This Super Easy Baked Brown Rice recipe takes the guesswork out of cooking! Perfectly fluffy and tender every time, it’s packed with fiber and nutrients to keep you energized. Great for meal prep—make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week in stir-fries, grain bowls, soups, or as a quick side. Simple, reliable, and versatile—what’s not to love?
Oriana’s Thoughts On The Recipe
Let me tell you, if there’s one recipe I wish I had discovered years ago, it’s this baked brown rice. It’s a total game-changer! I used to struggle with getting brown rice just right on the stovetop, but baking it in the oven makes it so simple. It’s hands-off and reliable—a win for any busy home cook.
Brown rice has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s a healthier choice than white rice, packed with fiber and nutrients, and it keeps me feeling fuller for longer. Plus, it pairs beautifully with almost any meal, from stir-fries to soups to hearty bowls. My kids even love it, especially when I add a little garlic powder for extra flavor.
This recipe is also a lifesaver for meal prep. I make a big batch on Sundays, and it’s ready to go for quick lunches or easy dinners all week long. It’s always fluffy and tender, and knowing I’ve got it in the fridge is one less thing to worry about. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back!
What I Love About This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
- Brown Rice: The star of the recipe! Use long-grain or short-grain brown rice, but avoid quick-cooking varieties.
- Water: Essential for cooking the rice. You can also use vegetable broth for extra flavor.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle flavor and prevents sticking. You can substitute with avocado oil or melted butter if preferred.
- Salt: Enhances the natural nutty flavor of the rice. Adjust to your taste if necessary.
- Garlic Powder (Optional): A simple way to add extra flavor. You can also swap in onion powder or herbs if you like.
Food Allergy Swaps
This recipe is naturally egg, wheat, dairy, nut, and peanut-free.
Potential Recipe Challenges & Pro Tips
- Rice Turns Out Too Hard or Chewy: Sometimes brown rice can end up undercooked if the water ratio isn’t just right. Pro Tip: Always measure the water carefully. For 3 cups of brown rice, use 4 3/4 cups of water for perfectly tender results.
- Rice Sticks to the Pan: Nobody wants to scrape rice off the bottom of the pan. Pro Tip: Grease your baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray before adding the rice and water.
- Unevenly Cooked Rice: This can happen if the dish isn’t tightly covered. Pro Tip: Use two layers of foil to cover the pan to seal in the steam, which ensures even cooking.
Process Overview: Step-by-Step Photos
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
Step 1 -Prepare The Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 375º F (190º C). Generously grease a 9×13″ baking dish with olive oil.
Step 2 -Prepare Rice
Measure out 3 cups of rice and rinse it well through a fine mesh strainer to remove the starches. This will help create the perfect texture!
Step 3 -Combine
Place the rice in the prepared pan, then pour in the water (or broth), olive oil, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Stir to distribute the rice and combine equally. Smooth the rice into an even layer. Cover tightly with a double layer of aluminum foil.
Step 4 -Bake
Bake for 60 – 70 minutes or until the rice is tender. Remove the baking dish from the oven and uncover it. Fluff rice with a fork, then re-cover and let stand for 10 more minutes before serving.
Extra Recipe Tips For Success
- Preheat your oven before starting to cook.
- Use Boiling Water. This ensures quick, even cooking.
- Let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes after baking to absorb any remaining steam.
Variations & Additions
- Herbed Rice: Add dried thyme, parsley, or rosemary to the water before baking.
- Spiced Rice: Mix in a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for a flavor boost.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in frozen peas or diced carrots for a one-pan side dish.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
- Storing: Keep cooked rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Portion cooled rice into freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
For white rice, the cooking time and water ratio will differ. Check out my Instant Pot Fluffy Rice recipe.
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish to ensure even cooking.
Add a splash of water and microwave in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat.
More Rice Recipes You’ll Love!
- Instant Pot Fluffy Rice
- Fluffy & Easy Vermicelli Rice (Arroz con Fideos)
- Easy Mexican Rice
- Easy Instant Pot Mexican Green Rice
- Browse more recipes…
Recipe Card
Super Easy Baked Brown Rice
Ingredients
- 3 cups (540 g) brown rice
- 4 3/4 cups (1140 ml) boiling water
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml)olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoon (6 g) salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Important
Don’t forget to check out the step-by-step photos above in the post—they’ll guide you through the process and make everything super clear!
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375º F (190º C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch (24×33 cm) baking dish.
- Measure out 3 cups of rice and rinse it well through a fine mesh strainer to remove the starches. This will help create the perfect texture!
- Place the rice in the prepared pan, then pour in the water (or broth), olive oil, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Stir to distribute the rice and combine equally. Smooth the rice into an even layer. Cover tightly with a double layer of aluminum foil.
- Bake for 60 – 70 minutes or until the rice is tender. Remove the baking dish from the oven and uncover it. Fluff rice with a fork, then re-cover and let stand for 10 more minutes before serving. Serve, or let it cool and store for later use.
- Herbed Rice: Add dried thyme, parsley, or rosemary to the water before baking.
- Spiced Rice: Mix in a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for a flavor boost.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in frozen peas or diced carrots for a one-pan side dish.
- Rice Turns Out Too Hard or Chewy: Sometimes brown rice can end up undercooked if the water ratio isn’t just right. Pro Tip: Always measure the water carefully. For 3 cups of brown rice, use 4 3/4 cups of water for perfectly tender results.
- Rice Sticks to the Pan: Nobody wants to scrape rice off the bottom of the pan. Pro Tip: Grease your baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray before adding the rice and water.
- Unevenly Cooked Rice: This can happen if the dish isn’t tightly covered. Pro Tip: Use two layers of foil to cover the pan to seal in the steam, which ensures even cooking.
- Preheat your oven before starting to cook.
- Use Boiling Water. This ensures quick, even cooking.
- Let the rice sit covered for 10 minutes after baking to absorb any remaining steam.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
