Oven rice dishes are a staple for a reason – they’re easy, delicious, and can be customized to suit any taste. In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouth-watering oven rice recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. From comforting classics like cheesy broccoli and rice casserole to international-inspired flavors like Thai basil chicken and rice bake, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick and easy dinner option or a foodie seeking new inspiration, these recipes are sure to please. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can have a hot, satisfying meal on the table in no time. So go ahead, get creative, and let the aroma of freshly baked rice guide you into a world of culinary delight!
Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this easy-to-make casserole, packed with nutritious broccoli, creamy cheese, and flavorful rice.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, broccoli, and shredded cheese.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add milk and stir until smooth. Pour the mixture over the rice mixture and mix well.
4. Transfer the casserole to a 9×13 inch baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spanish Chicken and Rice Bake
Savor the flavors of Spain with this hearty chicken and rice casserole. A perfect one-dish meal that combines juicy chicken, savory spices, and fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 3 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. In a separate pot, bring broth to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
6. Combine cooked chicken mixture with cooked rice. Transfer to a baking dish and top with cheese (if using).
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice
This classic seafood dish is a staple of any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a romantic evening in. With succulent shrimp cooked to perfection in garlic butter, served over fluffy rice, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Serve the shrimp on top of the cooked rice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetable Medley Baked Rice
A flavorful and healthy twist on traditional baked rice, this recipe combines a medley of colorful vegetables with savory seasonings and a hint of herbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (e.g. peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
4. Add bell peppers, zucchini, and mixed vegetables. Cook until tender (5-7 minutes). Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Fluff cooked rice with a fork. Add vegetable mixture to the rice and stir to combine.
6. Transfer to a baking dish and top with grated cheddar cheese (if using).
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole
This hearty casserole is a staple of Mexican cuisine, combining tender beef, flavorful rice, and spices for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add rice, water, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, and cumin to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
5. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Brighten up your dinner table with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the zesty taste of lemon, the freshness of herbs, and the comfort of chicken and rice. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Add garlic, lemon juice, rosemary, and thyme to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the lemon mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until rice is lightly toasted.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the rice mixture.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Peppers with Rice
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the savory flavors of spinach, feta cheese, and rice with the sweetness of bell peppers. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon paprika for added smokiness
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together cooked rice, spinach, feta cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
4. Stuff each pepper with the rice mixture, filling to the top.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
7. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Creamy Mushroom and Wild Rice Bake
This hearty, comforting dish combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the nutty taste of wild rice, all wrapped up in a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked wild rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook wild rice according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, sauté onion and mushrooms in butter until tender.
4. Add flour to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add heavy cream, whisking constantly.
6. Combine cooked wild rice with mushroom mixture; season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
7. Transfer to a baking dish and top with grated cheddar cheese (if using).
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Teriyaki Salmon with Coconut Rice
Experience the harmony of sweet and savory flavors with this delightful combination of Teriyaki salmon and coconut rice.
Ingredients:
For the Teriyaki Salmon:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Coconut Rice:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic.
3. Place salmon fillets in a shallow baking dish and brush the teriyaki mixture evenly over both sides of the fish.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, cook rice according to package instructions.
6. In a separate pan, combine coconut milk, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced slightly, stirring occasionally.
7. Fluff cooked rice with a fork and stir in shredded coconut (if using).
8. Serve Teriyaki salmon over Coconut Rice.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Jambalaya-Style Oven Rice
Experience the flavors of Louisiana with this easy-to-make Jambalaya-Style Oven Rice, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine rice, chicken broth, olive oil, onion, garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until the rice is evenly coated.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
5. Remove the foil and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with chopped scallions (if using) and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Greek Lemon Rice with Olives and Feta
A bright and refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or as a base for a hearty salad.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 3 cups water
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Salt to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the sliced olives and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re lightly browned (about 5 minutes).
6. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Stir in the lemon juice, salt to taste, and the cooked olives.
7. Transfer the rice mixture to a serving dish. Top with crumbled feta cheese and garnish with parsley leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
BBQ Pulled Pork and Rice Casserole
This casserole is a perfect blend of tender pulled pork, creamy BBQ sauce, and fluffy rice. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook rice according to package instructions using chicken broth instead of water.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Add pork shoulder to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
5. Transfer the pork to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with cooked rice, BBQ sauce, and any desired garnishes.
6. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
7. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or until pork is tender.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Mediterranean Stuffed Tomatoes with Rice
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed tomatoes, this recipe combines the sweetness of fresh tomatoes with the savory goodness of Mediterranean-inspired rice and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tomatoes, cored and halved
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cooked rice with chopped parsley, crumbled feta, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each tomato half with the rice mixture, dividing it evenly among the four tomatoes.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is heated through and the tomatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pineapple Fried Rice Bake
Pineapple Fried Rice Bake: A sweet and savory twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines the flavors of pineapple, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs with a crispy baked topping.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup mixed veggies (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/2 cup diced pineapple
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the mixed veggies according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high. Add garlic, then mix in cooked rice, pineapple, and soy sauce. Stir-fry until combined.
4. Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in eggs and scramble until cooked through.
5. Combine the rice mixture with the eggs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with additional mixed veggies, if desired.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Bacon and Cheddar Rice Casserole
This classic casserole is a staple of comfort food, with the savory flavors of crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese perfectly balanced with creamy rice. It’s an easy and satisfying meal for any day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
3. Add the cooked rice, shredded cheese, milk, and butter to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Moroccan Spiced Rice with Chickpeas
A flavorful and nutritious one-pot dish that combines the warmth of Moroccan spices with the comfort of fluffy rice and creamy chickpeas.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 can (14.5 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon; cook for an additional minute.
4. Add rice and stir to coat with the spice mixture.
5. Add water and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid has been absorbed.
7. Stir in chickpeas; season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with parsley or cilantro, if desired.
9. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Basil Chicken and Rice Bake
A flavorful and aromatic one-pot dish that combines the bold flavors of Thailand with the comfort of a hearty bake.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, cooked rice, Thai basil, coconut milk, soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until well combined, then add mixed bell peppers.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Rice Casserole
A flavorful and nutritious casserole that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory taste of black beans, all wrapped up in a bed of fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the diced sweet potato, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in the black beans and cooked rice. Bring to a simmer and let cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with shredded cheese (if using).
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Rice
This recipe combines the richness of pesto chicken with the brightness of sun-dried tomato rice, all in one convenient dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the pesto sauce and stir to coat the chicken evenly. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sun-dried tomato rice by mixing it with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Serve the pesto chicken over the sun-dried tomato rice and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Apple and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash with Rice
This recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the savory flavor of sausage and the comforting warmth of rice, all wrapped up in a deliciously tender acorn squash.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized acorn squash (about 2 lbs)
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or similar)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stuff each squash half with the cooked sausage mixture, then top with cooked rice, diced apples, and dried thyme.
6. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your weeknight meals with these 20 delicious oven rice recipes! From classic comfort food like cheesy broccoli and rice casserole, to international flavors like Moroccan spiced rice with chickpeas, there’s something for everyone. Other highlights include a Spanish chicken and rice bake, garlic butter shrimp and rice, and a sweet potato and black bean rice casserole. These easy-to-make recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.