Whole grains are an essential part of a healthy diet so you can never go wrong reaching for brown rice. Its mild, earthy flavor and chewy texture (courtesy of the germ and bran that remain intact) make it a great choice for everything from grain bowls to soups. As an added bonus, it packs more protein and fiber than white rice — which means that brown rice can help keep you feeling full and satisfied after a meal.

And, while it’s easy to make a batch of brown rice anytime on the stovetop or in a countertop cooker, there are times when your meal calls for something with a bit more character. That’s where these recipes come in. With options that range from mock risotto to better-for-you rice pudding, you’ll find plenty of ways to incorporate brown rice into any healthy meal.

Wondering where to start? We love a good shortcut — like this sweet-and-savory side made with quick-cooking microwavable brown rice. Even the flavorings add-ins come with a timesaving trick: Use trail mix!

Get all the zesty flavors of sizzling fajitas in a healthy, chicken-and-rice-stuffed pepper that's easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Rice's natural starch (helped along with a bit of coconut milk) turns into creamy, surprisingly light rice pudding with sweet floral flavor from coconut water. Set out a toppings bar of dried fruits, toasted nuts, shredded coconut and seeds and let everyone personalize their own bowl.

Not only is this hearty soup loaded with good-for-you ingredients that will keep you full (like brown rice and kale) but it’s easy to make too. It comes together in just 55 minutes — in one pot!

This easy fried rice packs in all the great flavors of your favorite fried egg roll, but with a healthier twist! Nutty brown rice, tender shrimp, crisp coleslaw mix and shiitake mushrooms are the elements of an excellent nutrient-dense base. We stir-fry them with soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic and ginger for a classic seasoning that will remind you of your comfort food favorite, plus we add a hint of spicy Chinese mustard, the classic egg roll condiment. Charring some of the coleslaw mix is an easy trick that gives the dish a deep, complex flavor, while using frozen brown rice means you can prepare this whole-grain dish on the fly — perfect for a bold, satisfying, any-night meal.

A combination of barley and brown rice make this a hearty, no-fuss mock risotto. Packed with vegetables and given a little bit of creaminess from reduced fat cream cheese, this is a perfect vegetarian main dish or side dish.

Turn brown rice into a very flavorful (and low-fat) side dish with the help of kimchi, a spicy fermented Korean condiment. A little kimchi goes a long way, so it’s a great ingredient to keep on hand — and use whenever you need an extra pop of flavor.

Brown rice makes a nutty, chewy base for this salad and is a nice foil for sweet grapes and fresh greens. Using frozen precooked rice makes the whole dish doable in 15 minutes. The creamy dressing comes together quickly in the blender.

This casserole is super satisfying and creamy and uses a great trick to cut out extra butter and oil: Instead of making the traditional roux with butter, the cream sauce is thickened with a little flour.

If you're in a rush, these make-ahead, rice-and-veggie burritos will come to the rescue! Just wrap your frozen burrito in parchment paper and microwave on high 4 to 5 minutes.

Brown rice is the perfect ingredient for filling stuffed peppers. It’s hearty and satisfying — and plays well with a variety of different flavors. We’re using dill, feta and garlic for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

This veggie-packed, low-calorie casserole uses a combination of full-fat Swiss and Parmesan-and a little goes a long way, cutting down on the fat without sacrificing flavor. Serve with a green salad on the side to round out the meal.

This healthy rice and Brussels sprout recipe is tasty enough to convert even those who aren’t sure about healthy eating. The flavors of shitake and sesame shine through, making the dish savory — and undeniably delicious.

Brown rice is the secret to turning chicken thighs into a complete meal with ease. The two cook together in a baking dish (along with chicken broth, orange juice and sautéed onions) for a a delicious, high-protein, whole-grain meal.

What could be better than using your brown rice as the base of a delicious, healthy, one-dish meal? Better yet, this one comes together quickly (we use microwavable brown rice and rotisserie chicken) and is packed with flavor.

In this salad, okra is cooked quickly to keep it from becoming mushy, yet long enough to release the natural thickeners that help form a salad dressing and keep the rice moist.