• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Mary's Nest

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Recipes and Videos
  • Shopping Guide
  • About
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

How to Make Homemade Rice-A-Roni

Learn to make this delicious side dish homemade with the ingredients you want.

June 25, 2022 By Mary's Nest 10 Comments

How to Make Homemade Rice-A-Roni

Watch the How to Make Homemade Rice a Roni video

Learn how to make homemade Rice-A-Roni, which is a delicious rice and pasta pilaf side dish. This tasty treat goes with almost any meal, but it is especially flavorful served alongside a chicken dish. (Rice-A-Roni® is a registered trademark of Golden Grain Company.)

My mom wasn’t much for buying prepackaged products, so I grew up eating homemade Rice-A-Roni. Nicknamed the “San Francisco Treat,” this recipe is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. And I’m confident this homemade recipe will become one of your favorites too.

*Affiliates note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My videos and blog posts may contain affiliate links to products and services. If you click through and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission. It does not affect the price you pay.

Get Printable Recipe
View Favorite Supplies

Why Make Rice-A-Roni Homemade?

It’s certainly easy to buy boxed foods at the grocery store, but the drawback is that those convenience foods often contain preservatives or chemicals that we don’t want in our traditional foods kitchens.

When you make food homemade, you can choose the ingredients you want to use. You can even change the quantity to add more or less of an ingredient, as well as include additional ingredients. For example, you can add black pepper to complement the turmeric in your homemade Rice-A-Roni.

Benefits of Adding Turmeric to Homemade Rice-A-Roni

Did you know that Rice-A-Roni contains turmeric? In addition to adding color to your dish, this spice contains curcumin, which is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s perfect for this recipe and your traditional foods kitchen.

Black pepper boosts our body’s ability to increase turmeric’s anti-inflammatory benefits, so we definitely want to include black pepper in our homemade Rice-a-Roni.

If you want to add more turmeric into your diet, try turmeric tea and turmeric golden milk. They are both easy to make and tasty ways to enjoy this fragrant spice.

  • How to Make Turmeric Tea to Boost Your Immune System
Turmeric Golden Milk Spice Mix Recipe Video
  • Turmeric Golden Milk Spice Mix Recipe

Which Cooking Fat to use?

When making homemade Rice-A-Roni, you have a number of options when it comes to choosing the fat you want to use when you brown the pasta and rice. I used ghee in my video recipe, but you can also use olive oil or a combination of butter and olive oil.

However, if you have some rendered chicken fat (also known as schmaltz), you are in business! Schmaltz is delicious and adds the perfect flavor component to this side dish.

  • How to Make Schmaltz – Rendered Chicken Fat

Homemade Rice-A-Roni Flavor Options

When making homemade Rice-A-Roni, you have a lot of options for flavor. In my recipe video, I use chicken bone broth to give my dish a chicken flavor, which is also one of the flavor options for the store-bought Rice-A-Roni.

You can change this recipe to use beef broth or beef bone broth to give your dish a beef flavor. You can also use a vegetable broth along with olive oil as your fat to turn this dish into a vegetarian treat!

If you want to make homemade chicken or beef bone broth, I show you how in the following tutorial videos.

How to Make Roast Chicken Bone Broth For Pennies a Jar
  • Slow cooker: How to Make Roast Chicken Bone Broth for Pennies a Jar
How to Make Beef Bone Broth that is Rich and Gelatinous
  • Slow cooker: How to Make Rich and Gelatinous Beef Bone Broth – Bone Broth Recipe

Looking for Spaghetti Already Broken Up?

When I was shopping at Aldi, I found a fabulous packaged pasta product that contained thin spaghetti already broken up for you! It’s cut Fideo from their Pagasa brand, and it’s made with 100% semolina flour, which is always an ingredient of good pasta.

It’s easy to make homemade Rice-A-Roni by breaking up thin spaghetti. However, being able to use packages of already cut thin spaghetti that’s ready to toss into your frying pan as is, you will literally have your dish ready in minutes!

You can learn more about Fideo and the other foods I found during my shopping trip in my Top 10 Foods You Need to Buy Now at Aldi video.

  • Top 10 Foods You Need to Buy Now at Aldi

Cuisinart cooktop

Whenever I make a video using my Cuisinart Countertop Burner, I get so many questions about it. Yes, I love this cooktop! It’s so handy, especially when I need to use my main stovetop for other projects. And it is great to use when I am home canning using my water bath canner.

More Easy Meals

In addition to making homemade Rice-A-Roni, try making the following easy meal recipes to help stretch your food budget and use wholesome ingredients. If you make homemade sloppy joes, be sure to make homemade hamburger buns to go with them. They’re easy to make, and again, you control the ingredients, unlike the store-bought bread sold in plastic.

  • How to Make Homemade Sloppy Joes
  • How to Make Old Fashioned Hamburger Casserole
  • How to Make Fried Cabbage with Kielbasa

How to Make a Chicken Dinner

Homemade Rice-A-Roni is the perfect side dish for chicken dinner, and if you’re looking for a chicken recipe, here are a few you can choose from. I love making roast chickens, but for a fall-off-the-bone chicken recipe where you can make chicken broth at the same time, give Praised Chicken a try.

How to Make a Simple Roast Chicken
  • How to Make a Simple Roast Chicken
Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe for Beginners Video
  • Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner for Beginners – Ready in 45 Minutes
Praised Chicken - An Easy Nigella Lawson Chicken Dinner Recipe Video
  • Praised Chicken – An Easy Nigella Lawson Chicken Dinner Recipe

Download Your Free 36-Page Pantry List

As you create your traditional foods kitchen, I am here to help you! For an extensive list of the traditional foods you can make and purchase to stock your pantry, be sure to download my free 36-page Traditional Foods Pantry List. This comprehensive eBook is full of links to recipe videos, helpful articles, and more!

  • FREE 36 Page Traditional Foods Pantry List – Printable Pantry Staples List

Kitchen Academy Videos

Are you looking for more traditional foods videos? If so, I invite you to join the Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy. Members of this optional paid YouTube community get access to exclusive videos, live streams, and other members-only perks. Plus, your YouTube comments include a special members-only badge.

JOIN NOW
And become a Traditional Foods Kitchen Pioneer

In the following members-only video, I talk about Digging for Victory: Land Girls and Food Shortages in WWII.

  • Digging for Victory: Land Girls and Food Shortages in WWII

Stay in Touch with Mary’s Nest

  1. Subscribe to My YouTube Channel for Traditional Foods Videos (Free) - When you subscribe, be sure to click on the notification bell that will let you know each time I upload a new video.

  2. Subscribe to Mary’s Traditional Foods Newsletter (Free) - Get a free eBook for signing up: How to Stock Your Essential Traditional Foods Four-Corners Pantry.

  3. Join the Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy (Optional Paid) - For more detailed videos, live streams, and exclusive members-only perks, join my YouTube membership community.

I look forward to having you join me in my Texas Hill Country Kitchen!

Love,
Mary ♥

Trending Posts on Mary’s Nest

  • Never Run Out of These 12 Pantry Staples
  • 10 Clever Tips to Save Money on Groceries
  • How to Successfully Make Fermented Foods and Beverages
  • 10 Crucial Prepper Pantry Items You Need to Stock Now!

Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Homemade Rice-A-Roni

Homemade Rice-A-Roni is a delicious rice and pasta pilaf side dish. This tasty treat goes with almost any meal, but it is especially flavorful served alongside a chicken dish.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time30 mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Homemade Rice-A-Roni, Rice-A-Roni®, Side Dish
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Mary’s Nest

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp Ghee Alternatively, you can use olive oil or a combination of olive oil and butter.
  • 1 cup Rice, preferably long grain white rice
  • 1/2 pound Thin spaghetti, broken into 1/2"-1" pieces Alternatively, you can use regular spaghetti.
  • 1 small Yellow onion, peeled and grated
  • 1 small Garlic clove, peeled and grated
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried parsley Alternatively, you can use 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh parsley finely chopped.
  • 2 cups Chicken bone broth or chicken broth Alternatively, you can use beef bone broth, beef broth, or vegetable broth.

Instructions

  • Place a skillet on the stovetop and set to medium heat.
  • Add the ghee to the skillet and allow it to melt.
  • Once the ghee is melted, add the thin spaghetti and rice to the skillet and sauté until lightly golden, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the onion and garlic and continue to sauté until fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the salt, pepper, turmeric, and parsley to the skillet and stir.
  • Add bone broth or broth to the skillet. Stir and bring up to a boil.
  • Once the mixture comes up to a boil, place a lid on the skillet, turn the heat down to medium or medium low (you do not want the mixture to boil), and allow to simmer for approximately 20 minutes until the bone broth or broth is absorbed and the rice pasta mixture is light and fluffy. (See video.)

Video

Notes

Find this recipe and video at https://marysnest.com/how-to-make-homemade-rice-a-roni/
(Rice-A-Roni® is a registered trademark of Golden Grain Company.)
Copyright © 2022 Mary’s Nest, LLC, All Rights Reserved

Shop for items used in this blog post or video

Favorite Rice-A-Roni Making Supplies

  • Favorite Aprons
  • Cuisinart Portable Burner (On my kitchen island in many recipe videos.)
  • Hand Grater
  • Microplane Grater
  • 10-Piece Glass Bowl Set
  • Scanpan

More Favorite Kitchen Supplies

  • Spice Grinder
  • Handheld Vacuum Sealing System
  • Vacuum Lids
  • Whisk
  • Silica Gel Packets (Helps keep moisture from building up in your mix)
  • Cast Iron Dutch Oven
  • 8-Quart Slow-Cooker
  • Fat Separator (Clever kitchen device to help you decant bone broth)
  • Flour Sack Towels
  • pH Strips (Helps you check on the acidity of your vinegar)

More Kitchen Supplies with Discount Codes

  • Mockmill Grain Mill (for making homemade flour)

Use my Mockmill affiliate link for a special one-time 5% discount on Mockmill Stone Grain Mill products, including Ancient Grains, like Einkorn, Emmer, and Spelt. (The Mockmill discount will appear when you checkout.)

  • Masontops Fermentation Kit

Use promo code MARYSNST for a one-time 15% off Masontops and Breadsmart products on Amazon.com.

Amazon Shop and Shopping Guide

  • Visit Mary’s Nest Amazon Shop
  • Visit my Shopping Guide page
    Learn where I buy my beef bones, electric grain mills, sprouted grains, and more…and get special discounts for Mary’s Nest visitors, including from US Wellness Meats, Mockmill, Masontops, and Cultures for Health.

Recommended Reading

  • Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and Diet Dictocrats
  • Nourishing Broth: An Old-Fashioned Remedy for the Modern World
  • Nourishing Fats: Why We Need Animal Fats for Health and Happiness
  • Food Storage 101 Where do I begin? (Cookin’ With Home Storage)

**Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, a medical professional, a dietician, or a nutritionist. All content found on the MarysNest.com website, including text, images, videos, eBooks or eGuides, social media, or other formats, were created solely for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or proper nutritional advice. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have watched in a video or read on this website. Use caution when following the recipe in this video. The creator and publisher of this video and website will not be held responsible for any adverse effects that may arise from the use of this recipe and method or any other recipe and method on this website or corresponding video channel.

Filed Under: Rice, Rice-A-Roni, Side Dishes Tagged With: Homemade Rice-A-Roni, Rice, Rice-A-Roni, Side Dish

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susan Williams says

    June 25, 2022 at 11:51 am

    5 stars
    Thanks for showing us how to make things being there when questions

    Reply
    • Mary's Nest says

      June 27, 2022 at 8:11 pm

      Hi Susan,

      Thank you for your kind comment. I’m so happy to help.

      Love and God bless,
      Mary

      Reply
  2. Judith Davis says

    June 25, 2022 at 10:36 pm

    5 stars
    To your basic recipe I added: celery, green onions, carrots, diced left-over pork roast, peas and corn. This changed it from a side dish to a main dish. It turned out delicious and will certainly make again. I have never used turmeric in cooking before but it is now part of my spice cabinet. I learn a lot from Mary’s videos and love them. Thanks for the inspirations.

    Reply
    • Mary's Nest says

      June 27, 2022 at 8:12 pm

      Hi Judith,

      I love all of your additions, and yes, with the addition of your pork roast, you’ve made it into a main dish, like a delicious fried rice. I’m happy that you’re using turmeric more often too.

      Thanks for your wonderful comments and recommendations. I’m so glad we’re on this traditional foods journey together!

      Love and God bless,
      Mary

      Reply
  3. Hélène says

    June 26, 2022 at 9:24 am

    I do this with 100% wholegrain spag and rice, just cook longer. Basically a pilaf but with pasta lol

    Reply
    • Mary's Nest says

      June 27, 2022 at 8:13 pm

      Hi Hélène,

      Thanks for your comment. The recipe is a tasty combination and a comfort food that brings back nice memories.

      Love and God bless,
      Mary

      Reply
  4. Barbara says

    June 26, 2022 at 2:44 pm

    5 stars
    I made your homemade Rice-a-Roni yesterday and it is truly a keeper and a blank canvas to add your favorites to it. I added diced red and green peppers to the onions and garlic. Had some leftover rotisserie chicken which went in as well. And to guild the lily I served it with a splash of soy sauce and chopped green onion. Thank you for the inspiration.

    Reply
    • Mary's Nest says

      June 27, 2022 at 8:14 pm

      Hi Barbara,

      Your additions sound delicious! I’m happy that you customized the recipe and made it your own.

      Thanks for your kind comment, and I’m so glad we’re on this traditional foods journey together!

      Love and God bless,
      Mary

      Reply
  5. Dana says

    June 27, 2022 at 7:46 pm

    Hi Mary. Thank you for the recipe. I found that 2 cups of liquid wasn’t enough. It started sticking about half way through as the liquid was absorbed. Since it was very dry I had to add more olive oil and more seasoning for our tastes. I will try again with more liquid and my adjustments.

    Reply
    • Mary's Nest says

      June 27, 2022 at 8:15 pm

      Hi Dana,

      Thanks for your comment. That sounds great. Yes. Please customize the recipe to add the ingredients and the level of moistness that you’d enjoy.

      Love and God bless,
      Mary

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Hi, I’m Mary

Mary's Nest with Beef Bone Broth Jar
...And I'm so glad you're here.

Do you want to be a Modern Pioneer in the Kitchen and be part of the Traditional Foods Movement? If so, you’ve found a home!

I'll show you how to create Traditional "Nutrient Dense" Foods, including Bone Broths, Cultured Dairy, Ferments, Sourdough Bread and More!

  • New to Traditional Foods?
  • Blog and videos
  • Shopping Guide and Discount Codes

Kitchen Academy

Join the Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy
  • Join the Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy for exclusive videos and live streams

Search

Recent Posts

  • Top 7 Cheap Foods You Need to Buy Now at Aldi
  • Never Run Out of These 12 Pantry Staples
  • 10 Clever Tips to Save Money on Groceries
  • How to Successfully Make Fermented Foods and Beverages
  • 10 Crucial Prepper Pantry Items You Need to Stock Now!

Archives

Categories

Amazon Links

Mary's Nest Shop
  • Mary's Nest Amazon Shop - Great ideas for:
    • • Bone Broth
    • • Kitchen Tools
    • • Cookbooks
    • • Baking Supplies
    • • Canning Items
    • • Food Preservation
    • • Self-Sufficiency
    • ...and more!

Food Links

Mockmill
  • Get 5% off your Mockmill purchase

US Wellness Meats
  • US Wellness Meats - Get bones for Beef Broth and more!
    (Note: Use promocode MARYNEST to save 15% off regular-priced items on your US Wellness Meats order.)

Let’s Socialize!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Footer

Mary's Nest Cooking School logo

Mary’s Nest

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Recipes and Videos
  • Shopping Guide
  • About
  • Contact

Search

  • Privacy Policy

Subscribe to Mary’s Newsletter

Privacy policy

Copyright © 2022 · Mary's Nest, LLC, All Rights Reserved · Log in

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site, we will assume that you agree to the use of such cookies.Ok