34 Tasty and Cheap Meals You Can Make with Rice

When money is tight, a humble bag of rice can be your best friend in the kitchen. The grain is filling, versatile, and an ideal canvas for just about any vegetable, protein, or sauce you have hanging around. Below are 34 budget-friendly ideas that stretch a few pantry staples into satisfying breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Pick a couple each week, swap in whatever produce is on sale, and you’ll never feel like you’re eating the same thing twice.

1. Vegetable Fried Rice

Leftover rice, a handful of frozen mixed veggies, and a splash of soy sauce create a full meal in minutes. Let the rice dry out a bit in the fridge so it crisps nicely in the pan. Add a beaten egg or two for protein if you have them on hand. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil to make everything taste a little richer.

2. Red Beans & Rice

A Louisiana staple, this dish turns inexpensive red kidney beans into a hearty entrée. Simmer the beans with onion, bell pepper, celery, and smoked paprika until tender and flavorful. Serve ladled over fluffy white rice so the broth soaks right in. A splash of hot sauce ties everything together without adding cost.

3. Egg & Scallion Rice Bowl

Few meals beat eggs for value and speed. Fry or poach them, then set them over warm rice so the yolks become a built-in sauce. Sprinkle sliced scallions and a pinch of salt for freshness. It’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner for less than the price of a coffee.

4. Lentil Dal With Steamed Rice

Red lentils cook quickly and are packed with protein and fiber. Simmer them in water with turmeric, garlic, and cumin until they break down into a thick stew. Finish with a quick onion-spice temper for extra depth. Spoon over rice for a comforting, plant-based supper that costs pennies per serving.

5. Chicken & Rice Soup

A single chicken thigh or drumstick can flavor an entire pot of soup. Simmer it with aromatics, then shred the meat and add rice toward the end so it stays tender. The starch thickens the broth naturally, making the soup feel richer than it is. Freeze leftovers for an easy reheatable meal.

6. Tuna Mayo Rice Bowl

Canned tuna is affordable and shelf-stable, which means you can whip up this bowl anytime. Stir the fish with a spoonful of mayo, a dash of soy sauce, and any diced veggies you like. Spoon the mixture over hot rice so the flavors meld. A shake of toasted sesame seeds adds crunch without expense.

7. Tomato Garlic Rice

This one-pot dish uses pantry staples—canned tomatoes, garlic, and rice—to deliver big flavor. Sauté garlic in oil, stir in rice to toast lightly, then add crushed tomatoes and broth. As it simmers, the rice absorbs the tomato richness. Serve as a side or with a fried egg to make it a meal.

8. Chickpea Curry Over Rice

Canned or dried chickpeas simmer quickly in a simple coconut milk curry. A spoonful of curry powder and diced onion provide all the seasoning you need. Serve the thick stew over rice to capture every drop of sauce. It’s filling, vegan, and ready in under 30 minutes.

9. Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl

Chicken thighs stay juicy and cost less than breast meat. Cook them in a homemade teriyaki glaze of soy sauce, sugar, and ginger until sticky and caramelized. Layer over rice with whatever green veggie is on sale. The sweet-savory sauce seeps down to flavor every bite of grain.

10. Spanish Rice Casserole

Browning a small amount of ground beef with onions adds meaty flavor without breaking the bank. Mix in rice, canned tomatoes, and spices, then bake until bubbly. A light sprinkle of cheese on top stretches a single cup further. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

11. Kimchi Fried Rice

That half jar of kimchi in the fridge can turn plain rice into a bold, tangy meal. Chop the fermented cabbage, stir-fry it with oil, then add day-old rice. A little gochujang or soy sauce boosts depth. Finish with a runny egg to balance the spice.

12. Mushroom Parmesan Risotto

Arborio rice is still inexpensive when bought in bulk and makes a luxurious-tasting dinner. Sauté mushrooms until browned, then slowly stir in hot broth ladle by ladle. The starches release, creating natural creaminess. A handful of Parmesan at the end feels indulgent for very little cost.

13. Coconut Rice & Black Beans

Cooking rice in diluted coconut milk adds subtle sweetness and aroma without using the whole can. Meanwhile, season black beans with onion, cumin, and a squeeze of lime. Pile the beans over the rice for a satisfying Caribbean-inspired dish. Fresh cilantro or green onion perks up the plate.

14. Curry Rice With Frozen Veggies

A spoonful of curry powder instantly wakes up plain rice. Add the seasoning at the start, then throw in a bag of frozen mixed vegetables during the last five minutes of cooking. The veggies steam right on top, saving dishes. It’s a complete meal in one pot and under 25 minutes.

15. Stuffed Pepper Rice Skillet

This deconstructed version of stuffed peppers skips the fuss of hollowing and baking. Sauté chopped peppers with onion, stir in rice, tomato sauce, and broth, then let everything simmer together. A quick cheese melt on top finishes it off. You get the same cozy flavors with half the work.

16. Ground Turkey & Rice Lettuce Wraps

Combining rice with ground turkey stretches the protein and lowers cost. Cook the turkey with garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of vinegar for zing. Spoon the mixture into lettuce cups for a fresh handheld meal. Kids love assembling their own wraps at the table.

17. Garlic Butter Rice With Fried Eggs

Sauté minced garlic in butter until fragrant, then coat cooked rice in the mixture for instant flavor. A sprinkle of salt and pepper is all it needs. Slide fried eggs on top so the yolks act as a silky sauce. It’s proof that simple ingredients can feel special.

18. Jamaican Rice & Peas

Despite the name, “peas” traditionally means kidney beans in this Caribbean classic. The rice cooks right in coconut milk seasoned with thyme, scallion, and allspice. Beans add protein and a creamy texture. Enjoy it solo or beside jerk-spiced chicken when the budget allows.

19. Thai Basil Chicken With Rice

A small portion of ground chicken quickly absorbs bold Thai flavors. Stir-fry it with garlic, chilies, and soy sauce, then toss in fresh basil at the last second. Serve over rice so the savory juices soak through. A fried egg on top is optional but traditional and tasty.

20. Baked Rice & Broccoli Cheese

Baking rice in the oven with broth frees you from stovetop stirring. Fold in frozen broccoli halfway so it cooks perfectly without turning mushy. A modest sprinkle of cheddar melts into the grains, making every forkful creamy. Leftovers reheat well for grab-and-go lunches.

21. Arroz Caldo

This Filipino porridge transforms chicken bones and rice into a silky, gingery comfort food. Simmer everything until the grains break down and thicken the broth. Finish with fish sauce and calamansi or lemon for brightness. It’s especially soothing on chilly days or when you’re under the weather.

22. Spicy Peanut Sauce Rice Bowl

A quick sauce of peanut butter, soy sauce, and chili flakes turns plain veggies and rice into a crave-worthy meal. Thin the mixture with a splash of hot water so it coats everything evenly. Stir-fry any low-cost produce you have, then toss with rice and sauce. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top if your budget permits.

23. Lemon Herb Rice With Chickpeas

Cooking rice in vegetable broth and finishing with fresh lemon zest makes each bite fragrant and lively. A can of chickpeas adds protein without extra prep. Chopped parsley or dill gives a green burst for pennies. Serve warm or at room temperature for versatile meal prep.

24. Brown Rice Breakfast Porridge

Leftover cooked brown rice simmers quickly into a creamy breakfast base. Stir in milk, a pinch of salt, and a dash of cinnamon until thick and comforting. Top with fruit, nuts, or a swirl of peanut butter for staying power. It’s a nourishing way to repurpose yesterday’s grains.

25. Savory Rice Omelet (Omurice)

Omurice is a Japanese diner classic that cleverly uses leftovers. Stir-fry rice with onion, veggies, and a small splash of ketchup for tang. Wrap or top it with a soft omelet for visual flair. Kids especially love cutting into the egg to reveal the hidden rice inside.

26. Veggie Rice Nori Wraps With Cooked Shrimp

Sushi night doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. Spread cooled rice on nori, add cooked shrimp from the freezer aisle, and whatever crisp veggies you like. Roll, slice, and enjoy with soy sauce. It’s lighter on the wallet than takeout and fun to assemble.

27. Simple Paella With Budget Seafood Mix

Frozen “seafood medley” bags are often the cheapest way to enjoy shellfish. Sauté onion and bell pepper, add rice, paprika, and broth, then tuck the thawed seafood in for the final steam. The rice absorbs all those briny juices. A squeeze of lemon keeps flavors bright.

28. Curry Ketchup Rice Skillet

A dash of curry powder and a squeeze of ketchup create a surprisingly tasty sauce. Stir-fry leftover rice with the mixture and any small bits of protein you have—ham, tofu, or chicken all work. The sweet heat caramelizes slightly on the grains. It’s a fun twist that uses ingredients already in most kitchens.

29. Cabbage Roll Rice Skillet

This one-pan meal mimics stuffed cabbage rolls without the labor. Cook ground beef with onions, add shredded cabbage, rice, and tomato sauce, then simmer until everything softens. The rice swells in the flavorful liquid, binding the dish. It’s hearty, nutrient-dense, and budget-wise.

30. Sausage & Pepper One-Pot Rice

Using just a few sausage links infuses an entire pot of rice with smoky depth. Brown the slices first, then add vegetables, rice, and broth. Everything cooks together, absorbing the seasoned drippings. One pot means easy cleanup and leftover potential.

31. Stir-Fried Rice & Cabbage

Cabbage is one of the most economical vegetables and adds crunch and nutrition. Slice it thinly so it softens quickly in the pan. Mix with day-old rice, a splash of soy sauce, and scrambled eggs for protein. The dish is satisfying while costing just pocket change.

32. Pinto Beans Over Mexican Rice

Sauté rice with a bit of oil and tomato paste to achieve that classic color and flavor. While it simmers, warm canned pinto beans with cumin and garlic powder. Spoon the beans over the finished rice for a fiber-rich combo. It’s filling enough to serve solo or as a taco side.

33. Spinach & Feta Rice Pilaf

Toast rice briefly in olive oil, then simmer in broth for extra flavor. Stir in thawed frozen spinach during the last few minutes so it heats through. A small handful of feta lends a salty punch that seasons the whole dish. Serve warm or chilled as a portable lunch.

34. Leftover Chili Rice Bake

Stretch last night’s chili by layering it with cooked rice and a sprinkle of cheese. Bake until everything is hot and the edges crisp slightly. The rice absorbs extra liquid, turning runny chili into a forkable casserole. It’s an effortless way to avoid food waste while creating a new meal.

With a bag of rice and a dash of creativity, eating well on a budget becomes surprisingly simple. Keep these recipes handy, mix and match ingredients based on sales, and you’ll have dozens of possibilities at your fingertips. Your wallet—and your taste buds—will thank you.