16 Leftover Rice Recipes for Quick and Satisfying Meals

Break out your rice cooker! There’s no such thing as overdoing it when it comes to cooking rice. That’s because a leftover container in the fridge will be your entry point to all sorts of fun meals, from simple and quick working lunches at home to elaborate treats (see: fried rice arancini). Some of our favorites, like fried rice, actually work better with day-old rice, so go ahead and add an extra cup or two next time you’re having rice for dinner. Need a few ideas to get you started? We've got plenty, starting with this family favorite. Trisha takes all the classic components of a chicken and rice casserole but layers them, which gives it an unexpected little boost of visual and textural interest.

Ree turns bell peppers into a complete meal with a filling that includes ground beef, rice and cheese. This meal is elegant enough for company but comforting enough for a family dinner.

Ree takes a Hawaiian favorite—gingery fried rice studded with chunks of salty SPAM—and zhuzhes it up even more with a spicy sesame barbecue aioli drizzle.

That homey aroma of tender cabbage stuffed with tomato, rice and ground beef is as warming as a hug.