Put uncooked rice in a slow cooker with these 4 ingredients. It’s like heaven in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Set It & Forget It : Minimal prep and zero babysitting—just let the slow cooker do the work.
2. Customizable Base : Add proteins, veggies, or spices to suit your taste.
3. One-Pot Wonder : No extra pans or cleanup required.
4. Versatile : Serve as a side dish, main course, or grain bowl base.
5. Budget-Friendly : Uses pantry staples and stretches ingredients far.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Serves 6–8

• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for added flavor)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice, fire-roasted for extra depth)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
• Optional Protein/Veggies : Cooked chicken, sausage, spinach, or mushrooms

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

1. Grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients

1. Add uncooked rice, broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), and garlic powder to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Cook

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours , until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to prevent steam from escaping.

Step 4: Fluff & Customize

1. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in any optional proteins or veggies and let them heat through for 5–10 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

• Broth Infusion : Cooking rice in broth instead of water adds incredible depth of flavor.
• Tomato Magic : Diced tomatoes bring acidity, sweetness, and moisture.
• Garlic Boost : A simple seasoning ties everything together without overpowering.

Variations to Try

• Mexican Twist : Add black beans, corn, cumin, and cilantro; top with shredded cheese and avocado.
• Asian-Inspired : Stir in soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and frozen peas; garnish with green onions.
• Protein Power : Add cooked shredded chicken, ground beef, or sautéed shrimp.
• Veggie-Packed : Mix in spinach, kale, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
• Spicy Kick : Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce

Tips for Success

• Rice Ratios : Stick to 1 part rice to 2 parts liquid for perfect texture.
• Don’t Overcook : Check toward the end of cooking time to avoid mushy rice.
• Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth or water.
• Freeze : Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

• Weeknight Dinner : Serve as-is or pair with grilled chicken, steak, or tofu.
• Meal Prep Hero : Divide into bowls and top with your favorite proteins and sauces.
• Party Side Dish : Bring to potlucks or serve alongside BBQ ribs or roasted veggies.
• Romantic Plating : Garnish with fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, or grated Parmesan.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Rice Bowl is proof that a few simple ingredients can create something truly magical. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need an easy dish to feed a family, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

Your turn! Have you tried slow cooker rice? Share your favorite add-ins or serving ideas below.