Learn how to cook perfectly fluffy, tender rice in your Crockpot with this simple, no-fuss method. Whether you’re prepping for the week or serving a crowd, this hands-off technique ensures consistent results every time—no stovetop monitoring required. Ideal for both white and brown rice, it’s a reliable way to simplify your meal planning and enjoy perfectly cooked rice with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cooking rice in the Crockpot frees up your stovetop and eliminates the guesswork of timing and temperature control. It’s especially useful when preparing multiple dishes at once or when you’re looking for a more relaxed cooking approach. This method yields soft, fluffy grains without sticking or burning, and it works beautifully for a variety of rice types. With just a few minutes of prep, the slow cooker does the rest—making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups long-grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine), rinsed
- 4 cups water or broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water using a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents stickiness.
- Lightly grease the bottom of your Crockpot with cooking spray, olive oil, or a small amount of butter to prevent the rice from sticking.
- Add the rinsed rice, water or broth, salt, and optional oil or butter to the Crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover with the lid and cook on high for 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on your Crockpot model and settings.
- Begin checking the rice at the 1.5-hour mark. If the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender, it’s ready. If not, continue checking every 15–20 minutes until done.
- Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork. Serve warm or allow it to cool for storage.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 cups of cooked rice.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Calories per serving: 205 kcal
Variations
- Brown Rice: Use 5 cups of liquid (water or broth) for 2 cups of brown rice and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Herb-Infused Rice: Add a bay leaf, a sprig of thyme, or a cinnamon stick for subtle aromatics.
- Vegetable Rice: Stir in finely chopped vegetables such as carrots, peas, or bell peppers halfway through cooking.
- Coconut Rice: Use half coconut milk and half water for a subtly sweet and creamy variation.
- Spiced Rice: Add cumin seeds, turmeric, or garlic for a flavorful twist.
Storage/Reheating
Let rice cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To reheat, sprinkle with a bit of water and microwave covered until warm, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water.
Cooked rice can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice?
Yes. This method works well with jasmine, basmati, long-grain white, and brown rice. Adjust liquid and cooking time as needed.
Do I need to rinse the rice?
Rinsing is highly recommended—it helps remove excess starch, preventing sticky or gummy rice.
Can I cook rice on low instead of high?
Yes, but it will take significantly longer—approximately 3 to 4 hours. For best results, stick with the high setting.
What’s the best liquid-to-rice ratio?
For white rice, use 2 cups liquid per 1 cup of rice. For brown rice, use about 2.5 cups liquid per 1 cup of rice.
How do I keep the rice from sticking?
Lightly grease the Crockpot insert before adding the rice and liquid, and avoid overcooking.
Why is my rice mushy?
Too much liquid or overcooking can cause mushy rice. Stick to the recommended ratios and check rice early.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just maintain the same ratio of rice to liquid and ensure your Crockpot is large enough to accommodate the volume.
Can I add seasoning to the rice?
Absolutely. Salt, pepper, herbs, spices, and bouillon are all great additions to enhance flavor.
Is this method good for meal prep?
Yes, Crockpot rice stores and reheats well, making it ideal for prepping ahead for meals throughout the week.
Can I cook rice with other ingredients in the Crockpot?
Yes, you can cook rice alongside ingredients like chicken, beans, or vegetables, but ensure cooking times align and liquids are balanced.
Conclusion
Cooking rice in a Crockpot is an easy, hands-off way to make large batches of fluffy, perfectly tender rice. Whether you’re using it for meal prep, as a side for dinner, or as a base for your favorite stir-fry or curry, this method is consistent, adaptable, and wonderfully simple. Once you try it, you may never go back to stovetop rice again.
Print
How to Cook Rice in a Crockpot
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups cooked rice
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to cook rice in a Crockpot with this simple, foolproof method. Perfectly fluffy and tender every time, this slow cooker rice recipe is ideal for hands-off cooking, meal prep, or easy weeknight meals. Whether using basmati, jasmine, or brown rice, this technique makes a comforting side dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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2 cups long-grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine), rinsed
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4 cups water or broth
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1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
:
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Rinse rice under cold water in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear.
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Lightly grease the bottom of your Crockpot with cooking spray or a bit of butter.
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Add rinsed rice, water or broth, salt, and oil/butter (if using) to the Crockpot. Stir gently.
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Cover and cook on high for 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on your Crockpot model.
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Check rice at the 1.5-hour mark. If liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, it’s done. If not, continue checking every 15–20 minutes.
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Once done, fluff rice with a fork and serve.
Notes
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For brown rice, increase liquid to 5 cups and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours.
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Avoid lifting the lid too often to retain steam and heat.
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Works great for batch cooking and meal prep.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Side Dish, Meal Prep
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Universal
