30 Healthy Brown Rice Recipes We Adore

These healthy brown rice recipes are ideal for when you want to switch up your usual rice routine or need some new and exciting rice dinner ideas.

From simple sides to elaborate main dishes, these recipes with brown rice will have you cooking up a storm. 

Brown rice may not be much different in terms of calories, but it does have more fiber than white rice and is generally more nutritious.

So get ready to impress your friends and family with these delicious and healthy home-cooked meals.

Who knows? You may just find a new favorite recipe (or ten)!

How To Cook Brown Rice and More!

1. Brown Rice with Spinach and Parmesan Cheese

Brown rice is my favorite. It’s nutty, earthy, and has a satisfying chew that brings a bit of extra texture to your plate. 

But let’s be honest, sometimes, brown rice can be a little boring. So that’s where this recipe comes in! 

This brown rice and spinach dish showcases a simple yet elevated version of plain old rice.

I love the pop of green, and the Parmesan cheese brings an excellent sharpness to the dish. Use nutritional yeast for a vegan version.

2. Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice

This brown rice recipe is full of flavor and has just the right amount of spice.

Made with rice, garlic, onions, butter, soy sauce, parsley, and a blend of Texas spices, it’s ideal on the side of Texas Roadhouse chili.

I like to top it with some Parmesan cheese for extra flavor, but that’s totally optional.

Either way, this recipe is so easy to make and only needs a few minutes to prepare. And it’s just as good as the original!

3. Lemon Parmesan Brown Rice

This recipe is the perfect way to add some zesty flavor to your rice.

The lemon juice and Parmesan cheese offer a delicious tang, while the onions and bay leaves add a lovely depth of flavor. 

This dish is quick and easy, and it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So why not give it a try tonight? I guarantee you’ll love it!

4. Toasted Brown Rice with Mushrooms & Thyme Recipe

With its sophisticated flavor and elegant presentation, this dish is sure to impress.

But don’t let its fancy appearance fool you – this recipe is actually relatively easy to make. 

The key is to toast the rice with garlic in a hot pan before adding the mushrooms and thyme. 

This simple step gives the rice a nutty flavor and helps to prevent it from becoming mushy.

So if you’re looking for a show-stopping dinner party recipe, this one is a must-try.

5. Buttery Seasoned Rice

This is the perfect side dish for any meal! The recipe is so easy to make, and it only takes a few minutes to cook. 

The best part about it is that it’s so versatile. You can add whatever spices you like or keep it simple with salt and pepper.

I always make this recipe when I have leftover brown rice on my hands that I don’t want to waste.

6. Mexican Rice

Mexican rice is a dish that’s near and dear to my heart. It was one of the first rice recipes I learned to cook, and it’s always been a favorite. 

The key to making great Mexican rice is to use fresh ingredients.

For example, I like to use freshly diced tomatoes instead of tomato paste. I also add bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.

And, of course, no Mexican dish is complete without at least one tortilla and a side of scrumptious Mexican sauce.

7. Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Crockpot sides are always a hit in my house.

And this recipe is just what you need to enjoy a delicious and hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. 

You just need to prep a few simple ingredients, then you can let the slow cooker do all the work. 

And when dinner time comes, you’ll be rewarded with a flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

8. Korean Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

This Korean ground turkey recipe is full of flavor, and the lettuce wraps are a great way to get your greens in. 

Packed with lean ground turkey, Korean spices, and fresh veggies, these wraps will please even the pickiest of eaters.

And best of all, they’re ready in just 30 minutes!

9. Mediterranean Brown Rice Salad

This salad is jam-packed with flavorful ingredients like tomatoes, feta cheese, and arugula. 

It’s all healthy and nutritious, not to mention a feast for the eyes!

Mediterranean cuisine is known for being healthier than most, so you can feel good about serving this dish to your guests. 

And they’ll love it too! The mix of flavors and textures in this salad is simply irresistible. 

10. Fried Rice

Fried rice is a dish many people enjoy. It is simple to make and can be a great side dish or even a main course. 

Brown rice is terrific to use because it has a nutty flavor that goes well with the other ingredients. 

Sprinkle in some peas, carrots, garlic, onions, and eggs, and you get an irresistible meal that will disappear from your plate in minutes.

Serve it with a crispy fried egg on top, and you won’t need anything else.

11. Smoky Instant Pot Lentils and Rice

This is a fantastic recipe for busy weeknights. It’s a one-pot dish packed with protein and flavor, and it comes together so quickly. 

Plus, it’s packed with fiber and nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.

Just add all the ingredients to an Instant Pot and let it do the work for you. 

Soon enough, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal that will leave you feeling warm on the inside. 

12. Black Beans and Brown Rice

Here’s another dish that’s packed with nutrients and is perfect for vegetarians or those looking to eat more plant-based foods.

It’s easy to make and can be on the table in less than an hour. 

It’s also super healthy, loaded with protein and fiber, and can easily be made non-vegan by substituting the vegetable broth for chicken broth. Yum!

13. Vegetarian Meatloaf

This is the perfect recipe for anyone who’s looking to cut down on their meat consumption but still craves the comfort of the good, old meatloaf.

This loaf is packed with veggies, brown rice, and spices, and it’s sure to satisfy even the most die-hard meat-eaters.

14. Poke Bowl

This easy-to-make recipe only requires a few simple ingredients.

The best part about it is it’s extremely versatile and can be customized to your liking. 

You can add any protein you want and any vegetables or fruits you prefer.

You can also spice up this recipe by adding some hot sauce or salsa. I love the heat, but if you like it mild, that’s up to you.

15. Vegan Stuffed Squash with Brown Rice and Mushrooms

This recipe is a beautiful way to enjoy a fall-favorite vegetable. 

The squash is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, mushrooms, and spices, then baked to perfection.

This dish is yummy and filling yet still light and healthy. Talk about a win-win!

16. Brown Rice Sushi Bowl

Love sushi but hate the price tag? Then this recipe is for you!

It’s easy to make, and you can customize it with your favorite toppings. 

Brown rice is simmered in a zesty dressing, then topped with avocado, nori, and tofu. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi for a delicious and healthy meal.

17. Veggie Burger

Looking for a delicious veggie burger recipe? Look no further! 

Simply combine all the patty ingredients and some flavorful spices. Then form the mixture into patties and cook until browned on both sides. 

Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

18. Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls

This recipe is so simple that even the most inexperienced cook can make it. And it’s sure to please the pickiest of eaters. 

The beef is cooked with a Korean-style sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and savory all at the same time. 

I like to finish the dish with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds. But if I’m really hungry, I like it with pickled vegetables and a simple cucumber salad.

19. Dirty Brown Rice with Shrimp

This is the kind of meal you want on a gloomy day when you feel a little grim.

As the name suggests, it’s not a “pretty” dish. But that’s the whole appeal!

And trust me, the flavors will cure any sour mood. It’s comforting and filling and especially great after a night on the town. 

20. Turkey (or Chicken) and Brown Rice Soup

This soup is brimming with nutritious ingredients, including lean protein, brown rice, and vegetables.

The brown rice gives it a nice chewy texture, making a world of difference if you ask me.  

I like to make a big batch of this soup on the weekend and then enjoy it for lunch or dinner all week. It even freezes well!

21. Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe with Ground Beef and Brown Rice

As any cook knows, stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and easy way to feed a crowd. 

This recipe is a twist on the classic dish, using ground beef and brown rice instead of the usual white rice. 

Feel free to add your favorite spices or vegetables to make it your own – I always like to experiment!

22. Brown Rice Burrito Bowl

 This dish is full of flavor, thanks to the addition of brown rice, black beans, corn, salsa, and avocado. 

I like to top mine with some cotija cheese too. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try it with spicy grilled chicken or shrimp. 

23. Brown Rice with Quinoa 

This is the perfect recipe for anyone who is looking to add a little bit of excitement to their dinner rotation. 

Not only is it healthy and delicious, but it is also packed with nutrients that will help you stay fuller longer. 

Brown rice is a terrific source of complex carbohydrates, while quinoa provides a good dose of protein.

This dish is also packed with vitamins and minerals, so don’t wait and get cooking!

24. Cheesy Brussels Sprouts and Wild Rice Casserole

The savory cheese sauce and crispy topping make this yummy dish irresistible. Meanwhile, the Brussels sprouts and brown rice give it a nutrient-packed punch.

And because it’s so easy to make, you can enjoy this holiday meal stress-free!

25. Kimchi Brown Rice Bliss Bowls

This dish is overloaded with flavor, and its colorful presentation is sure to brighten any table. 

The key to success is to get the balance of ingredients right.

So, the kimchi should be heated just enough to release its flavors, while the rice should be cooked al dente to absorb the kimchi’s deliciousness.

26. Vegan Chimichangas

This recipe is so good that you would never know it’s vegan!

Packed with beans, rice, and vegetables, these burritos are wrapped in a crispy tortilla and served with a delicious avocado dipping sauce.

It’s so good, you won’t even miss the meat!

27. Southwest Lentil and Brown Rice Casserole

This casserole has plenty of protein-rich lentils and whole-grain brown rice. But you’ll love the Southwest-inspired blend of spices the most.

Just toss everything into a pot or slow cooker, and you’re done.

The hardest part will be waiting for it to finish cooking. Trust me, it’s worth the wait. 

28. Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowl

The key to this brown rice recipe is all in the sauce.

A great Teriyaki sauce should be both sweet and savory, with a touch of acidity to balance out the flavors.

The rice is cooked in this delicious teriyaki sauce and then topped with shredded turkey, fresh vegetables, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. 

Buy the sauce pre-made, and it’s a breeze to whip this dinner up.

29. Healthy Chicken & Shrimp Paella

This is a lightened-up version of the classic Spanish dish with the same great flavors but much lower in calories.

Plus, it’s super easy to make! 

Simply sauté the chicken and shrimp, then add the rice, vegetables, and seasoning. Yum!

30. Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice (Vegan)

Starving but don’t have the energy to cook? Try this quick and easy red beans and rice dinner.

Just throw all the ingredients in the pot and let it do its thing. In less than an hour, you’ll have a delicious meal packed with protein and fiber.

And best of all, it’s totally vegan!