20 Hearty Rice Casseroles That Make Dinner Simple

Rice casseroles are the ultimate easy meal because you just toss everything into one dish and then bake it until it is done. They are also super flexible and work with whatever kind of meat or vegetables you already have in your kitchen. When you need something that is filling and does not take a lot of effort, these recipes are a great choice. From cheesy classics to new ideas, there is a rice casserole for every taste.

This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole

A wooden bowl filled with creamy chicken and wild rice soup garnished with fresh herbs. The hearty dish shows a mix of tender chicken pieces, wild rice, and creamy broth, topped with a sprig of green herbs. The background includes scattered ingredients. — Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

You can turn leftover turkey into a whole new meal with this Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole. The wild rice adds a nice nutty flavor, and using the pressure cooker makes the whole process super fast so you can have dinner ready in very little time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

A white baking dish filled with a creamy broccoli casserole topped with melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. A serving spoon rests on the edge of the dish, ready to scoop out portions. The casserole is a mix of broccoli florets, cheese, and a crunchy topping. — Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and rice bake up together in a creamy sauce for this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. The buttery cracker crumbs on top add the perfect crunchy texture, making it a classic dish for a good reason because it is simple, filling, and always popular.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Cheesy Tuna Rice Casserole

A glass baking dish filled with a cheesy casserole garnished with green herbs sits on a light-colored surface. A large wooden spoon and metal serving utensils are placed beside the dish. — Cheesy Tuna Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Mae’s Menu.

This Cheesy Tuna Rice Casserole swaps noodles for rice and smothers flaky tuna and veggies in a homemade cheese sauce. It is just as cozy and comforting as the classic version you might know but is even easier to throw together on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Tuna Rice Casserole

Creamy Chicken Pea Skillet with Rice (One Pan!)

A bowl of creamy rice dish with chunks of chicken, green peas, and herbs. The dish appears to be savory with a rich texture, served in a green and white bowl placed on a rustic wooden table. — Creamy Chicken Pea Skillet with Rice (One Pan!). Photo credit: Platein28.

Everything cooks together in just one pan for this Creamy Chicken Pea Skillet with Rice, which makes cleanup very easy afterward. The peas add little pops of sweetness to the dish, and the rice soaks up all of the rich and creamy sauce for a simple weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Pea Skillet with Rice (One Pan!)

Mushroom Gruyere Chicken and Rice Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with a creamy and cheesy pasta topped with sliced mushrooms and garnished with almond slivers. The dish is placed on a marble surface alongside whole mushrooms, celery stalks, and a halved red onion. A serving spoon rests in the dish. — Mushroom Gruyere Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Mushroom Gruyere Chicken and Rice Casserole gets its rich and deep flavor from the earthy mushrooms and the melty cheese. The chicken stays very juicy while it bakes, making it a hearty meal that feels a little bit fancy without being complicated to put together at all.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gruyere Chicken and Rice Casserole

Gluten-Free Brown Rice Stuffing Casserole

A white bowl filled with a mixed rice dish, featuring chunky pieces of celery, carrots, cranberries, onions, and wild rice. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and cranberries contrast with the earthy tones of the rice. — Gluten-Free Brown Rice Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: Strength and Sunshine.

With chewy brown rice, sweet cranberries, and savory herbs, this Gluten-Free Brown Rice Stuffing Casserole tastes like a special holiday meal. It is easy enough to make on any regular night, especially if you need something that is friendly for people with food allergies.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Brown Rice Stuffing Casserole

Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole

A serving of broccoli and cheese casserole on a white plate next to a casserole dish with more of the dish. The casserole is topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. A striped kitchen towel and a few scattered nuts are also visible on the table. — Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole. Photo credit: A Plantiful Path.

Creamy without any dairy, this Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole uses nutritional yeast to get a cheesy and satisfying flavor. The broccoli stays crisp-tender instead of getting mushy, and the rice soaks up all the goodness, making it a dish that even non-vegans will love.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole

Vegan Sushi Bake

A square bowl of sushi bake containing a colorful mix of sliced avocado, julienned carrots, cucumber, and mayonnaise drizzle, garnished with black sesame seeds. A side dish with sliced green vegetables and nori sheets is placed next to it on a white surface. — Vegan Sushi Bake. Photo credit: Nuts & Twigs.

All your favorite sushi flavors come together in layers for this fun Vegan Sushi Bake that has rice, avocado, and plant-based “fish.” No rolling is required at all because you just scoop it and enjoy, making it a fresh and modern twist on the usual rice casserole.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sushi Bake

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

A close-up of a creamy, cheesy rice dish garnished with finely chopped fresh parsley. The texture is rich and indulgent, with visible grains of rice and a luscious sauce. — Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: The Cookin’ Chicks.

You really cannot go wrong with this Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole because it is the absolute definition of simple comfort food. The creamy sauce keeps everything in the dish moist and delicious, and the cheese on top makes it completely irresistible for a reliable family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Vegan Casserole with Rice

A bowl of creamy rice mixed with slices of mushrooms, green peas, corn, and pieces of chicken. The dish is garnished with fresh parsley and a spoon is placed in the bowl. The wooden table setting provides a rustic backdrop. — Vegan Casserole with Rice. Photo credit: Serene Trail.

Smoky vegan sausage and lots of mushrooms make this Vegan Casserole with Rice a seriously satisfying and filling meal. The creamy sauce ties all the ingredients together perfectly, proving that plant-based meals can be just as comforting and delicious as any other kind of casserole.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Casserole with Rice

Lemon Chickpea and Rice Casserole

A rectangular blue baking dish filled with a baked dish of rice, green peas, chickpeas, and garnished with sliced lemons. The mixture is evenly spread out and appears lightly baked, with the ingredients maintaining their distinct colors and textures. — Lemon Chickpea and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Strength and Sunshine.

Bright lemon flavor and hearty chickpeas give this Lemon Chickpea and Rice Casserole a fresh and light taste that is really enjoyable. It is packed with protein but still feels easy to eat, which is perfect for nights when you want something healthy but not boring.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Chickpea and Rice Casserole

Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake

Close-up of a baked sushi casserole topped with a drizzle of spicy mayo, eel sauce, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds. The dish is presented in a clear glass baking dish, showcasing its golden-brown surface and colorful toppings. — Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake. Photo credit: The Food Blog.

If you love sushi but hate the work of rolling it, this Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake is a great solution. It layers rice with a spicy mayo and salmon to give you all the classic flavor without any of the usual work, making for a fun and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake

Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

A serving of cheesy broccoli and rice casserole sits on a stack of three white plates with a fork. The dish is garnished with fresh herbs. Behind it, similar yellow casserole and green bean dishes are visible. A gray and white cloth napkin is in the foreground. — Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Bowl Me Over.

This Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is pure comfort food with its seasoned beef, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese all baked together. The ranch mix in it gives the whole dish a zesty kick that makes it much more interesting than just plain rice and meat.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Spanish Rice with Ground Beef

A dish featuring seasoned ground meat mixed with rice and vegetables is garnished with avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkling of chopped fresh herbs. A fork rests on the side of the plate. — Spanish Rice with Ground Beef. Photo credit: Missin the Kitchen.

Seasoned beef cooks right into the rice for maximum flavor in this Spanish Rice with Ground Beef casserole. It is ready very fast but tastes like you spent hours working on it, making it the perfect weeknight lifesaver when you need something easy and good.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice with Ground Beef

Italian Farro

A pan filled with a tomato-based dish containing white beans, greens, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese are on the side. The assorted ingredients create a colorful and textured appearance. — Italian Farro. Photo credit: Elle & Pear.

Farro, broccoli, and white beans all soak up a rich tomato sauce in this hearty Italian Farro casserole. Topped with creamy burrata cheese, it is like a warm and cheesy hug in a dish and a great change of pace if you are tired of regular rice.
Get the Recipe: Italian Farro

Ham and Rice Casserole

A white plate features a serving of creamy chicken and potato casserole topped with golden breadcrumbs. Peas are visible within the casserole. The plate includes a fresh side salad with red cherry tomatoes and mixed leafy greens. A fork rests on the plate’s edge. — Ham and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Beyond the Chicken Coop.

Packed with salty ham and sweet green peas, this Ham and Rice Casserole is all about simple and satisfying flavors. A crispy panko topping adds a nice crunch to the creamy rice underneath, making it a no-fuss dish that everyone will probably ask for seconds of.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Rice Casserole

Shrimp and Rice Casserole

Plump shrimp and the classic mix of peppers, onion, and celery make this Shrimp and Rice Casserole taste like a coastal meal. The creamy rice soaks up all the delicious seafood flavors for a dish that seems a little fancy but is actually very easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Rice Casserole

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of creamy, cheesy casserole sits on a white surface. The dish contains shredded chicken and is topped with melted cheese. A fork rests inside the bowl, ready to be used. Small green garnish pieces are sprinkled around the bowls in the background. — Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: The Forked Spoon.

Chewy wild rice and shredded chicken bake in a creamy sauce for this Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole. Topped with a layer of melted cheese, it is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own and is the definition of simple and satisfying comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

Corn and Rice Casserole

A rectangular baking dish filled with cheesy corn casserole, partially scooped out to reveal a creamy texture. The casserole features visible pieces of corn and a golden, slightly browned top. The dish is placed on a beige towel with a textured pattern. — Corn and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: My Kitchen Serenity.

Sweet corn and fluffy rice bake up together in a creamy and comforting mixture for this Corn and Rice Casserole. It is a simple side dish that goes with everything you can think of, from grilled chicken to barbecue, and any leftovers taste even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Corn and Rice Casserole

Cornbread and Wild Rice Dressing

Close-up of a slice of wild rice stuffing topped with sprigs of fresh rosemary. The dish showcases a mix of brown and black wild rice grains layered over a base, giving it a textured and appetizing appearance. The stuffing is garnished with additional rosemary. — Cornbread and Wild Rice Dressing. Photo credit: Missin the Kitchen.

This Cornbread and Wild Rice Dressing mixes soft cornbread with chewy wild rice for a texture that you will really love. It is hearty enough to be a main dish all by itself but also works great as a side, and it is way better than boring stuffing.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread and Wild Rice Dressing