Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner

Featured in: Comfort Baking

This easy one-pan meal combines tender long-grain rice simmered gently with diced tomatoes, aromatic onion, and minced garlic for a comforting and wholesome dinner. Seasoned with salt, pepper, and oregano, the dish is cooked in vegetable broth until all the liquid is absorbed. After resting covered, the rice fluff completes the texture, with fresh parsley adding brightness. Optional additions like beans or a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance protein or heat, while substituting brown rice requires a longer simmer. Perfect for quick weeknight meals, served hot from the skillet.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:24:00 GMT
Steaming Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, a colorful, one-pan meal with a simple, savory fragrance. Pin
Steaming Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, a colorful, one-pan meal with a simple, savory fragrance. | cinnamonnest.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 cooked this tomato-rice skillet dinner on a rainy evening when all I wanted was something cozy and nourishing but simple to make.

Ingredients

  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz/400 g), with juices
  • Rice: 1 cup (200 g) long-grain white, 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.
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 liquids and seasonings:
Add 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:
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 beautifully plated Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner: fluffy rice mingled with tomatoes, ready to serve, simple and delicious. Pin
A beautifully plated Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner: fluffy rice mingled with tomatoes, ready to serve, simple and delicious. | cinnamonnest.com

This meal became our family go-to whenever busy evenings called for comfort food with minimum fuss and clean-up.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

This recipe 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.

Looking at the finished Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner: a satisfying, vegetarian dish bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for dinner. Pin
Looking at the finished Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner: a satisfying, vegetarian dish bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for dinner. | cinnamonnest.com

Enjoy this tomato-rice skillet dinner for a cozy weeknight meal. It pairs wonderfully with a simple salad for complete satisfaction.

Recipe FAQ

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for its fluffy texture, but brown rice can be used with longer cooking time and extra liquid.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, stirring in canned beans or cooked chickpeas with the tomatoes adds extra protein and heartiness.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking will give a mild, pleasant heat to the dish.

What is the purpose of simmering with the lid on?

Covering during simmering traps steam and ensures the rice cooks evenly while absorbing the flavorful broth and tomato juices.

Can I prepare this meal in advance?

Yes, it reheats well and flavors meld further after resting. Store cooled leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner

Tender rice cooked with juicy tomatoes, onion, and garlic, perfect for an easy, flavorful one-pan meal.

Prep duration
10 min
Cooking duration
30 min
Total duration
40 min

Category Comfort Baking

Difficulty Easy

Origin American

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary requirements Vegan, Dairy-free, Gluten-free

Ingredients

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 tsp salt, or to taste
02 1/2 tsp black pepper
03 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Optional

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Toast rice: Stir in rinsed rice and toast for 1 to 2 minutes until edges are translucent.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Simmer mixture: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 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 with a fork before serving.

Step 07

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy information

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain.
  • Contains no major allergens; check broth labels for gluten or other allergens.

Nutritional information (per serving)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Carbs: 40 g
  • Protein: 4 g