• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Good Cheap Eats
  • About
    • About Good Cheap Eats
    • Media
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • Contact Me
  • Members Only
    • Login
    • Club Homepage
    • Club Resource Library
    • Downloads
    • Live Club Events
  • Recipe Index
  • Blog
  • SHOP
    • Purchases
    • Cookbooks
    • Planner
    • The Good Cheap Eats Club
    • Meal Plans
    • Holiday Helps
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Grad Party Food
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • My Account
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Grad Party Food
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Shop
    • My Account
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » 30-Minute Meals

    How to Make a Rice Bowl

    Published: Feb 7, 2023 by Jessica Fisher

    FacebookTweetPinPrint
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, please see our disclosure policy.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    collage of different types of rice bowls, with text overlay.

    A rice bowl is the perfect answer to the what’s-for-dinner question, particularly if you don’t know what to make or don’t have a lot of time when you get home in the evening. Rice Bowl Recipes are healthy, quick, easy, and delicious — and they can be made in minutes in a number of flavor profiles from a Mexican burrito bowl to an Indian curry bowl to a Japanese Teriyaki Bowl. 

    You’ll be able to put an easy rice bowl dinner in your regular menu rotation with this collection of recipes and topping ideas. Whether you make homemade coconut rice to top with Chicken Tikka Masala or top your Spanish Brown Rice with Shredded Beef and avocado, you’ll never be bored come dinner time!

    array of rice bowls on table with plates of buns and dumplings as well as napkins and chopsticks. this …
    Jump to:
    • Why Make This
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • FAQs
    • Our Favorite Rice Bowl Recipes
    • Tell us what you think!
    • Basic Rice Bowl Recipe

    Mothers of varying cultures have served them to feed their kids cheaply and nutritiously for centuries. Chipotle has practically built an empire on them. Even the most inexperienced college kid can make them. What are they?

    Rice Bowls!

    They are an ideal dinner idea when you’re looking for great food on a budget.

    When we were paying off debt, this meal was an easy fix. I could easily cook up a pot of rice for less than a dollar and add whatever meat, cheese, or veg we had on hand. Easy and delicious, it’s a great meal to help you save money.

    Why Make This

    It’s easy. The Rice Bowl, like this Cilantro Chicken Rice Bowl, make a quick and easy meal that tastes great and uses all kinds of little bits of leftovers so no food goes to waste.

    It’s versatile. It’s the perfect dinner to make when you’re not sure what to make. Get the rice cooker going, and then start rummaging through the cupboards and fridge for things to add on. Shop the kitchen and eat like a king!

    It tastes great. The beauty of it is that you don’t have to have a lot of any one topping. Everyone can build his own combination with whatever you have!

    Ingredients

    Here’s what you’ll need to make Rice Bowls:

    overhead shot of table with a bowl of Spanish brown rice and taco toppings.

    Rice

    Rice is easy to cook and typically inexpensive. There’s great debate about the health benefits of brown v. white, so I say go with what you like and can afford.

    While plain cooked rice is certainly simple and traditional, don’t limit yourself to that. Consider these different rice recipes to serve as the base of your bowl:

    Mexican Rice
    Mexican rice is a delicious and easy side dish to accompany tacos, fill burritos, or otherwise enhance your Mexican style meal.
    Check out this recipe
    white bowl of mexican rice topped with chopped cilantro.
    Lemon and Herb Rice Pilaf
    Why buy expensive packaged rice mixes when you can make your own seasoned herb rice pilaf at home for less money? This lemon rice pilaf is easy to make and uses minimal ingredients!
    Check out this recipe
    A plate rice and broccoli, with tomatoes
    Seasoned Rice Pilaf
    Boxed rice mixes are a thing of the past, especially when you know how to make a healthier, cheaper, and tastier seasoned rice pilaf yourself. Try this homemade rice-a-roni recipe today.
    Check out this recipe
    wooden spoon scooping up rice from a pan of seasoned rice pilaf.
    Baked Rice with Lemon and Thyme
    If you’re already heating the oven, slide in a pan of this easy baked rice for a great side dish. It’s practically hands-free and produces perfect rice.
    Check out this recipe
    Spoon sitting in a dish with baked rice
    Brown Rice Pilaf Recipe
    Serve up an easy side dish tonight with this Simple Brown Rice Pilaf. Based on whole grain and packed with flavor, it’s a great supporting actor.
    Check out this recipe
    finished brown rice rice pilaf in a steel skillet with a red spoon.
    {Oven Baked} Cilantro Lime Rice
    This recipe from the first Good Cheap Eats Cookbook is fantastically easy, a Chipotle Copycat to keep in regular rotation.
    Check out this recipe
    {Oven Baked} Cilantro Lime Rice
    Ginger Rice
    Ginger Rice is an easy and delicious jasmine rice recipe that’s full of flavor. Great as a standalone side or as part of a rice bowl
    Check out this recipe
    Ginger Rice
    shredded beef in a glass storage container ready for freezing.

    Protein

    To make a rice bowl more of a meal and to satisfy the people you’re feeding, it’s always good to include a protein of some kind. Depending on what flavor of rice bowls you’re making, the sky’s the limit for choices. 

    Consider some of these meaty add-ons for your next rice bowl dinner:

    Shredded Beef Filling
    Shredded beef is a great filling for tacos, burritos, and taquitos. This recipe cooks up easily in the slow cooker.
    Check out this recipe
    shredded beef scooped up on a fork suspended over a serving dish of the meat near the instant pot.
    Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
    Cooking tender chicken for shredding in the pressure cooker is super quick and easy. This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken is excellent for tacos, burritos, sandwiches, and more!
    Check out this recipe
    glass storage containers filled with shredded chicken next to storage lids.
    Best Ever Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
    Looking for a simple yet flavorful way to cook pork? Combine a homemade rub with a cheap cut of pork and cook it slowly in the slow cooker for a fantastic filling for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, and tacos.
    Check out this recipe
    best pulled pork in a freezer container to freeze.
    Seasoned Ground Beef Recipe
    Cook up a few pounds of this versatile meat mix to use in any recipes calling for seasoned ground beef.
    Check out this recipe
    seasoned ground beef in skillet
    Gluten-Free Meatballs Recipe
    These hearty and naturally gluten-free meatballs feature a combination of beef, pork, mushrooms, and scallions, perfect for dousing in tomato sauce or enjoying in a sub.
    Check out this recipe
    close up of gluten-free meatballs in pot of sauce.
    Shrimp on the barbie
    Ready for something awesome to come off the grill? This shrimp on the barbie is an easy and quick grilled shrimp recipe for summer.
    Check out this recipe
    A plate of Shrimp and lemon slices

    Remember that grilled fish, seafood, as well as plant-based proteins are appropriate here as are beans of all kinds. Eggs and cheese are great additions, too!

    Potstickers or dumplings are also fun toppings.

    grilled tri-color peppers in oval serving dish on black table.

    Vegetables

    Grilled or sauteed, vegetables taste great in a rice bowl, adding fiber, nutrients, and flavor.

    Don’t forget fresh veggies! While cooked veggies are great, some fresh ones add interest and texture to your rice bowls.

    Roast Vegetables
    Learn how to roast vegetables in the oven, quickly and easily. The result is a tender, caramelized, delicious vegetable side dish perfect to serve in salads or alongside your favorite meat.
    Check out this recipe
    close up of roast vegetables on white platter with serving spoon.
    Fajita Vegetables
    Fajita vegetables, basic sauteed onions and peppers, add fiber and flavor to many dishes. Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week in bowls, wraps, salads, and sandwiches.
    Check out this recipe
    fajita vegetables in a large skillet with cooking tongs.
    Lemon Broccoli and Peas
    Seasoning vegetables doesn’t have to be rocket science, but can be the difference between okay side dishes and fabulous feasts. With a combo of salt, lemon, olive oil, and just the right amount of heat, this Lemon Broccoli and Peas is out of this world.
    Check out this recipe
    A plate of veggies and chicken
    Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Shallots
    A quick sauté of sprouts with bacon and shallots makes for a quick and flavorful side dish. Learn how to make Brussels sprouts good.
    Check out this recipe
    Brussels sprouts and bacon in flowered bowl on red cloth.
    Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions
    Mushrooms and onions sauteed in a bit of oil and balsamic vinegar add punch to pizzas, grilled meats, and pasta dishes. The recipe comes together in just 15 minutes making for a quick, elegant dish.
    Check out this recipe
    white plate of sauteed mushrooms and onions on red and white checked cloth.
    Sauteed Mushrooms
    Sauteed Mushrooms are an inexpensive way to add flavor, fiber, and texture to a meal. This quick and easy recipe will help you do it with ease.
    Check out this recipe
    white plate of sauteed mushrooms sprinkled with basil leaves.
    finished bowl of pico de gallo in white bowl with large spoon.

    Sauces and Condiments

    Part of the fun is making your rice bowl suit your own tastes. Be sure to lay out a selection of sauces so folks can make their own flavor combinations.

    Bottled condiments, such as hot sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, and sour cream are great, as are fresh lemon or lime wedges, but don’t forget some homemade sauces for fun.

    Easy Jalapeño Salsa
    Chips and jalapeño salsa are always a crowd pleaser. But, what if you made your own salsa? This Super Easy Salsa will make you the hit of the party!
    Check out this recipe
    bowl of chips and salsa
    Mango Peach Salsa
    Enjoy a twist with your chips and salsa with this tasty Mango Peach Salsa. Instead of tomatoes, use peaches. It's perfect for chips or topping grilled meat and fish.
    Check out this recipe
    mango peach salsa on a blue corn tortilla chip over a bowl of salsa.
    Easy Guacamole Recipe
    With just four ingredients this Easy Guacamole recipe is one that you'll have memorized after your first batch! It's so good for dipping and topping tacos, burritos, and salads.
    Check out this recipe
    bowl of guacamole surrounded by blue corn tortillas
    Garlic Yogurt Sauce (Tzatziki)
    Have a hankering for that delicious garlic yogurt sauce that comes with gyros? You can make your own tzatziki easily at home with this simple Recipe.
    Check out this recipe
    metal cup of garlic yogurt sauce next to greek pita sandwich in lined basket.
    Naturally Sweetened Apricot BBQ Sauce
    Since it contains no sugar, this easy BBQ sauce is good for those watching their sugar intake and works for the Whole 30 diet. It’s great on burgers, pulled pork, pork chops, chicken or anywhere you want a little sweet and smoky.
    Check out this recipe
    jar of bbq sauce next to pulled pork sandwich
    Greek Yogurt Tartar Sauce Recipe
    With Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, dill weed, dill relish, and a handful of spices, you can make a fresher-tasting and nutritious tartar sauce for fish and shrimp.
    Check out this recipe
    bowl of tartar sauce on dinner plate

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Here’s how to make easy Rice Bowls:

    1. Scoop rice into a bowl, about ⅓ full. Be sure the bowl is large enough that you can mix and move the different components around.
    2. Top with proteins and veggies, again, leaving space to mix and match bites of different elements.
    3. Drizzle or dollop on the sauce of your choice.

    How to Meal Prep a Rice Bowl

    Rice bowls are great for meal prep lunches! When you assemble them, consider if any of the elements will get soggy. If your toppings are very wet, you may want to pack the rice separate from the wet elements and combine them when you serve them.

    Likewise with sauces or cold toppings. Pack those separately from the rice bowl so that you can reheat the latter and then add the cold sauces or toppings right before eating.

    Meal prepped rice bowls should be good in the fridge for up to 4 days, so you can easily make a batch at the beginning of the week to enjoy for most of the week’s lunches.

    FAQs

    What type of rice is best for rice bowls?

    The best rice is the one that matches the flavor profile of your other elements. Use Mexican rice for a burrito bowl, sushi rice for an Asian-style bowl, and a pilaf for a Mediterranean style bowl.

    How do you assmble a rice bowl?

    Start the bowl with a base of rice and then layer on protein, veggies, and sauces, taking care not to overfill the bowl. You want to be able to move the elements around and get different flavors in each bite.

    What is a Buddha bowl?

    Typically vegan or vegetarian, a Buddha bowl is a combination of rice or other whole grain topped with veggies, plant proteins, and sauces. They can be served warm or cold.

    three black meal prep boxes with burrito rice bowls assembled in them, on a black table.

    Our Favorite Rice Bowl Recipes

    • ingredients to make Asian bowls
      Asian Bowl: My New Favorite Dinner
    • A bowl of Chicken, olives, and veggies
      Easy Mediterranean Chicken Bowl
    • chicken burrito bowl
      Chicken Burrito Bowls with Chipotle Crema
    • Shrimp Bowls Recipe from Good Cheap Eats
      Shrimp Bowls with Mango and Avocado
    white spoon and fork on a teal plate logo.

    Tell us what you think!

    We love to hear your experiences with Good Cheap Eats. Click the STARS on the recipe card or leave a STARRED comment to let us know what you think of the recipe.

    array of rice bowls in black bowls on table.
    Print Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
    5 from 1 vote

    Basic Rice Bowl Recipe

    The beauty of the basic rice bowl is that you can mix and match all kinds of toppings and sauces all on a base of cooked rice. The flavor combinations are endless, and it's a great quick meal for using what you have.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time30 minutes mins
    Course: Lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Asian, Asian-fusion, Greek, Indian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Mexican
    Diet: Gluten Free
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 439kcal
    Author: Jessica Fisher
    Cost: $8
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 4 cup cooked rice can be pilaf, steamed rice, or Mexican rice
    • 2 cup cooked protein can be any kind of meat, fish, shrimp, beans, or plant-based protein
    • 4 cup cooked veggies can be steamed, sautéed or roasted
    • condiments for rice bowls to match flavor profile of other ingredients

    Instructions

    • Scoop rice into a bowl, about ⅓ full. Be sure the bowl is large enough that you can mix and move the different components around.
      4 cup cooked rice
    • Top with proteins and veggies, again, leaving space to mix and match bites of different elements.
      2 cup cooked protein, 4 cup cooked veggies
    • Drizzle or dollop on the condiments of your choice.
      condiments for rice bowls to match flavor profile of other ingredients

    Notes

    Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on the ingredients used. Promptly refrigerate leftovers and consume within four days.
    Rice Bowl Combinations to Try:
    • Mexican Rice, Pinto Beans, Carnitas, Salsa
    • Cilantro Rice, Black Beans, Shredded Beef, Guacamole
    • Steamed Rice, Sautéed Chicken, Stir Fry Vegetables, Sriracha
    • Rice Pilaf, Hummus, Grilled Vegetables, Meatballs, and Tzatziki
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 439kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 140mg | Potassium: 601mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 9271IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tell us what you think!Your reviews help us develop better recipes and give newcomers the confidence to try your favorites. Scroll down to leave a starred comment.

    This post was originally published on July 26, 2015. It has been updated for content and clarity.

    « Homemade Chili Cheese Fries
    50+ Romantic Dinner Ideas to Cook at Home »
    FacebookTweetPinPrint

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. BUSY MOM IN AL

      January 19, 2016 at 1:28 pm

      We mixed brown rice with quinoa and the kids loved it! Thanks for the ideas. It is going on my monthly rotation.

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        January 19, 2016 at 7:23 pm

        Yay!

        Reply
    2. Kathy

      July 30, 2015 at 11:10 am

      As someone with prediabetes – or anyone, for that matter – a very good substitute for the rice in the bowl is cooked quinoa! Easy to make, high protein and fiber ?and everyone in the family, even the picky ones, love it.

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        August 01, 2015 at 8:11 am

        Yes! I listed it in the proteins, but it’s good to point it out again. If only my kids love quinoa as much as they love rice! haha!

        Reply
    3. Janet

      July 28, 2015 at 4:45 pm

      Well this was very a timely post. I got home from work today to find I had 4 unexpected guests for dinner — four tweens that had just come from a 90-minute gymnastics class — can you say ravenous wolves. We talked about ordering pizza, but I told my husband we didn’t have it in the budget this late in the month. I had put chicken breasts in the crock pot this morning. I shredded it and that was the protein for our meal. I started pulling from the cupboard and freezer and made a buffet. In addition to the chicken, I made a large batch of rice along with green beans, black beans, shredded cheese and salsa. Since we were having rice bowls, I pulled out the chopsticks for a fun twist. The kids all ate hearty and were very complimentary.

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        July 28, 2015 at 4:49 pm

        Good for you for sticking to budget and making it work. I bet you did more than feed them. That little seed could grow on their own dinner tables someday. 🙂

        Reply
      • Denise

        March 04, 2022 at 12:51 pm

        Typo perhaps? Should
        Be sauces instead of sausages? ?

        Be sure to lay out a selection of sausages so folks can make their own flavor combinations.

        Reply
    4. Janel

      July 28, 2015 at 2:25 pm

      Got to throw in a shout-out for your Cilantro Chicken Rice Bowls. Love that sauce!
      https://goodcheapeats.com/2015/02/cilantro-chicken-rice-bowls/

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        July 28, 2015 at 4:55 pm

        Thank you! Yes! It is yummy!

        Reply
    5. Diana

      July 28, 2015 at 2:00 pm

      I love rice bowls! They’re not my husband’s favorite, so I don’t make them as often as I might otherwise for supper. But I definitely use this idea often for lunch. I like canned tuna, fresh basil, and hot sauce over fresh or reheated rice. I really like the idea of branching out into different toppings and sauces though. Yum!

      My favorite way to reheat rice: heat oil in pan, add some onion. When the onion is slightly browned but not too soft, add rice and stir till warmed through. It’s a variation on fried rice that leaves the flavor fairly neutral so you can add whatever toppings you want. Today I had it with leftover gumbo, for example 🙂 I like leftover rice so much better this way!

      Also, have you ever tried the kind of rice that says “Thai fragrant” on the package? I think it’s Mahatma brand, but I don’t know if it’s jasmine or basmati or whatever. It definitely has a different flavor and is really great with Asian toppings.

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        July 28, 2015 at 4:54 pm

        Sounds great to reheat rice that way! Not sure about the Thai fragrant. I would guess a jasmine. Did you ask Google?

        Reply
    6. Michelle

      July 28, 2015 at 10:07 am

      We love rice bowls (and sometimes noodle bowls with the same concept) in our family as they let the grown ups and kids customize to their hearts’ desire. E.g., I eat vegetarian but the rest of the family doesn’t.
      The main ones we do are:
      Mexican (beans, cheese, all the taco toppings, etc)
      Asian (edamame, cabbage, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, cucumbers, soy/ginger sauce, etc)
      Buffalo (I make buffalo chickpeas for myself, chicken for the boys – add carrots, celery, blue cheese, etc)
      BBQ (chicken/chick peas, pineapple, red onion, etc)
      Italian (usually Italian chicken sausage, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, etc)
      and of course Leftover free for alls 🙂

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        July 28, 2015 at 4:54 pm

        We’ve always focused on Asian and Mexican, but I really wondering about busting out in different directions. Thanks for the inspiration!

        Reply
      • Sandi

        July 29, 2015 at 6:29 am

        These ideas sound wonderful! Thanks for sharing.

        Reply
    7. karen J

      July 27, 2015 at 1:46 pm

      Love, love, love the simplicity and yumminess of rice bowls. We generally keep ours simple-rice (brown or white), black beans, cheddar cheese, salsa, sour cream, with avocado and cabbage if we have it. We could easily eat this meal one a week (or more!) Looking forward to trying some of your variations.

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        July 28, 2015 at 6:41 am

        Let us know what combinations you concoct!

        Reply
    8. Kelly

      July 27, 2015 at 6:01 am

      Would you mind sharing what brand of rice cooker you have? And any details about it such as if it works well with brown rice, maximum amount it makes, etc? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        July 28, 2015 at 6:41 am

        I bought the Black and Decker from Walmart years ago, but I’ve heard that Aroma is really the best brand to get.

        Reply
        • Katie

          July 28, 2015 at 2:33 pm

          I bought my husband an Aroma at Costco for Christmas-LOVE IT! Super easy to use and it was $29.99. They are still in stock at our PHX location. It’s got a lot of different options on it, I use the quick start mostly. I’m glad I didn’t buy the one he really wanted (Zojirushi), as it was almost 5 times the cost for the basic one and we don’t use the rice cooker as often as he thought we would. Great appliance!

        • Jessica Fisher

          July 28, 2015 at 4:52 pm

          Good to know! I’m kinda hoping ours will break down and I can buy that one. LOL!

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    jessica from good cheap eats

    Hi, I'm Jessica! I believe anyone can prepare delicious meals -- no matter their budget.

    More about me

    collage of media outlets where good cheap eats has been featured.
    cooking for one
    cooking for many banner
    cooking to freeze banner

    Celebrate Your Grad

    • veggie tray made on wooden board on a diagonal on a white counter.
      Easy Vegetable Tray
    • bowl of ranch dip surrounded by veggie dippers.
      Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dip
    • meat and cheese platters on buffet table.
      How to Make Your Own Meat and Cheese Platters
    • fruit tray with kiwi, melon, and berries on white oval platter.
      How to Make a Fruit Tray
    • overhead shot of square of chocolate frosted cake on white plate with fork.
      Chocolate Frosting Without Powdered Sugar
    • close up of chocolate orange cake square on a plate.
      Chocolate Orange Cake

    Break Up with Take-Out

    • cut half of breakfast burrito leaning on second half on plate with pico and orange slices.
      Breakfast Burrito Ideas
    • two black divided meal prep boxes with lettuce leaves on one side and turkey filling on the other.
      30+ Meal Prepped Lunches to Beat Fast Food
    • pizza freezer kit in gallon size ziptop bag.
      Freezer Meal Pizza Kits
    • vegetable fried rice on plate with potstickers
      Vegetable Fried Rice

    Footer

    back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2021 Good Cheap Eats