College-Friendly Spaghetti Rice

In college, one of Elijah’s go-to recipes he would make when pressed for time (read: lazy af) was Simple Spaghetti rice. This meal uses just a few ingredients along with some pantry staples, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. Even though this dish has very little active prep time, it never fails to be deliciously satisfying. Pair this meal with Ensaladang Pipino (Filipino Cucumber Salad) and Easy Homemade Rose Milk Tea with Boba, and you’ve got yourself a feast!

Spaghetti rice is exactly what it sounds like: spaghetti but with rice. Using rice as the base instead of pasta noodles brings out the savory flavors of the sauce while providing some health benefits. It is the best meal to make when you are strapped for time or trying to save on groceries, and it is the perfect way to enjoy spaghetti sauce.

Peep the recipe below!

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What is Spaghetti Rice?

Spaghetti rice is a delicious and budget-friendly meal that combines the savory, comforting flavors of spaghetti with the versatility and affordability of rice. Elijah often had this meal growing up as a pot of rice was always around and spaghetti was a meal that everyone loved. Now, we bring this recipe to you so that you can enjoy this simple, yet tasty dish too!

Why make Spaghetti Rice?

Whether you’re a busy college student on a tight budget or someone looking for a simple and satisfying meal, spaghetti rice is the perfect recipe to add to your recipe arsenal. It’s quick, easy to make, and requires basic pantry ingredients. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that makes great leftovers? This dish heats up well and is perfect for packing for lunch.

Why Use Rice instead of Spaghetti Noodles?

While spaghetti noodles are a classic choice for pasta dishes, using rice in this recipe brings a unique twist and some great benefits.

First, rice is one of the cheapest and most readily available grains, making it a cost-effective option for college students or anyone on a budget. In 2022, the cost per pound of long-grain, uncooked white rice was around $0.97 while the cost per pound of spaghetti was around $1.43.

Also, rice is gluten-free, which means that it is a great alternative for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Foods made from wheat (like pasta and bread) contain gluten and some people may experience symptoms such as bloating, gas, or fatigue after consumption. The good news is that rice will not result in any of these symptoms, so you can enjoy your spaghetti rice without worrying about any such discomfort!

Finally, rice tastes amazing with tomato-based dishes. The mild flavor and fluffy texture of rice pair perfectly with the rich, savory tomato sauce and protein-packed ground meat in this spaghetti rice recipe.

Best Rice for Spaghetti Rice

When it comes to choosing the best rice for spaghetti rice, we recommend using long-grain white rice. It has a fluffy texture and doesn’t stick together, which makes it ideal for this recipe. It also has a neutral taste, which will allow it to let the flavors of the spaghetti sauce shine through in this dish.

Also, Basmati rice is a good option as this rice has the ability to absorb the flavors of whatever it is in. Basmati rice is often used in horchatas, rice salads, and rice puddings, so in spaghetti rice, it will be sure to soak up the savory flavors of the spaghetti sauce!

Finally, Brown rice is also a good choice if you’re looking for a healthier alternative, as it retains more of its natural nutrients and fiber. However, we feel that long-grain white rice or basmati rice works best for achieving the desired texture, flavor, and taste in spaghetti rice.

Spaghetti Rice Ingredients

To make spaghetti rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Spaghetti Rice

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 2 fresh tomatoes, diced
• choice of veggies like spinach, kale, eggplant, zucchini, carrots, mushrooms
• ¼ cup parsley, chopped
• salt & pepper to taste

Garnish

• shredded cheese of choice (we recommend American cheese)
• parsley, chopped

What Can You Eat with Spaghetti Rice?

Spaghetti rice is a flavorful dish that can be paired with a variety of accompaniments. We recommend pairing it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Don’t forget a drink to wash it all down! This recipe for Refreshing Melon sa Malamig (Filipino Cantaloupe Juice) or Ube Horchata should do the trick.

Final Thoughts

Spaghetti rice is a fun, tasty, and easy recipe that is sure to soothe your soul. We switch pasta for rice, which makes this dish gluten-free, affordable, and easy to digest. This recipe is simple enough to make on a busy weeknight and can be easily customized to your liking with your favorite type of pasta sauce. If you’re looking to cut down on your wheat intake or are trying to experiment with new flavors and textures, then we recommend giving spaghetti rice a try!

We hope you enjoy this recipe! Share your creations on Instagram and tag us @itsforkandspoon!

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Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21622-gluten-intolerance

https://mahatmarice.com/cooking/know-your-rice-varieties/

https://www.statista.com/statistics/236628/retail-price-of-white-rice-in-the-united-states/

https://www.statista.com/statistics/236634/retail-price-of-spaghetti-in-the-united-states/

Editor’s note: This post was originally published on August 7, 2019. It has been updated with content and images on September 28, 2023.