Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

This easy one-pan skillet dish combines long-grain rice gently simmered with diced tomatoes, aromatic onion, and garlic. Seasoned with salt, pepper, and oregano, it simmers until the rice is tender and infused with rich, savory flavors. A splash of olive oil adds depth while fresh parsley garnish brightens the palate. Ideal for busy evenings, it's both vegan and gluten-free. Variations include adding beans or spices to suit your taste.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:56:00 GMT
A vibrant Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, steaming hot, with fluffy rice and juicy tomatoes, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
A vibrant Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, steaming hot, with fluffy rice and juicy tomatoes, ready to serve. | yummywithmia.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 recipe saved me countless times on busy weeknights when I needed a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

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 (optional)

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.
Cook 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 liquids & 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.
Rest & fluff:
Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Garnish & serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
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| yummywithmia.com

My kids love scooping the rice right from the pan, especially when we share stories around the dinner table.

Required Tools

Large skillet with lid, chefs knife, cutting board, and measuring cups and spoons are all you need.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains no major allergens—just check your broth label if highly sensitive.

Nutritional Information

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

One-pan Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, a comforting vegetarian meal with fresh parsley garnish, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
One-pan Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, a comforting vegetarian meal with fresh parsley garnish, ready to enjoy. | yummywithmia.com

This Tomato-Rice Skillet makes weeknight dinners a breeze and flavors the table with comfort food warmth.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used but will require a longer simmering time (10–15 minutes more) and potentially additional broth to soften completely.

What can I add to increase protein content?

Incorporate canned beans or cooked chickpeas into the skillet along with the tomatoes for a boost of plant-based protein.

Is olive oil necessary for this dish?

Olive oil enhances flavor and aids in sautéing the onions and garlic but can be omitted or replaced with another cooking fat as preferred.

How do I make the dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the seasonings to introduce a gentle heat and deepen the flavor profile.

What tools are recommended for preparation?

A large skillet with a lid is essential for simmering, along with basic kitchen tools such as a chef's knife, cutting board, and measuring cups.

Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner

A comforting one-pan dish featuring tender rice cooked with tomatoes, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
30 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Created by Mia

Recipe Type Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Culinary Origin American

Total Output 4 Portion Size

Dietary Preferences Plant-Based, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free

What You'll 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 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

Steps to Follow

Step 01

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

Step 02

Add garlic: Incorporate minced garlic into the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Toast rice: Stir in the rinsed rice and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes until the edges turn slightly translucent.

Step 04

Combine liquids and seasonings: Add diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly to combine.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Rest and fluff: Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top if desired and serve immediately.

Tools Required

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

Allergy Warnings

Please review individual ingredients for potential allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Free from major allergens; verify broth labels for gluten or other additives.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Calories Count: 210
  • Fats: 4 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 40 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams