10 Creative Ways to Use Leftover Rice and Simplify Your Meal Prep.
Leftover rice is the perfect shortcut to quick, cozy, and flavorful meals. I love to use my rice cooker or Instant Pot to make a bunch of rice up ahead of time.
Below are some of my favorite ways to turn that extra rice into something crave-worthy. From creamy soups to crispy wraps and breakfast-friendly bowls, these recipes are easy, family-approved, and packed with flavor. No more letting rice go to waste!
1. Street Corn Chicken and Rice Bowls
These colorful Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowls make leftover rice feel brand new with bold, fresh toppings.
2. Breakfast Fried Rice
Breakfast Fried Rice is protein-packed and works great for brunch or dinner. Also, try these other varieties of fried rice – Kimchi Fried Rice, Ham Fried Rice, and Arroz Chaufa.
3. Baked Rice Pudding
Baked Rice Pudding is a cozy dessert made by baking leftover rice in a creamy, cinnamon custard. Also try Brown Rice Pudding.
4. Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed Peppers are filled with rice, beans, spices, and cheese, then baked until tender. A colorful, healthy dinner idea.
5. Lomo Saltado
Lomo Saltado is a Peruvian stir-fry that pairs steak, fries, and veggies with rice. It’s colorful, saucy, and easy to pull together.
6. Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken and Rice Enchiladas is a cozy dinner, loaded with beans, corn, veggies and a creamy sauce then baked with enchilada sauce and cheese.
7. Chickpea Curry
This easy, flavorful Chickpea Curry is perfect for serving over leftover rice. It’s comforting, bold, and ready in under 30 minutes. Also try Green Curry Meatballs, Panang Curry, and Yellow Curry.
8. Wet Burrito
Stuff rice, beans, and meat into a tortilla, then cover with enchilada sauce and cheese to make this delicious Wet Burrito. It bakes into a warm, cheesy, restaurant-style meal.
9. Hot Honey Salmon Bowl
Hot Honey Salmon Bowls include seasoned salmon on a bed of rice with roasted broccolini and brussels sprouts, all drizzled with hot honey and ranch.
10. Jerk Chicken Bowls
Jerk Chicken Bowls start with a layer of coconut rice and red beans topped with jerk seasoned chicken, mangos, mashed avocado, and a sweet and spicy pineapple sauce.
Check out all of our Bowl Recipes for more delicious ways to use leftover rice.
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