31 Tasty Rice Cooker Recipes For Fuss-Free Meal Planning

Some easy rice cooker meals include- spaghetti bolognese, butternut squash risotto, chicken drumsticks, chili, polenta, paella, taco soup, and bread.

If you’re looking for something sweet, try pancakes, banana bread, yogurt, cinnamon apples, and rice pudding. 

I love it when you get the most out of a kitchen tool; that’s why these rice cooker recipes are my latest obsession. Gone are the days when you’d pull out your rice cooker once a month.

Instead, it now has a permanent place on my countertop thanks to its versatility. 

I’ve made cakes, ribs, chicken drumsticks, and even bread in this magic machine, and so can you! These recipes work in a rice cooker, instant pot, or crock pot, so plug yours in and get cooking. 

Quick Table: Rice Cooker Recipes

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Instant Pot Beef Plov	502	50 Min
Rice Cooker Oatmeal	150	15 Min
Rice Cooker Fluffy Cake	340	40 Min
Rice Cooker Pancakes	222	55 Min
Rice Cooker Yogurt	118	8 Hrs 5 Min
Rice Cooker Cinnamon Apples	133	10 Min
Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese	300	35 Min
Rice Cooker Salmon Bowl	449	17 Min
Butternut Squash Risotto	255	4hrs 10 min
Ginger Chicken Drumsticks	353	25 min
Creamy Rice Cooker Polenta	275	3 Hrs 35 Min
Instant Pot Shrimp Paella	882	30 Min
Rice Cooker Black Beans	114	1 Hr 30 Min
Weeknight Fried Rice	320	50 Min
Rice Cooker Hard Boiled Eggs	155	21 Min
Rice Cooker Banana Bread	326	1 Hr 30 Min
Rice Cooker Split Pea Dal	344	4 Hrs
Rice Cooker Steamed Veggies	N/A	15 Min
Rice Cooker Veggie Frittata	203	30 Min
Pineapple Upside Down Cake	366	1 Hr 30 Min
Rice Cooker Bread	160	45 Min
Rice Cooker Quinoa	344	25 Min
Rice Cooker Jambalaya	393	25 Min
Rice Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese	341	23 Min
Rice Cooker Taco Soup	294	1 Hr 15 Min
Rice Cooker Chili	340	3Hrs 40 Min
Rice Cooker Spanish Rice	180	40 Min
Smothered Potatoes and Sausage	360	55 Min
Chicken and Mushroom Rice	304	1 Hr
Ribs and Rice	652	1 Hr 35 Min
Rice Cooker Rice Pudding	111	35 Min

1. Pot Beef Plov 

This one-pot meal is a hearty celebration known as plov. This version is made with brown rice in place of white as brown rice takes longer to cook, giving the beef time to tenderize. 

Fry your beef in the pot until the liquids evaporate, and the meat gets brown. The carrots, garlic, and spices sauteed in butter pack quite the flavor punch, and the brown rice will keep you and your family full for hours. 

Calories Per Serving: 502

Preparation Time: 50 Min

2. Cooker Oatmeal 

If you’re like me, you’ve had issues cooking steel-cut oats. They’re so hearty that they need extra attention, which is why they’re best tackled with your rice cooker. 

The secret to perfectly cooked steel-cut oats is to set your rice cooker to the “brown rice” or “porridge” setting. Let it cook for around 15 minutes, serve with fresh fruit or your favorite oat dressing and enjoy. 

Calories Per Serving: 150

Preparation Time: 15 Min 

3. Cooker Fluffy Cake 

Yes, you can make cake in a rice cooker. I wish I’d known this in college. Fluffy chocolate cake topped with powdered sugar is just what you need. Moist and egg free, it works well for those with diet restrictions. 

You can make the cake from scratch, but a box mix works just as well if you’re in a hurry. In fact, box mixed brownies taste amazing when made in a rice cooker. 

Calories Per Serving: 340 

Preparation Time: 40 Min 

4. Rice Cooker Pancakes 

If you’ve always wanted to try the trendy fluffy Japanese pancake but could never get the method right, your rice cooker is the perfect cheat code. It’s as simple as mixing your batter, coating the cooker in some oil, and letting it bake for 45 minutes. 

Flip the pancake over to get that golden brown finish once it’s cooked. You’ll find a crispy, evenly brown bottom. Serve with syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruits. 

Calories Per Serving: 222

Preparation Time: 55 Min 

5. Rice Cooker Yogurt 

I’d never thought of making yogurt at home, but it’s easier than you think. You’ll need pasteurized milk, yogurt (for the starter), and sweetening, which is optional.

Sweetened condensed milk is a great sweetener option; just make sure you mix until fully incorporated.  

Add your ingredients to the pot and set for 8-9 hours of cooking time. Some instant cookers have a yogurt setting, so click that if yours does. 

Calories Per Serving: 118

Preparation Time: 8 Hrs 5 Min 

6. Rice Cooker Cinnamon Apples 

Gooey, warm, and bursting with cinnamon goodness, these apples are the perfect topping for ice cream, pies, cake, or your instant pot yogurt! You could quickly turn these apples into a chunky adult version of the classic applesauce we grew up with. 

The recipe calls for walnuts, but you can use your favorite nut. I personally like the crunch and flavor that comes with pecans and peanuts. 

Calories Per Serving: 133

Preparation Time: 10 Min 

7. Rice Cooker Mac And Cheese 

This mac and cheese recipe is as simple as it gets. Toss your ingredients in, set it and forget it! Let the rice cooker do the rest. You can use mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese blend. I like the tang of Monterey jack mixed with cheddar. 

When it comes to pasta, go for the short form kind. Fusilli, macaroni, rotini, and farelle work best, as they don’t get in the way of the cheesy, bubbly process. 

Calories Per Serving: 300

Preparation Time: 35 Min 

8. Rice Cooker Salmon Bowl 

Rice bowls have always been a staple source of flavor and energy in East Asia. Still, they’ve grown in popularity worldwide, given their taste, versatility, and simple ingredients.

You can make this entire rice bowl in the cooker, down to the crispy salmon. 

The result is short-grain rice loaded with mayo, soy sauce, Sriracha, avocado, cucumber, and furikake seasoning, which you can find in any Asian store. Add the salmon and avocado on top, and enjoy. 

Calories Per Serving: 449

Preparation Time: 17 Min 

RELATED: 15 Amazing Chicken With Chile Cheese Rice Recipes

9. Butternut Squash Risotto

No matter the time of year, butternut squash is always worth a try. I was excited to learn that it works exceptionally well in a risotto. Risotto can be intimidating, but this version is accessible. 

Butternut squash, sage, and parmesan cheese combine to create this slow-cooked delicacy. There’s no stirring involved, either. For best results, use short-grain brown rice. 

Calories Per Serving: 255

Preparation Time: 4 Hrs 10 Min 

10. Ginger Chicken Drumsticks 

Tastier than barbecued chicken and softer than a cloud, these ginger chicken drumsticks fall right off the bone and take only 25 minutes to cook. 

The secret to that sticky sweet umami flavor lies in the rice vinegar. It melds with soy sauce and ginger, creating a sauce that melts into the chicken seamlessly. 

Calories Per Serving: 353

Preparation Time: 25 Min 

11. Creamy Rice Cooker Polenta 

Polenta is a famous Italian starch usually accompanied by meat, vegetables, or fish. If you’ve ever made it, then you know there’s an ideal texture and consistency that can be difficult to achieve.

You get the best polenta with the least effort with a rice cooker. 

This lump-free polenta needs milk, water, salt, cheese, and of course, polenta. Let it cook low and slow for about 3 and a half hours or until it’s creamy and bubbly. 

Calories Per Serving: 275

Preparation Time: 3 Hrs 35 Min 

12. Instant Pot Shrimp Paella 

Rice cookers are known for making plain rice, but you can spice things up with this Spanish favorite. Paella is traditionally made with mussels and clams.

This recipe skips the shellfish and uses chorizo sausage, jumbo shrimp, fresh bell peppers, and saffron.  

For a light and airy paella, use long grain rice, and don’t let the shrimp cook for too long. Set the timer to 25 minutes, which is just enough time. 

Calories Per Serving: 882

Preparation Time: 30 Min 

13. Rice Cooker Black Beans 

Hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein, black beans are an underrated meal option. Try this rice cooker version to take the guesswork out of proper bean preparation. 

To make things better, you only need four ingredients. Black beans, onion, water, and salt. That’s it. The black beans are so flavorful that they shine through the simple method. 

Calories Per Serving: 114

Preparation Time: 1 Hr 30 Min 

14. Weeknight Fried Rice 

There’s no way I’d skip this classic takeout dish. However, sometimes you need a simple fried rice mix with your chicken, fish, or steak. To get takeout-worthy fried rice, use cold-cooked rice. The warm version doesn’t work as well and might get mushy. 

1.5 cups of rice will make 4 cups of cooked rice, so adjust your portions according to the number of people you’ll be serving.  

Calories Per Serving: 320

Preparation Time: 50 Min 

15. Rice Cooker Hard Boiled Eggs

Perfectly boiled eggs are not only tasty, but they’re easy to peel. That’s why the rice cooker version delivers evenly cooked eggs perfect for making deviled eggs. Place the eggs in the tray and let them steam from the water below. 

The eggs never overcook or get that gray line near the yolk. To peel the eggs, place them in ice water until they cool, then crack the tops and peel as usual. 

Calories Per Serving: 155

Preparation Time: 21 Min 

16. Rice Cooker Banana Bread

Get the ripest bananas you can find. In fact, if they’re brown on the outside, the better. You can put your yellow bananas in the oven for a few minutes to achieve this.  

I love banana bread, so I was stunned to realize that you can make it in a rice cooker. You get the same crunchy crust and soft center that comes with an oven bake. In 90 minutes, you’ll have your banana bread warm and ready. 

Calories Per Serving: 326

Preparation Time: 90 Min 

RELATED: 15 Beef And Rice Recipes You Can Make Now

17. Rice Cooker Split Pea Dal 

This creamy, classic Indian dish calls for vibrant yellow split peas, garlic, cumin, turmeric, yellow onions, red pepper, and lemon. With these simple ingredients, you’ll have a vegan and vegetarian-friendly dinner or light lunch ready and waiting to be devoured. 

You can add more nutritious veggies to your meal by freshly steamed broccoli or cauliflower. 

Calories Per Serving: 344

Preparation Time: 4 Hrs

18. Rice Cooker Steamed Veggies

Yes, it’s time to unlock your rice cooker’s full potential. That steaming tool that you’d tucked away gets to shine with these fresh veggies. There’s no oil needed, so it’s a super healthy way to prepare your produce. 

Simply add some water to the bottom of the pot and place your steamer on top. Then, add your favorite veggies and let it steam. 

Calories Per Serving: N/A

Preparation Time: 15 Min 

19. Rice Cooker Veggie Frittata

Frittatas are a fantastic breakfast option, but it can be hard to get the perfect cooking temperature if you’re new to making them. So toss your ingredients in a rice cooker and get a creamy, fluffy frittata full of spring and summer veggies. 

I go for veggies that don’t have as much water, like green peppers, leeks, and zucchini. 

Calories Per Serving: 203 

Preparation Time: 30 Min 

20. Pineapple Upside Down Cake 

Yet another stunning cake recipe that seems like it was made for the rice cooker! Get some pineapples, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and pineapple juice. Mix your batter and add the pineapples first, followed by the batter. Set for 1 hour. 

Thanks to the Teflon pot, you don’t have to worry about your pineapple and brown sugar mix sticking to the pan like you would with an oven-baked cake. Instead, the cake slips out with no effort. 

Calories Per Serving: 366

Preparation Time: 1 Hr 30 Min

21. Rice Cooker Bread

Yes, bread is on the list, and it’s so fluffy and sweet that you’ll never want to rebuy the store version. These milky-enriched buns benefit from the steamy environment created by the cooker, resulting in an airy bun. 

Since there is no bread setting on a rice cooker, hit the “quick cook” button to achieve the right texture. Thanks to the oil, you’ll accomplish that brown exterior. 

Calories Per Serving: 160

Preparation Time: 45 Min 

22. Rice Cooker Quinoa 

Looking to switch up your starch this week? Try some quinoa. It’s tasty, textured, and cooks beautifully in a rice cooker. Quinoa goes well with chicken, beef, or steamed veggies. 

Remember that quinoa triples in size, so you should cook around 2.5 cups if you have an 8-cup cooker. Next, rinse your quinoa to remove the natural bitterness from the outer coating. 

Calories Per Serving: 344

Preparation Time: 25 Min 

23. Rice Cooker Jambalaya 

Jambalaya is a pretty intimidating rice dish, but this version takes out all the fuss with only five ingredients and a simple preparation process. You’ll need spiced sausage, french onion soup, water, diced tomatoes, black-eyed peas, and rice. 

Toss your ingredients in the cooker, mix and leave to cook for 25 minutes. Boom, you’ve got a cajun treat packed with flavor. 

Calories Per Serving: 393

Preparation Time: 25 Min 

24. Rice Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti bolognese is a treasured meal for two reasons, taste and simplicity. First, it’s one of the most leisurely Italian meals to pull together, and the rice cooker takes out any stress. You can use ground beef, turkey, or chicken for the sauce.

If you’re vegetarian, skip the meat entirely. You’ll still get a chunky sauce rich in flavor. Sprinkle it with parmesan and serve with some crispy garlic bread. 

Calories Per Serving: 341

Preparation Time: 23 Min 

RELATED: Sweet Rice Flour – the Best Alternative Substitutes!

25. Rice Cooker Taco Soup 

Try this stunning soup when you’re craving the salty, savory spice of a taco. It’s a simple, kid-friendly alternative to messy taco Tuesday. All you need is some kernel corn, black beans, broth, brown rice, carrots, and, if you choose, ground beef. 

Cook the beef off first if you decide to add it, and let the soup cook for around 45 min. Sprinkle your bowls of soup with shredded cheese and add a side of tortilla chips. 

Calories Per Serving: 294

Preparation Time: 1 Hr 15 Min 

26. Rice Cooker Chili 

Get ready for a comfort meal unlike any other. Nothing beats a hot bowl of ground beef, beans, tomato sauce, spicy seasoning, and caramelized onions. That’s all possible with a rice cooker. 

Top your chili with a scoop of sour cream, cheese, and cilantro.  

Calories Per Serving: 340

Preparation Time: 3 Hrs 40 Min 

27. Rice Cooker Spanish Rice 

The Spaniards have perfected the art of flavorful rice. Smoked paprika, bubbling tomato sauce, and long grain rice make for the perfect, slightly soupy rice. Add some chili powder, dried onions, green pepper, diced chilis, and cumin for extra taste.  

To keep the rice slightly soupy, check it every 15 minutes and add water if it’s a little dry.   

Calories Per Serving: 180 

Preparation Time: 40 Min 

28. Smothered Potatoes And Sausage

Looking for a budget-friendly savory breakfast option? These smothered sausage and potatoes are an easy addition to your mornings. When it comes to potatoes, any works fine, but I like russet, Idaho, or red skin. 

After sauteing the onions and herbs in butter, add the potatoes and sausage and cook under the “white rice setting.” Breakfast is served! 

Calories Per Serving: 360

Preparation Time: 55 Min 

29. Hicken And Mushroom Rice 

There’s so much to unpack when it comes to this tasty dish. Tender mushrooms, fresh herbs, and savory chicken, it’s all delicious! When you add the spiced Chinese sausage and ginger, you’ve got a meal you’ll never get bored of. 

To double up on flavor, marinade your chicken for a few hours or, if possible, overnight. If you’re using dried mushrooms, be sure to soak them in water before cooking. 

Calories Per Serving: 304

Preparation Time: 1 Hr

30. Ribs And Rice 

Ribs aren’t just for the grill anymore. You can achieve tender, golden brown ribs with a rice cooker and a little patience.

Be sure to brown your meat before placing it in the rice cooker. This will eliminate any excess liquid, render the fat and give you that desired brown tint. 

Calories Per Serving: 652

Preparation Time: 1 Hr 35 Min 

31. Rice Cooker Rice Pudding  

Sweet, sticky, and comforting, rice pudding is a treat everybody should try at least once. The authentic vanilla bean adds an element of decadence that can’t be substituted. You can find vanilla beans at most baking specialty shops. 

You can have yours plain or drizzled with honey, but I like to add cocoa powder to mine for a more prosperous, indulgent taste. 

Calories Per Serving: 111

Preparation Time: 35 Min 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Else Can I Cook In A Rice Cooker? 

From sweet desserts to savory dinners, many rice cooker-friendly recipes exist. Some favorites include pancakes, ribs, oatmeal, bread rolls, banana bread, polenta, eggs, and spaghetti. 

You can even make a cake, as you’ve seen on this list. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new recipes and different flavors. You’d be surprised at what you can make with this simple machine. 

How Can I Make My Rice Cooker Meal Flavorful? 

To add more flavor to your rice cooker meal, try adding your seasoning while caramelizing the onions before incorporating the main ingredient. When making fried rice, brown the veggies, onions, and spices in light oil before adding the water and rice. 

The spices will adhere to the rice and veggies, making a savory, flavorful dish. You can also add some tomato paste and soy sauce, a form of sodium that adds umami. 

What Size Rice Cooker Should I Get? 

This depends on your daily needs and how much rice you consume. For single-person households, the smaller the rice cooker, the better. You’ll be able to make portioned meals that won’t leave you with too many leftovers. 

If you are a family of three or more, investing in an instant pot or large rice cooker is best. Then, you won’t have to make three pots and will be able to effectively plan your family’s meals.