A 7-Day Meal Plan Using a Big Batch of Rice

Updated: May 13, 2021

Start the week by steaming a big batch of rice to portion and serve with Sunday, Monday and Wednesday's dinners.

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Sunday: Tangy Tropical Chicken

In this colorful dish, exotic fruits such as mango and pineapple beautifully complement the chicken and lend a pleasant hint of sweetness that’s balanced by a bit of soy sauce. —Christina Aho, Naples, Florida
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Monday: Portobello Ropa Vieja

I created this version of a Mexican favorite for my family, using meaty portobello mushrooms to mimic meat. Serve with rice to round out the meal. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
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Tuesday: Tangy Pork Chops

When my husband and I had our first child, we found this recipe so convenient. I could start it during nap time and we’d enjoy an easy, satisfying dinner that night. —Karol Hines, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
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Wednesday: Louisiana Red Beans and Rice

Smoked turkey sausage and red pepper flakes add zip to this saucy, slow-cooked version of the New Orleans classic. For extra heat, add red pepper sauce at the table. —Julia Bushree, Georgetown, Texas
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Thursday: Shrimp Gumbo

A crisp green salad and crusty French bread complete this shrimp gumbo meal. I always have hot sauce available when I serve this and have found that the instant microwave rice packages make the process a little easier. —Jo Ann Graham, Ovilla, Texas
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Friday: Greek Tilapia

While on a trip through the Greek islands, my husband and I had a dish that we loved. I tried to duplicate it by combining several different recipes and came up with this. —Sally Burrell, Idaho Falls, Idaho
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Saturday: Easy Pad Thai

Skip the take-out restaurant and give this pad thai recipe a try if you need an easy and quick meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Find more 7-day meal plans here.