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Grandma’s Amazingly Easy Baked Tasty Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Food Side Dish

Every family has that one recipe, passed down through generations, that evokes warmth, nostalgia, and pure comfort. For my family, that dish is undoubtedly my grandma’s Baked Tasty Rice. It wasn’t just a recipe; it was a cornerstone of every family gathering, a requested potluck staple, and a weeknight savior. The sheer simplicity of its preparation, combined with an unbelievably satisfying flavor, made it an instant favorite for everyone who ever tasted it. And trust me, it’s so easy and genuinely delicious that it’s destined to become a beloved staple in your home, too.

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An Heirloom Recipe: More Than Just Rice

My grandma was an extraordinary woman, but a gourmet cook she was not. She often told me, with a twinkle in her eye, that she cooked “what she had to” to ensure there was food on the table, not necessarily because she enjoyed the process. Standing at a mere 4’11” and weighing around 100 pounds, she claimed she ate purely for sustenance, a concept I, a true food lover, could never quite grasp. Yet, amidst her humble culinary philosophy, a few recipes shone through as true masterpieces in our family’s eyes. Her Christmas cookies were legendary, and a particular chicken and rice casserole held a special place, but it was always her Baked Tasty Rice that stole the show.

This simple, flavorful rice side dish was universally requested by my extended family for almost every gathering. We all badgered her to write down the recipe, eager to recreate its magic in our own kitchens. And without fail, whenever we brought it to potlucks or shared it with friends, everyone adored it as much as we did. The best part? It was our little secret just how incredibly effortless it was to prepare, consistently yielding perfect, fluffy, and “tasty” results every single time. Its undeniable appeal truly cemented its status as a timeless family favorite.

Elevating Grandma’s Classic: A Wholesome Adaptation

Over the years, my cooking style has evolved towards whole, unprocessed foods. This meant moving away from canned soups, which the original Baked Tasty Rice recipe called for. However, I was determined to preserve the essence and incredible flavor of grandma’s dish. I’ve successfully adapted it to use organic bullion and broth, and I can confidently say it’s just as “tasty” and unbelievably simple as the original. In fact, this updated version often tastes even fresher and more vibrant, aligning perfectly with modern dietary preferences without sacrificing any of that cherished comfort.

This recipe is designed for maximum convenience and versatility, making it a dream for busy households. If you’re baking a main course, simply slide this savory rice dish into the oven right alongside it. It bakes unattended, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal preparation. All you need to think about then is a fresh salad, and voilà – a complete, satisfying dinner is done! This effortless pairing makes it an ideal go-to for quick weeknight meals or even more elaborate holiday spreads. #dinnerdone

Curious about the original? My grandma’s version called for one cube of bullion, one can of Campbell’s Beef Bullion Soup, and one can of water, following the same baking method. My adapted recipe uses a bit more bullion and two cups of broth (or water), so the flavor profile remains remarkably similar. Plus, Campbell’s Beef Bullion Soup can be hard to find these days, making the whole-food adaptation even more practical and accessible for everyone.

Baked Tasty Rice out of oven — Freshly Baked Tasty Rice, straight out of the oven, ready to be stirred and served.

The Simple Secret to Perfectly Baked Rice: Do Not Stir!

The beauty of this easy baked rice lies in its straightforward preparation and one crucial, counter-intuitive step. You simply combine the butter, marjoram, bullion, rice, and liquid ingredients in your baking dish. Then comes the golden rule, which my grandma famously underlined on the recipe she shared with me: do not stir! This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the secret to achieving perfectly cooked, distinct rice grains that are moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, rather than a gummy, sticky mess. Stirring before baking releases too much starch, interfering with the ideal absorption of liquid.

Once everything is in the dish, covered tightly with a lid or aluminum foil, it goes into the oven. That’s it! No peeking, no stirring during the cooking process. This minimal effort is precisely why everyone wanted this incredibly simple rice recipe, and why it consistently turns out perfect every single time. It’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it side dish that delivers gourmet results with home-cook ease.

Shop Essential Ingredients & Tools for This Recipe:

To help you get started on making your own batch of Grandma’s Baked Tasty Rice, here are some recommended ingredients and kitchen tools. Using quality components can truly elevate simple dishes like this, ensuring the best flavor and texture:

Organic Better Than Bullion Chicken Base or Beef Base: These concentrated bases add a remarkable depth of savory flavor that liquid broth alone sometimes lacks. They’re a fantastic pantry staple for many recipes.
Marjoram: This aromatic herb is absolutely key to the distinct and comforting flavor profile of “Tasty Rice.” Its subtle, sweet, and piney notes are essential. Don’t skip it!
Organic Long Grain White Rice: While other types of rice can be adapted (see notes below), long-grain white rice provides the ideal fluffy, separated texture for this specific dish.
2-Quart Baking Dish with Lid: A good quality, oven-safe baking dish with a tight-fitting lid is crucial for even cooking and efficient moisture retention, ensuring your rice cooks perfectly without drying out.

Once your baked rice emerges from the oven, piping hot and wonderfully fragrant, resisting the urge to dig in immediately will be your next challenge! Before serving, simply give it a quick, gentle stir with a fork to fluff the grains and evenly distribute the melted butter and bullion throughout. This ensures every single bite is coated in that amazing, savory flavor. Serve it immediately as a perfect accompaniment to almost any main course – it’s incredibly versatile. The texture is truly unique – it’s somehow both creamy and yet still retains a lovely al dente bite, making it utterly irresistible. Be warned, it’s notoriously hard to stop at just one serving. Yeah… good luck with that!

Instant Pot Adaptations: Quick & Easy Tasty Rice for Busy Days

For those bustling weeknights or particularly hot summer days when you want to enjoy this comforting side dish without heating up the entire kitchen, Grandma’s “Tasty Rice” recipe can also be successfully made in an Instant Pot. While the texture will be slightly different – often creamier, almost reminiscent of a risotto due to the pressure cooking method – it’s still incredibly delicious and a fantastic time-saver. It offers a wonderful, convenient alternative when you need this beloved comfort food in a hurry.

How to Make Tasty Rice with Brown Rice in an Instant Pot:

Add all the ingredients (bullion, butter, marjoram, brown rice, and broth/water) directly to the Instant Pot liner. Ensure the butter is cut into pieces to help it melt evenly.
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Choose the Manual (or Pressure Cook) setting and adjust the cooking time to 28 minutes for brown rice.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid, give the rice a good stir to fluff it up and combine all the delicious flavors, and then serve. You’ll have this hearty and nourishing brown tasty rice ready in just over half an hour, significantly reducing the traditional one-and-a-half-hour oven baking time.
Note on texture: As mentioned, the Instant Pot version with brown rice tends to be creamier and softer than its oven-baked counterpart. While I personally lean towards the more distinct grain texture of the oven-baked version, this is still a delicious and highly convenient option for a quicker meal!

How to Make Tasty Rice with White Rice in an Instant Pot:

If you prefer white rice and the unparalleled speed of an Instant Pot, here’s how to adapt the recipe:

Combine all ingredients (bullion, butter, marjoram, white rice, and broth/water) in the Instant Pot liner. Again, no stirring needed at this stage.
Close the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and choose the Manual (or Pressure Cook) setting. Adjust the cooking time according to your specific white rice type: typically 4 minutes for Jasmine rice, 8 minutes for Basmati rice, or similar timings based on your particular variety of long-grain white rice.
After the cooking cycle, allow for a natural release of pressure for approximately 10 minutes. This helps the rice grains fully steam and become tender. After 10 minutes, you can then manually quick release any remaining pressure. Stir well before serving to ensure even distribution of flavor and that signature “tasty” quality.

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Baked Tasty Rice Recipe (Oven & Instant Pot)

This incredibly easy and flavorful baked rice recipe, a cherished family tradition from my grandma, is perfect for any meal. Its simple preparation yields consistently delicious results, making it an ideal side dish for weeknights, potlucks, and special occasions. Both classic oven and convenient Instant Pot instructions are included.

Prep Time5

Cook Time1

Total Time1 5

Yield: 6 servings

Author: Jami Boys

Ingredients

1 tablespoon organic bullion (beef was the original, but chicken works equally well)
3 tablespoons butter (cut into three pieces for even melting)
1/2 teaspoon marjoram
1 cup long grain white rice (*see notes below for adapting to brown rice)
2 cups chicken or beef broth (or water, but broth will impart more flavor)

Instructions (Oven Method)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 2-quart baking dish (preferably one with a tight-fitting cover), combine the bullion, butter (cut into pieces), marjoram, long grain white rice, and chicken or beef broth. It is crucial that you do not stir or mix these ingredients at this stage.
Cover the baking dish tightly with its lid or aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for one hour.
Once removed from the oven, give the rice a gentle stir with a fork to fluff the grains and evenly distribute the rich, melted butter and seasonings throughout. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes & Instant Pot Directions

*For brown rice in the oven: I often make this recipe with either short or long grain brown rice. When using brown rice, it typically requires an additional 15-30 minutes of baking time in the oven compared to white rice. Always adjust cooking time until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.

To Make in an Instant Pot with Brown Rice:

Add all the ingredients (bullion, butter, marjoram, brown rice, and broth/water) to the Instant Pot liner.
Close the lid, set valve to sealing, choose Manual (or Pressure Cook) and adjust to 28 minutes.
Perform a quick release of pressure, stir, and enjoy your brown tasty rice in little more than 1/2 hour instead of one and a half hours.
Note: The texture of Instant Pot brown rice tends to be creamier, similar to risotto, compared to the oven version. It’s a great quick option, though I still prefer the oven-baked texture personally.

To Make in an Instant Pot with White Rice:

Add all the ingredients (bullion, butter, marjoram, white rice, and broth/water) to the Instant Pot liner.
Close the lid, set valve to sealing, choose Manual (or Pressure Cook) and adjust to 4-8 minutes (less for Jasmine, more for Basmati).
Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release of any remaining pressure. Stir and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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Other Easy & Delicious Side Dishes You’ll Love:

Looking for more simple and satisfying side dishes to complement your meals? Here are a few family favorites that are just as easy to prepare as this Baked Tasty Rice:

Parmesan Rice Cakes

Lemon-Garlic Grated Baked Carrots

Easy Corn, Red Pepper, and Onion Sauté

Why This Recipe Endures: A Legacy of Flavor and Simplicity

This Baked Tasty Rice recipe holds a special place, not just in my family’s history, but in the hearts of countless people who have tried it over the years. It’s a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients combined with an unfussy technique. There’s something profoundly comforting about a dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction. It’s the kind of reliable recipe you can whip up for a busy weeknight dinner, confident that it will be a hit, or proudly bring to a potluck knowing it will be one of the first dishes to disappear. Its incredible versatility means it pairs beautifully with almost anything, from roasted chicken and delicate fish to hearty stews and vibrant vegetable main courses, making it a true kitchen chameleon.

The gentle aroma of marjoram mingling with rich broth as it bakes fills the kitchen with an inviting fragrance, signaling that a truly delicious and comforting meal is on its way. And that magical “do not stir” instruction isn’t just a quirk; it’s a brilliant technique that ensures each grain of rice cooks perfectly, absorbing all the savory liquids without becoming gluey or clumpy. The result is a light, yet deeply flavorful and satisfying rice that complements without overpowering, and satisfies without being heavy. It’s an understated elegance in a simple dish.

First published way back in 2009, this recipe has been a consistent reader favorite, and it’s easy to see why its popularity has only grown. It truly deserved this comprehensive update with new, appetizing photos, improved formatting, and a user-friendly printable recipe card to make it even easier for you to share this culinary gem with your own family and friends. I sincerely hope you enjoy rediscovering (or discovering for the very first time) the sheer joy and comfort of my grandma’s Baked Tasty Rice. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a delicious tradition in the making, waiting to become a part of your family’s treasured recipes.

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