College is so stressful that trying to keep up with classes and a social schedule can be more than overwhelming. Sometimes, its hard to even find time to fit in a proper meal. But I have the answer to those problems: rice cookers.

Rice cookers have a heating pad on the base, a removable cooking bowl, a steaming tray (optional) and a lid. They have both a "heat" and a "warm" function that changes the temperature of the heating pad. This versatile appliance can be used to cook everything from rice and beans, to Jambalaya, to soup. So give it a try with these awesome and easy rice cooker recipes!

Gourmet Rice and Beans

  • Prep Time:5 mins
  • Cook Time:35 mins
  • Total Time:40 mins
  • Servings:4
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Rice uncooked
  • 1 10 Ounce Can Dice Tomatoes
  • 1 14.5 Ounce Can Chicken Broth
  • 1 15.25 Ounce Can Black Beans
  • 1 14.75 Ounce Can Sweet Corn
pilaf, fried rice, pepper, meat, cereal, vegetable, rice
Samantha Brooks
  • Step 1

    Drain Tomatoes, Black Beans and Corn. Place Ingredients in Cooking Bowl.

  • Step 2

    Put Rice and Chicken Broth into Cooking Bowl and turn on to "heat" mode.

  • Step 3

    Cook ingredients together unless rice cooker turns itself off. Stir Occasionally.

  • Step 4

    Top with Cheese or Salsa and Enjoy!

Jambalaya

  • Prep Time:30 mins
  • Cook Time:45 mins
  • Total Time:1 hr 15 mins
  • Servings:4
  • Medium

    Ingredients

  • 2 Cups Rice Uncooked
  • 2/3 Lbs ground Andouille Sausage
  • 1 16 ounce Can Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 Cup Water
  • 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1/2 Onion Diced
  • 1 Red Pepper Diced
onion, corn, sausage, smoked sausage, pepper, meat, vegetable
Katie Carr
  • Step 1

    Turn Rice Cooker on to "heat" mode so that the base of the cooking pot becomes warm.

  • Step 2

    Put Sausage in pot and cook until brown.

  • Step 3

    Remove sausage from pot and set aside. Cook Peppers and Onions together in Sausage Grease until soft.

  • Step 4

    Remove Peppers and Onions and set aside. Put Rice and Diced Tomatoes together into Cooking Pot. Add in 1 cup of water. Cook until Rice Cooker turns to "warm" function.

  • Step 5

    Once Rice is finished, add in the sausage, peppers and onions to the pot. Add in spices and continue to let the combination heat on the "warm" function.

  • Step 6

    Serve and Enjoy!

Homemade Hot Chocolate

  • Prep Time:5 mins
  • Cook Time:20 mins
  • Total Time:25 mins
  • Servings:4
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 3/4 Cup Water
  • 3 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
  • 3 Cups Whole Milk
  • 6 Ounces Semi-Sweet Chocolate Finely Chopped
  • 3 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
  • Whipped Cream Optional
mocha, hot chocolate, sweet, espresso, chocolate, cappuccino, milk, cream, coffee
Claire Cannes
  • Step 1

    Place the water in the rice cooker and turn to "heat".

  • Step 2

    Once water begins to simmer, whisk in cocoa powder. Once well mixed, add in milk and return the mixture to a simmer.

  • Step 3

    Whisk in chocolate and sugar. Continue heating the mixture, stirring frequently.

  • Step 4

    Once the mixture is smooth, place in mugs, top with whipped cream and cocoa powder, and enjoy!

Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Prep Time:10 mins
  • Cook Time:20 mins
  • Total Time:30 mins
  • Servings:6
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 4 14.5 ounce cans chicken broth
  • 1 14.5 ounce can vegetable broth
  • 1/2 lbs chopped cooked chicken breast
  • 1 1/2 cups egg noodles
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
chicken, pasta, parsley, broth, vegetable, soup
Jason Wong
  • Step 1

    In rice cooker, melt the butter with the "heat" function on. Then add onion and celery to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes.

  • Step 2

    Add the chicken broth and vegetable broth. Then add the rest of the ingredients.

  • Step 3

    Continue to heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Step 4

    Place in bowls and serve with a loaf of bread.