As the leaves begin to change and a crisp chill fills the air, it’s time to embrace the cozy flavors of fall. One of the most versatile ingredients you can use this season is rice. Whether you prefer it creamy, spicy, or loaded with veggies, there’s a rice recipe to warm you up. Here are 11 hearty fall rice recipes that will satisfy your cravings and bring the essence of autumn right to your kitchen.
1. Pumpkin Risotto
Pumpkin is the star of fall, and what better way to enjoy it than in a creamy risotto? This dish is not only comforting but also allows the natural sweetness of pumpkin to shine through.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- In a pot, heat the vegetable broth and keep it warm on low heat.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the Arborio rice, cooking it for a couple of minutes until slightly toasted.
- Gradually add the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Wait until the liquid is mostly absorbed before adding more.
- After about 15 minutes, mix in the pumpkin puree, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the rice is creamy and al dente.
- Remove from heat and fold in the Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, garnished with fresh sage leaves.
This pumpkin risotto is a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any chilly evening!
2. Mushroom and Spinach Rice Casserole
This mushroom and spinach rice casserole is not just a dish; it’s a comforting, all-in-one meal packed with flavors and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your choice)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until browned. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, sautéed mushrooms and spinach, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
This casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the freshness of spinach while keeping it simple.
3. Spicy Sausage and Rice Skillet
Looking for something with a little kick? This spicy sausage and rice skillet is a flavorful one-pan dish that’s easy to make and full of robust flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spicy sausage, sliced
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned.
- Remove the sausage and add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are soft.
- Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
- Return the sausage to the skillet, mixing it in well before serving.
This dish is hearty, spicy, and perfect for those who love a bit of heat!
4. Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
When the weather turns chilly, a warm bowl of soup is the perfect remedy. This creamy chicken and rice soup is rich, comforting, and packed with protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Remove the chicken and add the onion, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the cooked rice and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes and serve hot.
This chicken and rice soup is creamy and comforting, making it a perfect meal for chilly fall nights.
5. Vegetable Fried Rice
Transform leftover rice into a delightful dish with this quick and easy vegetable fried rice recipe. It’s colorful, nutritious, and full of flavor!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes.
- Push the vegetables to one side and pour in the beaten eggs, scrambling them until fully cooked.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Pour in the soy sauce, mixing everything well.
- Season with salt and pepper, and stir in the green onions just before serving.
This vegetable fried rice is not only a fantastic way to use up leftover rice but also a great option for a quick weeknight dinner!
6. Baked Risotto with Butternut Squash
Bring the flavors of fall to your table with this baked risotto with butternut squash. This hands-off cooking method results in a creamy and rich dish without constant stirring.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, combine the Arborio rice, butternut squash, onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the mixture, stirring to combine.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, stir in the Parmesan cheese, and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme.
This baked risotto is a delicious way to enjoy the sweetness of butternut squash while letting your oven do the work.
7. Curried Chickpea Rice Bowl
For a dish that packs a punch, try this curried chickpea rice bowl. It’s loaded with protein and flavor, perfect for a hearty fall meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
- In a pot, cook the rice according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Stir in the chickpeas, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the spinach until wilted.
- Serve the chickpea curry over the cooked rice.
This curried chickpea rice bowl is not only satisfying but also a delightful way to incorporate spices into your fall cooking!
8. Herbed Rice with Roasted Vegetables
This dish is all about fresh flavors! The herbed rice with roasted vegetables is simple yet delicious, making it a great side or main dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice
- 2 cups assorted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, carrots), chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the chopped vegetables in olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions, fluffing it with a fork once done.
- Combine the cooked rice with the roasted vegetables and garnish with fresh parsley.
This herbed rice dish is colorful, aromatic, and perfect for fall gatherings!
9. Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa and Rice
Add a twist to your typical stuffed peppers with this stuffed peppers with quinoa and rice recipe. They’re hearty, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the cooked rice, quinoa, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the halved bell peppers with the mixture and place them in a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese and cover the dish with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
These stuffed peppers are a fun and colorful way to enjoy a nutritious meal!
10. One-Pot Chicken and Rice
Simplicity is key with this one-pot chicken and rice dish. It’s easy to make and minimizes cleanup while still being incredibly flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and brown them on both sides.
- Remove the chicken and add the onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing until soft.
- Stir in the rice, chicken broth, and peas. Return the chicken to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
This one-pot chicken and rice is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
11. Sweet Potato and Rice Bowl
End your fall meal with a delightful sweet potato and rice bowl. It’s healthy, filling, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for roasting
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the diced sweet potato in olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- In a bowl, layer the cooked rice, roasted sweet potato, black beans, and avocado slices.
This sweet potato and rice bowl is not only visually appealing but also a great way to incorporate seasonal produce!
These 11 hearty fall rice recipes are perfect for cozying up this season. Each recipe brings unique flavors and comfort, making them ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home. So grab your apron and let’s celebrate the warm and delicious essence of fall!