Easy & Delicious Rice Mix Hacks: 4 Budget-Friendly Meals You’ll Love

Hey besties! Welcome back! Today, we’re diving into rice mix hacks—because let’s be honest, we all have those bagged or boxed rice mixes sitting in the pantry just waiting to be turned into something amazing. They’re affordable, shelf-stable, and come in tons of flavors. I’m going to show you four easy rice mix meals that are cheap, filling, and seriously delicious. Let’s get into it!

Hack #1: Fried rice patties with a fried egg

Turn a simple rice mix into a crispy, savory breakfast-for-dinner favorite. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and only takes a few pantry staples.

What you’ll need:

• 1 fried rice mix (e.g. Knorr Chicken Fried Rice)
• 1¾ cups water + butter (as directed)
• 2 eggs
• Salt & pepper
• Butter (for frying)

Step-by-step:

Step 1: Cook the rice

Make your fried rice mix according to the package instructions. Set aside when done.

Step 2: Heat your skillet

In a non-stick skillet, melt a generous amount of butter over medium heat.

Step 3: Form and fry the rice

Use an ice cream scoop to form rice patties. Place them in the skillet and let them crisp up without touching them.

Step 4: Fry the eggs

On the other side of the skillet, crack in your eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid to cook through gently.

Step 5: Flip and serve

Check the rice—if crispy, flip it carefully. Stack with the egg and enjoy hot!

Step 1: Simmer the rice

In a pot, combine rice mix, chicken broth, cream, and butter. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook until rice is tender.

Step 2: Sauté the veggies

In a skillet, heat oil and cook sliced bell peppers and onions until halfway tender. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Add sausage

Stir in the sausage slices and cook until browned and slightly crispy.

Step 1: Marinate the chicken

Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs. Coat chicken cubes and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the casserole base

In a greased baking dish, mix rice mixes, water, soup, and sour cream.

Step 3: Add the veggies

Spread frozen veggies over the top (leave a section plain if needed).

Step 4: Top with chicken & cheese

Place marinated chicken over the veggies. Top with shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake and serve

Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked and rice is tender.

Step 1: Cook the rice

In a pot, combine Mexican rice mix, green chiles, water, and butter. Simmer and cover until tender.

Step 2: Assemble the quesadillas

Heat a bit of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Then warm a tortilla, then layer cheese, a scoop of rice, and more cheese. Once pliable, fold the tortilla.

Step 3: Crisp both sides

Cook until golden and crispy on both sides.