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7 Healthy Brown Rice Recipes to Use Up This Pantry Staple

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December 26, 2023
Courtesy of Dessert For Two

Anytime we’re in the kitchen, stumped and trying to brainstorm just what exactly to make for dinner, there seems to be one particular pantry staple that always comes in handy — brown rice. Delicious, versatile, and filled with tons of health benefits and nutrients, brown rice can be the best addition to any meal whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a detailed and step-heavy dish. Here are seven healthy brown rice recipes to help you use up that bag of brown rice that’s been sitting in the back of your pantry.

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1. Spiced Brown Rice Pudding

spiced brown rice pudding

This rice pudding recipe is extra delicious due to the incorporation of coconut milk instead of traditional dairy milk. the coconut milk adds a rich and creamy texture along with a mild flavor to give that cinnamon its time to shine.

Try the recipe from Clean Plates.

2. Turkey Burrito Bowl

burrito bowl with brown rice and avocado and beans

Shutterstock

Brown rice is one of the best additions to any taco or burrito bowl. For this particular recipe, add in some lean protein like turkey and tons of vegetables for the perfect meal that can even be prepped for the week!

Try the recipe from Nourished by Nic.

3. Stuffed Bell Peppers

brown rice stuffed peppers

Courtesy of Summer Yule

This stuffed bell pepper recipe is air fryer friendly which makes it a quick and easy win for any busy cook. Once your brown rice is cooked, simply stuff your bell peppers with the healthy fixings of your choice and dig in.

Try the recipe from Summer Yule.

4. Mexican Brown Rice

mexican brown rice in a bowl

Courtesy of Cookie + Kate

Looking for a way to spruce up that traditional burrito bowl? Look no further than Mexican rice. Simply add a tasty, rich, tomato broth to traditional brown rice for an extra kick of flavor for any Mexican dish.

Try the recipe from Cookie + Kate.

5. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

slow cooker honey garlic chicken with brown rice

Courtesy of Well Plated

When you have that craving for some greasy takeout, this is the best healthy alternative that is packed with flavor and protein. Add the main ingredients in this recipe in a slow cooker on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours and then plate on a delicious, fiber-filled bed of brown rice.

Try the recipe from Well Plated.

6. Broccoli Rice Casserole With Chicken

brown rice chicken casserole

Courtesy of Dessert For Two

This recipe calls for a mix of brown rice and wild rice, however, brown rice would do just fine alone. Once the rice is cooked, add some spices like garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. The cheese and chicken do the rest to make this casserole a dinner favorite.

Try the recipe from Dessert For Two.

7. Fruity Brown Rice

Fruity brown rice recipe

Photo Credit: Margot Foster

With a mix of dried apricots and cranberries, this fruity take on brown rice will add some sweetness to an otherwise mild grain. There is really no fruit that can’t be added to a traditional bowl of rice that won’t pair well. If you’re looking for a filling but still “breakfast” feeling dish, this is your best bet!

Try the recipe from Clean Plates.

Read next: 10 Ways to Turn a Can of Chickpeas into Dinner

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