Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner

Featured in: One-Pan Comforts

This easy one-pan dinner combines tender long-grain rice simmered with flavorful diced tomatoes, sautéed onion, and minced garlic. Cooked in vegetable broth with a touch of oregano and seasoned with salt and pepper, it creates a warm, comforting main dish. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and pairs well with fresh parsley garnish or a side salad. Options include adding beans for protein or adjusting spices for heat.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:34:00 GMT
Steaming Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, featuring fluffy rice, juicy tomatoes, seasoned to perfection for a quick meal. Save
Steaming Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, featuring fluffy rice, juicy tomatoes, seasoned to perfection for a quick meal. | hazeldish.com

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

I first made this tomato-rice skillet dinner when searching for something quick and hearty that uses pantry staples. It became an instant favorite at home for how fuss-free and tasty it is.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • Grains: 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • Liquids: 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth or water
  • Seasonings: 1 tsp salt (or to taste), 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Optional: 2 tbsp olive oil, fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the 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 the rice:
Stir in the rice and toast for 1 2 minutes, until the edges become slightly translucent.
Add liquids and simmer:
Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir well to combine. 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 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 delicious Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, ready to serve with fresh parsley for a comforting vegetarian dinner. Save
A close-up of a delicious Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, ready to serve with fresh parsley for a comforting vegetarian dinner. | hazeldish.com
A close-up of a delicious Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, ready to serve with fresh parsley for a comforting vegetarian dinner. Save
A close-up of a delicious Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, ready to serve with fresh parsley for a comforting vegetarian dinner. | hazeldish.com

There is nothing like gathering around the table with my family to enjoy the cozy flavors of tomato rice after a long day. It is always a welcome comfort meal for everyone.

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 for gluten or other allergens on the label.

Nutritional Information

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

Flavorful Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, simmering in a skillet, offering a comforting aroma and easy one-pan cooking. Save
Flavorful Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, simmering in a skillet, offering a comforting aroma and easy one-pan cooking. | hazeldish.com
Flavorful Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, simmering in a skillet, offering a comforting aroma and easy one-pan cooking. Save
Flavorful Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, simmering in a skillet, offering a comforting aroma and easy one-pan cooking. | hazeldish.com

This skillet dinner is deliciously simple and sure to become a staple in your weeknight rotation. Enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day!

Recipe Help & Answers

What type of rice works best for this dish?

Long-grain white rice is ideal as it cooks evenly and absorbs the tomato flavors well. Brown rice can be used but requires longer cooking time.

Can I add protein to this meal?

Yes, adding canned beans or cooked chickpeas along with the tomatoes adds protein and enhances texture.

How can I make it spicier?

Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking to bring a gentle heat to the dish.

Is it suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?

Absolutely. Using vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients keeps it vegan and naturally gluten-free. Check broth labels for allergens.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, it reheats well. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and gently warm before serving, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner

Tender rice cooked with juicy tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a simple one-pan dish.

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Overall Time
40 min
Created by Isabel Grant

Dish Type One-Pan Comforts

Skill Level Easy

Inspired By American

Makes 4 Number of servings

Dietary Details Vegan-Friendly, No Dairy, Without 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 finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Combine liquids and seasonings: Pour in diced tomatoes with juices and vegetable broth. Season with salt, black pepper, and oregano. Stir thoroughly to combine.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish if desired. Serve warm.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review each ingredient for allergens. Always reach out to a healthcare professional for help if you’re unsure.
  • Contains no major allergens.
  • Check broth labels for gluten or other allergen content if using prepared broth.

Per-Serving Nutrition

Nutritional data is for general reference only. It shouldn't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Calorie Count: 210
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 4 g