Are you tired of the same old recipes for weeknight dinners? Look no further! Slow cooker rice recipes are a game-changer for busy families and individuals alike. Not only do they require minimal effort, but they also yield deliciously flavorful results that everyone will love. From creamy parmesan to spicy Cajun, we’ve rounded up 20 mouth-watering slow cooker rice recipes to spice up your meal routine.
Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and classic or adventurous and international-inspired, our list has got you covered. From savory side dishes to main courses, these slow cooker rice recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy dinner solution.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these 20 delicious slow cooker rice recipes, providing detailed instructions and mouthwatering photos to inspire your next meal. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and let the slow cooker do the work for you!
Creamy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Rice
Elevate your mealtime with this creamy, cheesy rice dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, olive oil, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir to combine, then top with half of the Parmesan cheese.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Coconut Lime Jasmine Rice
Elevate your meal game with this creamy, aromatic, and flavorful slow cooker rice dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe combines the warmth of coconut and lime with the delicate charm of jasmine rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
– 3 cups water
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and combine with water in a slow cooker.
2. Add unsweetened shredded coconut, lime juice, vegetable oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic on top of the rice.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Easy Slow Cooker Spanish Rice with Chorizo
This recipe is a flavorful and hearty take on traditional Spanish rice, infused with the smoky heat of chorizo sausage. Perfect for a busy day or a crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 lb chorizo sausage, sliced
– 1 large onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the cooked rice, chorizo sausage, onion, bell pepper, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir well to combine, then cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Mushroom and Wild Rice Pilaf
This hearty pilaf recipe combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with nutty wild rice, creating a comforting and filling meal perfect for a chilly evening. With minimal effort required, this slow cooker recipe is ideal for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked wild rice
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine wild rice, mushrooms, onion, garlic, and thyme.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Pour in chicken broth, making sure all ingredients are covered.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Fluff pilaf with a fork before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Brown Rice
Brighten up your meals with this flavorful and aromatic slow cooker recipe! This creamy brown rice dish is infused with the warmth of lemon, herbs, and spices, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the brown rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In the slow cooker, combine the rice, water, olive oil, onion, garlic, lemon juice, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-5 hours
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowl
This mouthwatering dish combines tender chicken, flavorful teriyaki sauce, and fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. Let your slow cooker do the work while you’re busy with other tasks!
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)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, rice, water, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. When cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in any remaining liquid.
4. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Rice with Black Beans
This flavorful one-pot dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a delicious addition to your favorite burrito or bowl. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can have a tender and aromatic rice dish with black beans in just a few hours.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon lime zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add rice, water, olive oil, onion, garlic, cumin, and lime zest to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
3. Stir in black beans, lime juice, and cilantro.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-6 hours
Slow Cooker Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
This comforting casserole is a perfect blend of creamy cheese, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. A simple and satisfying meal for any day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 can (10.5 oz) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together broccoli, cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and butter until well combined.
3. Add cooked rice to the slow cooker and top with the broccoli mixture.
4. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1 hour.
5. Stir and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1 hour (high)
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Rice with Olives and Feta
This hearty, flavorful dish combines the warmth of slow-cooked rice with the tanginess of feta cheese, olives, and herbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine rice, water, olives, feta, olive oil, onion, garlic, and oregano.
2. Stir gently to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Spicy Cajun Rice and Sausage
This hearty slow cooker recipe combines spicy Cajun flavor with savory sausage and fluffy rice, perfect for a comforting meal or party.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine sliced sausage, rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well, then top with butter.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions and a dash of hot sauce (optional).
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Honey Soy Ginger Rice
This slow cooker recipe combines the flavors of honey, soy sauce, and ginger to create a deliciously sweet and savory rice dish. Perfect for pairing with your favorite Asian-inspired meals or as a side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and add it to the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, honey, soy sauce, and grated ginger until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture over the rice in the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. If using sesame oil, stir it in just before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Rice
This comforting dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with tender rice, rich tomato sauce, and the freshness of basil. It’s a great option for a stress-free dinner that’s easy to prepare and serves a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and chopped onion to a slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and olive oil. Pour into the slow cooker.
3. Add garlic and basil leaves on top of the mixture.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Pineapple Fried Rice with Ham
Transform ordinary rice into a flavorful and nutritious meal with this slow cooker recipe. By combining the sweetness of pineapple with the savory taste of ham, you’ll have a dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked ham, diced
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. In a slow cooker, combine cooked rice, water, oil, onion, and garlic.
3. Add diced ham and pineapple chunks on top of the rice mixture.
4. Pour in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
6. Fluff cooked rice with a fork and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Sage Rice
This hearty, comforting rice dish is a perfect blend of sweet butternut squash, savory sage, and fluffy rice. Perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening, it’s easy to prepare and can be served as a main course or side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine butternut squash, rice, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic, and sage.
2. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
3. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Rice with Vegetables
Transform a weeknight dinner into an exotic getaway with this flavorful and nutritious slow cooker recipe, combining the creaminess of peanut sauce with the nutty goodness of brown rice. Perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked brown rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, etc.)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse rice and add to slow cooker with water or broth.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, ginger, cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour mixture over rice.
3. Add mixed vegetables on top of the rice mixture.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Bacon and Cheese Risotto
Slow Cooker Bacon and Cheese Risotto: A Creamy, Comforting Dish Perfect for Busy Days
Transform your slow cooker into a creamy risotto machine with this easy recipe. The result is a rich, cheesy dish loaded with smoky bacon flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Arborio rice according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the same skillet; sauté until softened.
4. Transfer the cooked rice, chicken broth, olive oil, bacon, onion mixture, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese to a slow cooker.
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1 hour (high)
Slow Cooker Mexican Rice with Corn and Peppers
Add a flavorful twist to traditional rice dishes with this slow cooker recipe that combines the perfect blend of spices, corn, and bell peppers. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or potluck gathering!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse rice in a fine-mesh strainer and add to slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together water, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the mixture to the slow cooker with the rice.
4. Top with chopped bell peppers and corn kernels.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Fluff rice with a fork before serving. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Rice
This recipe combines the flavors of spinach, artichokes, and creamy rice for a comforting and easy meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add rice, water, artichoke hearts, spinach, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic powder to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
3. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Rice Casserole
Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Rice Casserole Recipe
This hearty casserole combines tender beef, sautéed mushrooms, and flavorful rice for a comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. With minimal prep time and hands-off cooking, it’s an ideal solution for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless beef stew meat
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 3 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, then transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add cooked rice, mushrooms, onion, garlic, beef broth, and thyme to the slow cooker.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Rice Pudding
This comforting dessert combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the creamy texture of rice pudding, all made easy in a slow cooker. Perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 3 cups milk (or non-dairy milk alternative)
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and add it to the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour the wet ingredients over the rice in the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Stir in pumpkin pie spice just before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Summary
Get ready to spice up your busy weeknights with these 20 delicious slow cooker rice recipes! From creamy garlic parmesan to spicy cajun sausage, there’s something for everyone. Try making Creamy Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Rice, Slow Cooker Coconut Lime Jasmine Rice, or Easy Slow Cooker Spanish Rice with Chorizo. Or, for a healthier option, opt for Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Brown Rice or Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Rice with Black Beans. With these mouth-watering recipes, you’ll never have to sacrifice flavor for convenience again.
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