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Recipes with rice and pasta

Use when someone has rice, macaroni, spaghetti or other pasta and wants cheap, filling meals.

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In this guide
  1. Before you start
  2. Plain rice that comes out right
  3. Spanish (Mexican) rice
  4. Spaghetti with meat or bean sauce
  5. Stovetop mac and cheese
  6. Fried rice

1Before you start

Rice and pasta are cheap, keep a long time and fill you up. Add beans, eggs, canned meat or vegetables to make a full meal.
At the Gospel MissionRice and pasta may come in Mission food boxes and the Senior Pantry.

2Plain rice that comes out right

Makes 3 cups. About 25 minutes.
  • 1 cup white rice, 2 cups water, a pinch of salt
  1. Boil the water and salt. Stir in the rice.
  2. Cover, turn heat to low, and cook 18-20 minutes. Don't lift the lid.
  3. Turn off the heat and let it sit 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

3Spanish (Mexican) rice

Makes 4 servings. About 30 minutes.
  • 1 cup rice, 1 spoon oil
  • 1 can diced tomatoes or 1/2 can tomato sauce, plus water to make 2 cups liquid
  • Onion, garlic, cumin, salt, chile powder
  1. Fry the dry rice in oil, stirring, until light brown.
  2. Add the onion and garlic for 1 minute, then the tomato liquid and spices.
  3. Boil, cover, cook on low 20 minutes.

4Spaghetti with meat or bean sauce

Makes 4 servings. About 25 minutes.
  • 1/2 to 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1 jar or can spaghetti sauce
  • 1 can beef, chicken, or 1 can beans, drained
  1. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until soft. Drain.
  2. Heat the sauce with the meat or beans. Add canned spinach or vegetables to stretch it.
  3. Pour over the noodles.

5Stovetop mac and cheese

Makes 4 servings. About 20 minutes.
  • 2 cups macaroni
  • 1 cup milk (powdered is fine), 1 spoon flour, 1 spoon oil or butter
  • 1-2 cups cheese, salt, pepper
  1. Cook and drain the macaroni.
  2. In the same pot, heat oil and flour 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk until it thickens.
  3. Stir in cheese until melted. Add the macaroni. Add canned tuna or peas to make it a meal.

6Fried rice

Makes 3 servings. About 15 minutes.
  • 3 cups cold cooked rice, 1-2 eggs, 1 can peas or mixed vegetables, oil, soy sauce or salt
  1. Scramble the eggs in oil. Push to the side.
  2. Add the rice and vegetables. Stir-fry until hot, 5 minutes. Season.

More help like this

Hungry today and needs food for the monthUse when someone is hungry now and also needs enough food for the rest of the month.Has special diet needs (diabetes, allergies, no teeth)Use when someone needs food that fits a health need: diabetes, food allergies, kidney or heart problems, soft food for missing teeth, or special baby formula.Someone is asking for money at your doorUse when a stranger knocks at your home or business asking for money, gas, food or a ride, and you want to stay safe, spot scams, and point them to real help.All food pantries in Grant County: places, days, times and what to bringUse when someone wants a list of every food pantry and free food distribution in Grant County, with where and when they are, who qualifies and what to bring.Wants to stock up on beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt and oilUse when someone wants to buy basic staples (beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt, oil) in bulk to save money and have food that lasts for months.Wants more fresh fruit and vegetables with SNAP (Double Up Food Bucks)Use when someone gets SNAP and wants more fresh fruit and vegetables. Double Up Food Bucks gives free extra money for New Mexico-grown produce at farmers markets.

See all guides in Food and basics →

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.