40 Rice recipes that take humble arroz to the next level

Rice is an incredibly versatile ingredient with the bonus of being naturally gluten-free. It's a staple in many kitchens, but how many of us are really taking advantage of its versatility? We're guessing that not enough of us, which is why we've put together this fantastic collection of rice recipes. 

More from MamásLatinas: 40 Great oatmeal recipes that we love

Remember that rice doesn't always have to be a filler on the plate, as you'll see when you go through the selection we've curated for you. Rice can be a side dish, a dessert, or the main attraction of any meal.

Leftover rice fritters, to make sure nothing goes to waste.

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How many times do you have rice leftovers that never get eaten? Don't waste that leftover rice–turn it into a whole new meal with these yummy fritters.

Get the full recipe.

Chicken fried rice albondigas are fun and different.

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Albondigas with a chicken fried rice twist! So fun, creative and scrumptious. 

Get the full recipe at Mama Latina Tips.

Arroz a la mexicana, a staple in many Latino households.

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A staple in most Mexican kitchens, inhaling the smell of this rice while it's cooking is almost as satisfying as eating the finished product.

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Chipotle rice with crema mexicana is the perfect comfort food.

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A simple and comforting dish that is creamy with a kick. 

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Rice with pumpkin and bacon pieces for a quick of flavor!

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Bacon and pumpkin give this risotto its distinctive flavor profile.

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Traditional Cuban black beans and rice everybody loves.

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Also known as moros y cristianos, black beans and rice should be something that every cook knows how to make.

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Rice with vegetables and pork sausage and nothing more.

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This is an entire meal. It's got sausage, rice, and veggies all in one dish.

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Savory rice pudding like you've never tasted before.

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Oh my gatos, it's like rice and cheese got married and lived happily ever after in your mouth.

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Brown rice with a Latin twist anyone would like.

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Brown rice can be basic without being bland or boring.

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Abuela's arroz con leche recipe is to die for.

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Everything should taste as good and be made with as much love as abuela's arroz con leche. 

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Mexican chocolate rice pudding is like nothing you've tasted before.

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Arroz con leche is nice and so is arroz con leche with Mexican chocolate.

Get the full recipe at La Cocina de Leslie.

Wild and basmati rice stuffing with cranberries and apples you can eat anytime.

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It doesn't have to be Thanksgiving and you don't even need to eat it with turkey because this "stuffing" is great all year round.

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Arroz con crema y elote is a yummy option you'll want to make for your family.

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The addition of a little Mexican crema or sour cream gives this rice and corn a little sumthin' sumthin'.

Get the full recipe at La Cocina de Leslie.

Bacon fried rice is perfect for all the tocino lovers out there.

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Bacon! Need we say more? 

Get the full recipe at La Cocina de Leslie.

Poblano rice has a flavor you won't forget.

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Get ready to roast Poblano chiles right on your stovetop.

Get the full recipe at La Cocina de Leslie.

Albondigas en salsa chipotle over white rice.

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Saucy albondigas served over rice to soak up all that tantalizing flavor. 

Get the full recipe at The Other Side of the Tortilla.

Rice pudding with pomegranate syrup.

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Pomegranate syrup made from scratch paired with arborio rice pudding. 

Get the full recipe at MyRecipes. com.

Italian rice balls will be loved by all!

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Golden, crispy savory rice balls that are sure to be a hit with all ages. 

Get the full recipe at AllRecipes.com.

Frijol con puerco goes perfectly with white rice.

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Pressure cooker enthusiasts, this pork and beans recipe is for you. It's perfect served over white rice.

Get the recipe at The Other Side of the Tortilla.

Mexican rice with shrimp for those days you don't want meat.

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Perfect for Lent or whenever you don't want to eat red meat, pork or chicken.

Get the recipe at Spanglish Spoon.

Stuffed artichokes with lemon rice is a versatile dish.

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A large artichoke cut in half and stuffed with rice can be an appetizer or an entrée.

Get the full recipe at Cookistry.

Rice stuffed bell peppers for a colorful meal.

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You can choose any color bell pepper for this recipe. 

Get the recipe from Taste of Home.

Black rice paella is a savory twist on the one you know and love.

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Squid ink is what gives this black paella its color. 

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Arroz con pollo y frijoles made in one pot.

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Adding beans to arroz con pollo makes for a hearty one pot meal. 

Get the recipe from La Cocina de Leslie.

One pot Greek chicken and lemon rice.

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Think of this as the Greek variation of arroz con pollo. 

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Red beans and rice for a super tasty and healthy meal.

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The truth is that red beans and rice is always nice. 

Get the full recipe at Epicurious.

Vegetable biryani from India.

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Biryani is a spicy and seasoned Indian rice dish that works wonderfully with all kinds of vegetables.

Get the recipe from Food Network.

Spicy pilaf with Cajun chickpeas is a dish you should try.

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Spicy garbanzo beans for the win!

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Piña colada arroz con leche, need I say more?

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"If you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain," then this recipe will drive you insane. 

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Pineapple fried rice has a tropical taste you won't be able to resist.

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Fresh pineapple is the star here. 

Get the recipe at Tastemade.

Basic veggie risotto is anything but basic.

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A creamy veggie risotto can taste like a bite of heaven. 

Get the recipe from Chowhound.

Classic arroz blanco with plenty of flavor.

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It's classic Mexican white rice, but it's not plain and there is a method to making it.

Get the full recipe from La Cocina de Leslie.

Chicken drumstick paella to please everyone.

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This way no one fights over the drumsticks because everyone gets one. 

Get the recipe from Waitoa Free Range Chicken.

Mexican rice for the picky eaters in your house.

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By "picky eaters" we mean kids and adults who don't like to know there are vegetables in their rice. This recipe sneaks them in so they are none the wiser. 

Get the recipe from La Cocina de Leslie.

Horchata de arroz is a healthy choice.

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A jug of refreshing homemade horchata is so much better than soda. 

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Quick paella with shrimp and mussels perfect for seafood lovers.

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Seafood lovers will drool over a bowl full of this incredible paella. 

Get the recipe from Eating Well.

Saffron rice with veggies and cilantro will leave your kitchen smelling like heaven.

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Made with Spanish saffron, the aroma of this rice will delight your nose and the flavor will tickle your taste buds. 

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Crispy vegetarian rice cutlets are also great when you have leftovers.

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Made with mixed vegetables, these rice cutlets taste great with a variety of dipping sauces. 

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Mushroom risotto is proof that you can make rice taste like anything you want.

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Mushrooms and risotto just beg to be put together. Everyone will ask for seconds.

Get the full recipe at AllRecipes.com.

Mango rice pudding for all lovers of this heavenly tropical fruit.

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A perfectly ripe mango makes this pudding magnificent or dare we say mango-ificent. 

Get the recipe from Taste of Home.