Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner

Featured in: Everyday Family Meals

This comforting one-pan dish combines tender long-grain rice gently simmered with juicy diced tomatoes, fragrant onion, and minced garlic. Cooked in a skillet with warming Italian seasoning and vegetable broth, this meal delivers savory flavors with minimal effort. After simmering until fully absorbed, the dish is fluffed and garnished with fresh parsley, creating an easy yet satisfying dinner option that is perfect for busy weeknights. Variations include adding beans for extra protein or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:06:00 GMT
Steaming tomato-rice skillet dinner, a one-pan meal with fluffy rice and vibrant tomato sauce. Save to Pinterest
Steaming tomato-rice skillet dinner, a one-pan meal with fluffy rice and vibrant tomato sauce. | recipesbies.com

A simple one-pan dinner featuring tender rice cooked with tomatoes, onion, and a hint of garlic. This easy skillet meal is ideal for busy weeknights and makes a comforting, vegetarian main dish.

I remember trying this tomato-rice skillet for the first time on a hectic Tuesday, and it quickly became our go-to when we wanted something hearty and simple without lots of fuss.

Ingredients

  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz/400 g), with juices
  • White rice: 1 cup (200 g) long-grain, rinsed
  • Vegetable broth or water: 2 cups (480 ml)
  • Salt: 1 tsp (or to taste)
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Dried oregano or Italian seasoning: 1/2 tsp
  • Olive oil (optional): 2 tbsp
  • Fresh parsley (optional): for garnish

Instructions

Sauté Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3, 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add Garlic:
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Toast Rice:
Stir in the rice and toast for 1, 2 minutes until edges become slightly translucent.
Combine Ingredients:
Add diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
Cook Rice:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18, 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Rest and Serve:
Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
A close-up of a bubbling tomato-rice skillet dinner, ready to serve with fragrant herbs. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a bubbling tomato-rice skillet dinner, ready to serve with fragrant herbs. | recipesbies.com
A close-up of a bubbling tomato-rice skillet dinner, ready to serve with fragrant herbs. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a bubbling tomato-rice skillet dinner, ready to serve with fragrant herbs. | recipesbies.com

Every time I make this, the aroma fills our kitchen and my kids always arrive, spoon in hand, waiting for first tastes right from the pan.

Required Tools

Large skillet with lid, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains no major allergens. If using prepared broth, check labels for gluten or other allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: calories 210, total fat 4 g, carbohydrates 40 g, protein 4 g

Deliciously simple tomato-rice skillet dinner, simmered in a skillet, perfect for quick weeknight meals. Save to Pinterest
Deliciously simple tomato-rice skillet dinner, simmered in a skillet, perfect for quick weeknight meals. | recipesbies.com
Deliciously simple tomato-rice skillet dinner, simmered in a skillet, perfect for quick weeknight meals. Save to Pinterest
Deliciously simple tomato-rice skillet dinner, simmered in a skillet, perfect for quick weeknight meals. | recipesbies.com

Try this skillet tonight, and enjoy a warm bowlful of comfort that’s ready in about 40 minutes!

Answers to Recipe Questions

Can I substitute brown rice in this dish?

Yes, brown rice can be used but will require 10–15 minutes longer simmering and additional broth to ensure it cooks through.

What cookware is ideal for preparing this meal?

A large skillet with a lid works best to evenly cook the rice and allow it to simmer properly.

How can I add protein to this meal?

Stir in canned beans or cooked chickpeas with the tomatoes to enhance protein content and keep it plant-based.

Is this suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, using gluten-free vegetable broth and ingredients makes this dish gluten-free and safe for those with sensitivities.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking will introduce a gentle heat to the dish.

Can olive oil be omitted or replaced?

Olive oil adds flavor and aids sautéing but can be replaced with another cooking oil or omitted for a lighter version.

Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner

A comforting one-pan meal featuring tender rice simmered with tomatoes, onion, and garlic for quick dinners.

Prep duration
10 mins
Time to cook
30 mins
Overall time
40 mins
Published by Sophie Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 4 Serving size

Dietary Details Plant-based, No dairy used, Contains No Gluten

What you need

Vegetables

01 1 medium onion, finely chopped
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices

Grains

01 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

Liquids

01 2 cups vegetable broth or water

Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
02 ½ teaspoon black pepper
03 ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Optional

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make It

Step 01

Sauté onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 02

Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Toast rice: Add the rinsed rice and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until the edges become slightly translucent.

Step 04

Combine liquids and seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Stir thoroughly to incorporate.

Step 05

Simmer rice mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.

Step 06

Rest and fluff: Remove from heat and allow to stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork.

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Equipment You'll Need

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens, and reach out to a healthcare pro if unsure.
  • Contains no major allergens; verify broth labels for gluten or allergens.

Nutrition info (by portion)

Nutrition info is for guidance. Please consult a medical expert if you need advice.
  • Total Calories: 210
  • Fat content: 4 g
  • Carbohydrate: 40 g
  • Protein content: 4 g