Not too long ago, I thought a rice cooker was only good for making rice. Maybe that’s your stance, too.

But think again. There are plenty of things to cook in your rice cooker that go way beyond the basics.

I am talking about oatmeal, steamed veggies, eggs, and casseroles. This simple kitchen gadget can help you whip up healthy, no-fuss meals, all in one pot and without the mess of extra pans.

If you’re looking for ways to save time and simplify your routine, a rice cooker is your secret weapon. In this post, I’m sharing a list of unexpected things to cook in your rice cooker that will expand your options, cut down on cleanup, and make meal prep a breeze.

Get ready to see your rice cooker as a true multitasker—perfect for anyone who wants quick and easy food without the hassle.

Oatmeal and Other Breakfast Grains

Starting your day with a warm bowl of oatmeal from the rice cooker feels almost like a cheat code for easy mornings.

The beauty is, oats aren’t your only option. There’s a whole family of breakfast grains that the rice cooker handles with hardly any effort from you.

If you want a convenient, mess-free way to make hearty breakfasts, this is the way to go.

easy things to cook in rice cooker

Oatmeal in the Rice Cooker

Oatmeal is a breakfast classic, and making it in a rice cooker is a total win if you want to avoid hovering over the stove.

Just toss your oats, water or milk, and any mix-ins straight into the bowl, press the button, and let the cooker do its thing. You don’t have to stir or worry about burning.

Here’s why oatmeal in your rice cooker works so well:

  • Consistent texture: The rice cooker keeps the heat gentle and steady. You end up with creamy oats every single time.
  • No babysitting: Get on with your morning while breakfast cooks itself.
  • Effortless customization: Toss in berries, banana slices, cinnamon, or a handful of nuts as it cooks.

To keep things simple, start with a basic ratio: about 1 cup of old-fashioned oats to 2.5 cups of water or milk. Add a pinch of salt and let your rice cooker take care of breakfast. If you like, add raisins, chia seeds, or brown sugar before hitting the cook button.

Try using steel-cut oats for a chewy, nutty twist. Your machine will handle them without extra steps or soaking.

Beyond Oatmeal: Other Breakfast Grains

Oats aren’t the only grain with breakfast potential. A rice cooker is also perfect for:

  • Quinoa porridge: Light, fluffy, richer in protein than regular oatmeal.
  • Cream of wheat or farina: Smooth and comforting, cooks up beautifully in the rice cooker.
  • Millet or amaranth: Naturally gluten-free choices that soak up flavor from fruit, spices, or nuts.

To cook these grains, use the “porridge” or “white rice” setting if your cooker has one. Just combine your grain, liquid (water, milk, or a blend), and a pinch of salt. Here are some sample ratios to get you started:

  1. Quinoa: 1 part grain to 2 parts liquid
  2. Millet: 1 part grain to 3 parts liquid
  3. Amaranth: 1 part grain to 2.5 parts liquid

Let your rice cooker do the work. Mix up toppings and stir-ins so your breakfast never gets boring—fresh fruit, maple syrup, honey, or yogurt all pair well.

Steamed Vegetables and Dumplings

Looking for more things to cook in your rice cooker besides rice and grains? Steamed vegetables and dumplings are smart choices if you want hands-off, healthy meals or sides that come together fast.

You don’t need fancy equipment—a simple steamer basket and your rice cooker get the job done with minimal fuss.

Steaming Vegetables in a Rice Cooker

Let’s face it: stovetop steaming can sometimes feel like you’re babysitting a pot. With a rice cooker, steaming vegetables becomes totally effortless.

Just wash and chop your veggies (think broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or even squash), drop them in the steamer tray, add water to the base, and hit start.

Here’s the easy way I like to do it:

  • Add about 1-2 inches of water to the main pot.
  • Place vegetables in an even layer in the tray—nothing fancy, just don’t overcrowd.
  • Close the lid and turn the machine to its “steam” or “cook” setting.
  • Most veggies steam in 5–15 minutes, depending on thickness.

You end up with bright, crisp vegetables every time—and you don’t have to watch the clock. This method works especially well if you’re also cooking rice below, making dinner a one-appliance affair.

Dumplings in the Rice Cooker

Close-up of bamboo steamer with dumplings, chopsticks, and sesame seeds. Photo by Mikhail Nilov

Now, onto a fan favorite: steamed dumplings. If you never thought you could make dumplings at home without a dedicated steamer, the rice cooker is about to surprise you.

You just need a steamer basket or heatproof plate. Arrange the dumplings in a single layer, add water to the base, and let the cooker do all the work.

Here’s how I keep it simple:

  1. Pour water to the first line on your rice cooker pot.
  2. Place a steamer basket or plate with the dumplings over the water (but not submerged).
  3. Cover and select the “steam” function (or just turn it on if your cooker’s a classic model).
  4. Let the dumplings steam for 10–15 minutes. They should turn glossy and tender.

This is perfect for frozen dumplings, homemade versions, or store-bought gyoza. There’s no need for constant attention or complicated steps.

For tasty ideas and handy visual guides, peek at Rice Cooker Steamed Dumplings and see how easy it is to create delicious dumplings with everyday tools.

One-Pot Meals: Soups, Stews, and Chili

Picture coming home to a steamy, homemade soup or a hearty chili that’s cooked itself—no stove-watching, no mountain of dirty pots.

That’s exactly what your rice cooker delivers. If you want real comfort food with minimal fuss, it’s hard to beat soups, stews, and chili made in a single pot.

A rice cooker transforms simple, everyday ingredients into cozy meals packed with flavor and goodness.

Soups in the Rice Cooker

When you think about things to cook in your rice cooker, classic soups like chicken noodle, vegetable, or miso are easy crowd-pleasers. The even heat and gentle simmer of a rice cooker means your broth absorbs all the savory notes from your add-ins.

Here’s how I do it:

  • Chop your favorite veggies, throw in some cooked chicken, tofu, or beans.
  • Add broth, your spices, and noodles or rice if you like.
  • Set the rice cooker, close the lid, and let the gentle cooking do its thing.

Most soups come together in 30–45 minutes and keep warm until you’re ready. No burnt bottoms, no babysitting.

A few cozy soup ideas for the rice cooker:

  • Chicken and rice soup with carrots, celery, and a dash of lemon.
  • Hearty vegetable soup packed with potatoes, beans, and greens.
  • Miso soup with tofu and seaweed for umami-rich, light comfort.

Stews: Built for Set-It-and-Forget-It

Rice cookers are perfect for stews—meals that taste like you cooked them all afternoon, but took just a few steps. The steady, low heat breaks down meat or root veggies, turning everything tender and delicious.

To make stew in your rice cooker:

  • Add bite-sized chunks of beef, chicken, or your plant-based protein of choice.
  • Throw in potatoes, carrots, and some aromatics (think onions, garlic, or ginger).
  • Pour in broth, canned tomatoes, or coconut milk for your base.
  • Sprinkle in herbs, close the lid, and let it slow-cook until everything’s melt-in-your-mouth soft.

Use the “cook” or “slow cook” setting if your rice cooker has one, and you’ll get rich, flavorful results—without ever turning on your oven.

This method is also fantastic for meal prep because leftovers are just as tasty the next day.

Chili: Hearty, Filling, and Fuss-Free

Chili in the rice cooker deserves a spot in your weeknight rotation. Toss your ingredients in, let it simmer, and walk away. Simple.

Typical rice cooker chili steps:

  1. Brown your meat (if using) directly in the rice cooker if yours allows it, or quickly on the stove.
  2. Add canned beans, crushed tomatoes, chopped onions, bell peppers, corn, and spices (like chili powder and cumin).
  3. Stir, hit “cook,” and let it bubble away until the flavors come together.

In about an hour, you’ll have a satisfying, protein-packed meal that tastes like it was slow-cooked for hours.

Chili is versatile, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a family or making a batch for lunch leftovers.

If you want a straightforward guide, don’t miss this step-by-step for making Rice Cooker Chili—it breaks down the whole process with photos and tips you can follow easily.

Pasta and Mac and Cheese

A rice cooker isn’t just for rice—it’s a lifesaver for easy pasta and creamy mac and cheese, especially on busy nights or when you need comfort food fast.

You can skip the stovetop, avoid boiling over, and walk away while your favorite noodles cook up in one pot. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and letting your rice cooker do the heavy lifting.

things to cook in your rice cooker

Cooking Pasta in Your Rice Cooker

Making plain pasta in your rice cooker is as straightforward as it gets. This setup cuts down on dishes and keeps cleanup simple. Here’s how I handle it:

  • Pour dry pasta and enough water to cover it into the rice cooker pot.
  • Sprinkle in a pinch of salt for flavor.
  • Pop the lid on and hit the “cook” or “white rice” setting.
  • Give the pasta a few stirs as it softens, checking doneness after 10–15 minutes.

No watching for water to boil. No draining giant pots. If you want to mix in veggies, sausage, or canned tomatoes, it’s easy to throw them in for an all-in-one meal.

Plus, you can adjust the water ratio if you like your pasta on the drier or saucier side.

Pasta shapes like elbows, penne, rotini, or shells all work.

Just check your cooker now and then, as some models run hotter than others and you might want to stir for even cooking. You’ll be surprised at how hands-off pasta making becomes—a true win for anyone tired of babysitting the stove.

Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese in the rice cooker is pure comfort with next-to-no effort. You don’t even need to use the oven or make a cheese sauce separately.

Everything goes into one pot, and the result is creamy, dreamy, and so satisfying.

Here’s my go-to method:

  1. Add dry macaroni and water to the rice cooker. Cover and cook, stirring every few minutes so the noodles don’t stick.
  2. When the pasta is al dente and most of the water has absorbed, pour in milk.
  3. Stir in shredded cheese—a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, or even cream cheese for extra richness.
  4. Mix until creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. For extra flavor, toss in a little garlic powder, paprika, or some steamed broccoli.

Let the noodles soak up all that cheesy goodness. If you ever feel fancy, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top for crunch.

Mac and cheese in the rice cooker comes together in about 20–30 minutes with little supervision.

This isn’t just a shortcut—it’s a way to enjoy homemade cheesy pasta without a sink full of dishes or standing over a hot stove.

Need a foolproof recipe? Check out this step-by-step for a straightforward Easy Rice Cooker Mac ‘n Cheese Recipe.

Cakes, Breads, and Sweet Treats

A rice cooker isn’t just for dinners or one-pot wonders. It can transform simple pantry staples into homemade cakes, breads, and irresistible sweet treats—all without turning on your oven.

If you’ve ever thought homemade baked goods were too much hassle, this method will flip that idea on its head.

You get all the flavor with half the effort and cleanup. Plus, your kitchen stays cool, even when you’re cooking up something indulgent.

An inviting breakfast spread featuring various breads, cakes, and sandwiches on a decorative table setting. Photo by Matheus Bertelli

Why Bake in a Rice Cooker?

Maybe you live in a small space. Maybe you don’t love cleaning up after a baking spree. Or maybe you just want a fun, low-stress way to make dessert with your kids.

Whatever the reason, a rice cooker brings new possibilities to your list of things to cook in your rice cooker.

Here are some key perks:

  • No oven required: Perfect for summer, dorm living, or tiny kitchens.
  • Minimal hands-on time: Almost everything is just mix, pour, and press “cook.”
  • Even, steady heat: Rice cookers keep cakes and breads moist without burning the edges.
  • Easy recipes: Most use basic pantry ingredients—flour, eggs, oil, milk, sugar, and flavorings.

You can make single-layer cakes, moist banana bread, or even quick muffins by steaming them in ramekins tucked in the cooker.

Cakes Made Easy

Banana cake, sponge cake, and soft chocolate cake all work beautifully in a rice cooker. Just mix your batter as the recipe says, pour it into a greased cooker bowl, and walk away.

The steam and gentle heat give you a result that’s light, springy, and never dry.

Want to get creative? These popular options are always a crowd-pleaser:

  • Banana bread or cake with chocolate chips or nuts for an extra treat.
  • Carrot cake with shredded carrots and a touch of cinnamon.
  • Coconut cake for a tropical twist.

Yes, You Can Make Bread!

If warm, fresh bread sounds intimidating, don’t worry. A rice cooker makes it beginner-friendly.

For simple breads like banana bread, raisin bread, or sweet milk bread, just prepare your dough or batter, pour it into a greased bowl, and start the cooking cycle.

The trick? Let the batter rise right in the bowl if needed. When you hit “cook,” the rice cooker acts like a mini bread oven.

The result isn’t a classic crusty loaf, but a soft, pull-apart bread that’s perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or dessert. Try cinnamon raisin bread or classic white bread for a satisfying homemade option without any hassle.

Sweet Treats and Simple Desserts

Craving something sweet but short on time? The rice cooker can handle:

  • Rice pudding: Combine cooked rice, milk, a touch of sugar, and some cinnamon for a cozy treat.
  • Steamed brownies: Rich, fudgy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Fruit crisps: Layer sliced apples or peaches with oats and brown sugar for a quick, warm dessert.

Kids and adults alike will love these fuss-free sweets, and you can adjust sugar and toppings to fit your taste.

Final Thoughts on Things to Cook in a Rice Cooker

A rice cooker belongs at the center of any kitchen. It’s much more than a machine for rice—it’s a multitasking hero that knocks out oatmeal, stews, dumplings, pasta, and even cake, often with just the push of a button.

Every meal means fewer pots and less cleanup.

Trying out new things to cook in your rice cooker is a simple way to make meals that fit your schedule and diet.

Don’t forget—every time you use your rice cooker for something different, you’re getting the most out of one of the handiest kitchen tools around.

Thanks for sticking around and exploring with me! What are you excited to make first? I tried oatmeal and I’ll try again!!