Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Eats

This one-pan dinner combines long-grain rice simmered gently with diced tomatoes, aromatic onions, garlic, and herbs to create a comforting, flavorful dish. Sautéing the onion and garlic first builds a savory base before adding rice and liquids, allowing the flavors to meld during a slow simmer. The result is tender, fluffy rice infused with the rich taste of tomato and herbs, perfect for quick weeknight meals. Garnish with fresh parsley for brightness, and consider adding beans or spices for variety.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:38:00 GMT
Steaming Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, featuring fluffy rice, bright tomatoes, and herbs, ready to serve or enjoy. Save
Steaming Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, featuring fluffy rice, bright tomatoes, and herbs, ready to serve or enjoy. | tazzsip.com

A simple, comforting one-pan meal of tender rice simmered with juicy tomatoes, onion, and a hint of garlic—perfect for busy weeknights.

This Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner quickly became a weeknight staple for me. I love that it comes together with everyday pantry ingredients and fills the kitchen with a cozy aroma as it cooks.

Ingredients

  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz/400 g), with juices
  • Long-grain white rice: 1 cup (200 g), 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: 2 tbsp (optional)
  • Fresh parsley: for garnish

Instructions

Cook onion:
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 the edges become slightly translucent.
Add tomatoes and seasonings:
Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
Simmer:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18—20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Stand and fluff:
Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Garnish and serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
A close-up of a bubbling Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, showcasing the vibrant colors and appealing texture of this easy meal. Save
A close-up of a bubbling Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, showcasing the vibrant colors and appealing texture of this easy meal. | tazzsip.com

My family always requests this skillet dinner when the weather turns cooler—it reminds us of simple meals from my childhood and brings everyone to the dinner table.

Allergen Information

Contains no major allergens. If using prepared broth, verify the label for gluten or other allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 210, Total Fat 4 g, Carbohydrates 40 g, Protein 4 g.

Required Tools

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

Fragrant and colorful, this flavorful Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner promises a comforting and delicious vegetarian meal. Save
Fragrant and colorful, this flavorful Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner promises a comforting and delicious vegetarian meal. | tazzsip.com

This wholesome dinner is delicious and nourishing, making it an easy favorite for all ages.

Recipe Guide

What type of rice works best in this dish?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for achieving a fluffy texture, but brown rice can be used with longer cooking times.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh ripe tomatoes can be diced and used, though cooking time may slightly increase to soften them fully.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the seasonings for a gentle heat boost.

Is it possible to add protein to this meal?

For extra protein, stir in cooked beans or chickpeas along with the tomatoes before simmering.

What can I serve with this one-pan meal?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair nicely, balancing the rich tomato and rice flavors.

Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner

One-pan meal with tender rice, juicy tomatoes, onion, and garlic; easy, flavorful, and quick to prepare.

Setup duration
10 min
Heat duration
30 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Daniel Brooks

Classification Easy Weeknight Eats

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications Plant-based, No dairy, No gluten

Components

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 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
03 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Optional

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 Fresh parsley, for garnish

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Toast rice: Add rinsed rice and toast for 1 to 2 minutes until edges appear slightly translucent.

Phase 04

Incorporate liquids and seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and oregano until well combined.

Phase 05

Simmer rice: Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and simmer 18 to 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains no major allergens; verify broth labeling for gluten or other allergens.

Dietary information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 4 g