Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Look no further! Slow cookers are a busy person’s best friend, and when combined with simple rice recipes, they can be a game-changer. In this article, we’ll explore 18 easy and delicious slow cooker rice recipes that are perfect for a quick and stress-free dinner on even the busiest of weeknights.
From classic comfort foods to international-inspired dishes, these recipes offer something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for creamy coconut pudding or hearty jambalaya, there’s a slow cooker rice recipe on this list that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Slow Cooker Coconut Rice Pudding
Elevate your snack or dessert game with this simple and comforting slow cooker coconut rice pudding recipe. Perfect for a warm and cozy treat, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 3 cups water
– 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and add it to the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened shredded coconut, salt, cinnamon (if using), and vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over the rice in the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Once cooked, fluff the pudding with a fork and serve warm or chilled.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Spanish Rice with Chorizo
This hearty and flavorful slow cooker recipe combines the spices of Spain with the rich taste of chorizo sausage, creating a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound chorizo sausage, sliced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine rice, chicken broth, water, olive oil, onion, garlic, and chorizo.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Mushroom Risotto
This creamy risotto is a perfect comfort food for a chilly day. With the ease of using a slow cooker, you can come home to a delicious and hearty meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/2 cup vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine rice, mushrooms, olive oil, onion, garlic, and salt.
2. If using wine and broth, add them to the mixture.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Stir in butter until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Casserole
Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Casserole: A hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine the chicken, rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, peas and carrots, and thyme.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Dot the top of the casserole with butter.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Rice
Brighten up your meals with this flavorful and aromatic slow cooker rice dish infused with the zest of lemon and herbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side to impress your guests!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
2. Stir until the rice is well coated with the liquid mixture.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, adding salt and pepper to taste if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-6 hours
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
This recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for a busy day. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful and nutritious bowl filled with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and savory teriyaki sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place chicken breasts, rice, water, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot over cooked rice, garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Rice
Elevate your mealtime with this creamy and aromatic Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Rice recipe, perfect for a comforting side dish or main course. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful rice dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until water runs clear.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the rinsed rice, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Jambalaya with Rice
A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for a busy day. This slow cooker recipe combines the classic jambalaya ingredients with creamy rice, all cooked to perfection in just 6 hours.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, onion, garlic, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, rice, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in chicken broth and stir until rice is well coated.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
4. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Pineapple Fried Rice
Elevate your fried rice game with this sweet and savory twist! This slow cooker recipe combines the convenience of a one-pot meal with the flavors of tropical pineapple.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup diced pineapple
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Add cooked rice, peas and carrots, pineapple, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil to the slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine, then cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in beaten eggs and cook until scrambled.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers
This hearty recipe combines the flavors of beef, rice, and roasted peppers, all made easy with the help of a slow cooker. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker on low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds. Place peppers in the slow cooker.
4. Stuff each pepper with the beef mixture, filling to the top.
5. Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Wild Rice Soup
This comforting slow cooker recipe combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with tender vegetables and aromatic spices, perfect for a cozy evening meal or a nutritious lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked wild rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 large celery stalk, sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine wild rice, chicken broth, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and thyme.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs (optional).
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Saffron Rice with Shrimp
Elevate your meal with this aromatic slow cooker dish, combining the subtle warmth of saffron with succulent shrimp and fluffy rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine rice, water, saffron mixture, shrimp, olive oil, onion, and garlic.
2. Cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for 2-3 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (Low) or 2-3 hours (High)
Slow Cooker Mexican Rice with Black Beans
This hearty, flavorful dish combines the comfort of slow-cooked rice and black beans with the bold spices of Mexico. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or sour cream for toppings
Instructions:
1. Add rice, water, black beans, onion, garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Fluff the cooked rice mixture with a fork before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Curry Rice with Vegetables
A flavorful and aromatic slow cooker recipe that combines the warmth of curry powder with the comfort of rice and mixed vegetables, perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and add it to the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together water, curry powder, and cumin. Pour over the rice.
3. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrot, and diced tomatoes on top of the rice mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Fluff the rice and vegetables with a fork before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Rice
Elevate your meal game with this flavorful and aromatic Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Rice! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish, this recipe combines the brightness of lime with the freshness of cilantro.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and add it to the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together water, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and cumin.
3. Pour the wet ingredients over the rice in the slow cooker.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
This classic Southern dish is a staple of many households, and with this simple slow cooker recipe, you can enjoy the comforting flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the soaked red beans, onion, garlic, and smoked sausage to the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the rice and chicken broth. Pour the mixture over the bean mixture in the slow cooker.
3. Sprinkle cumin and season with salt and pepper as desired.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Serve:
1. Serve hot over cooked white rice, garnished with chopped scallions and a dollop of your favorite hot sauce (optional).
Slow Cooker Rice Pudding with Cinnamon
This slow cooker rice pudding recipe is a simple and comforting dessert perfect for any occasion. With the warm aroma of cinnamon, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 3 cups milk (whole, low-fat or nonfat)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Stir until the rice is well coated with the liquid mixture.
3. Add butter and stir until melted and combined.
4. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
5. Turn off heat and let it rest for 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Serve warm, topped with your favorite toppings such as raisins, nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon!
Slow Cooker Rice and Lentil Pilaf
This hearty, flavorful pilaf is a perfect meal solution for busy days. With minimal effort, you’ll get a nutritious and filling dish that’s packed with protein-rich lentils and fiber-rich rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown or white rice
– 1 cup cooked lentils (such as red or green)
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and add it to the slow cooker.
2. Add the cooked lentils, water, olive oil, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
3. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Fluff with a fork before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours
Summary
Need easy and delicious slow cooker rice recipes for busy weeknights? Look no further! This collection of 18 mouth-watering recipes offers a variety of flavors and cuisines, from coconut pudding to Spanish chorizo, mushroom risotto, and more. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner solution, these recipes use simple ingredients and require minimal effort. From comforting casserole to exotic saffron shrimp, there’s something for everyone in this roundup of slow cooker rice dishes. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with these tasty and effortless recipes!