21 Ways To Turn Leftover Rice Into A Full Meal

There’s always a container of rice sitting in the fridge, and it’s rarely enough to feed anyone without a little help. Tossing it feels wasteful, but starting from scratch isn’t exactly tempting either. That sad scoop of rice can still be useful with barely any effort. Add some protein, mix in a few vegetables, and it turns into dinner without much thinking. These recipes are fast, practical, and actually worth making. Rice might not be exciting on its own, but it’s a solid base for something better.

Pineapple Fried Rice

Sweet pineapple and a splash of Thai flavor make this fried rice feel fresh and bright. It works well for a meatless meal and doesn’t take long to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Fried Rice

Tofu Fried Rice

This fried rice uses tofu and whatever vegetables you have to stretch leftover rice into a complete meal. It’s easy to customize and cooks quickly in one pan.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice

This homemade chicken fried rice skips the greasy takeout and pulls together tender chicken, vegetables and day-old rice in one pan. It’s great for a weeknight dinner and works on the stove, in a wok or even in your Instant Pot.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Greek Chicken Protein Bowls with Garlic Yogurt

These bowls are loaded with rice, grilled chicken and fresh toppings, making them a filling meal that’s great for prepping ahead. The garlic yogurt pulls it all together with a creamy finish that doesn’t weigh things down.
Get the Recipe: Greek Chicken Protein Bowls with Garlic Yogurt

Glorified Rice

This retro Midwestern dessert combines rice, coconut whipped cream, pineapple, marshmallows and cherries for a quirky sweet dish that’s fast to prep and perfect for potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Glorified Rice

Green Curry Fried Rice

Day-old rice, pantry staples and leftover veggies turn into a bold Thai-inspired meal that comes together fast in one pan. Green curry paste gives this dish real flavor without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Green Curry Fried Rice

Tofu Buddha Bowl with Peanut Sauce

Crisp tofu, rice and colorful vegetables meet a punchy peanut sauce in this bowl that’s filling, fresh and ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a smart way to stretch leftover rice into a real meal.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Buddha Bowl with Peanut Sauce

Vegan Thai Fried Rice

This one-pan fried rice has tofu “eggs,” fresh veggies and a savory kick that makes dinner feel different without extra work. It’s quick, adaptable and uses up leftover rice in a way that doesn’t feel like leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Thai Fried Rice

Air Fryer Cabbage Rolls Stuffed With Sausage and Rice

These cabbage rolls turn rice and sausage into a filling dinner with just the air fryer. It’s a shortcut version of a classic comfort food that works on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cabbage Rolls Stuffed With Sausage and Rice

Ham Fried Rice

A quick way to use leftover rice and ham, this one-pot fried rice skips the takeout and delivers bold flavor in under 30 minutes. Great for cleaning out the fridge after a holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Ham Fried Rice

Cajun Fried Rice

Shrimp, andouille sausage and Cajun spices turn day-old rice into a spicy, hearty meal that’s full of flavor. This one-pan dinner is easy to throw together and hits the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Fried Rice

Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice

Juicy chicken, shrimp and crisp vegetables are cooked with rice and a rich sauce to make a full dinner in one pan. It’s packed with protein and flavor and doesn’t take long to prep.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice

Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Hearty grains, herbs and chicken come together in this hands-off soup that cooks quickly in the Instant Pot. It’s a solid way to repurpose wild rice into a comforting meal without much work.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Kimchi Bacon Fried Rice

Kimchi and bacon add major flavor to this fried rice that cooks in a single pan. It works as a full meal or a bold side dish, and it’s a smart way to use leftover rice with ingredients you already have.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Bacon Fried Rice

Quick Rice Fritters

These fritters are ready in under 20 minutes and use rice and chopped veggies for a crispy, snackable bite. They’re great for stretching small amounts of leftover rice into something new.
Get the Recipe: Quick Rice Fritters

Pork Fried Rice

This one-pan dinner uses marinated pork, eggs and vegetables to turn day-old rice into a quick, filling meal. It’s fast to cook and tastes better than most takeout.
Get the Recipe: Pork Fried Rice

Deconstructed Sushi Salad Bowl

This sushi-inspired bowl uses rice as a base and stacks on fresh toppings like avocado, mango and sweet potato. It’s easier than rolling sushi and lets you use up leftover rice without reheating.
Get the Recipe: Deconstructed Sushi Salad Bowl

Casamiento

A classic rice and bean dish from El Salvador, this is filling on its own or with added protein. It works for lunch or dinner and holds up well for meal prep through the week.
Get the Recipe: Casamiento

Easy Egg Fried Rice

Ready in just 15 minutes, this fried rice is cooked with scrambled eggs and vegetables for a fast meal that tastes like takeout. It’s simple to pull together and great for a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Easy Egg Fried Rice

Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice

Garlic butter brings this fried rice to life with tender shrimp, chicken and fluffy rice in every bite. It’s a solid one-pan dinner with plenty of flavor and very little cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice

Easy Leftover Fried Rice

This fried rice makes good use of whatever’s left in your fridge, from vegetables to proteins. It’s fast, flexible and an easy way to get dinner done in about 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Leftover Fried Rice