Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner

Featured in: Seasonal Family Dinners

This comforting skillet meal combines tender long-grain rice simmered with juicy diced tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and soft onions. The dish is gently seasoned with oregano, salt, and pepper, then cooked in vegetable broth until the rice is fluffy and infused with savory flavors. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, it offers a quick, satisfying, and wholesome option for busy weeknights, suitable for vegetarian and vegan preferences.

Optional ingredients like beans or red pepper flakes can enhance protein content or add heat, while substitutions like brown rice provide variation. It pairs well with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:23:00 GMT
Steaming hot Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, a comforting one-pan meal with fresh parsley garnish. Save
Steaming hot Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, a comforting one-pan meal with fresh parsley garnish. | pumpkinvale.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 on a night when I was pressed for time and ingredients. It quickly became a go-to meal at home for its comforting flavors and practicality.

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 (optional): 2 tbsp
  • Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish

Instructions

Saute Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 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 to 2 minutes, until the edges become slightly translucent.
Combine Ingredients:
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 to 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.
Save
| pumpkinvale.com

This skillet dinner is one of my childhood favorites and a staple at family gatherings when we want something hearty and simple. Everyone loves how the flavors meld together and how easy it is to make for all ages.

Required Tools

To prepare this recipe, you will need a large skillet with a lid, a chefs knife, cutting board, and measuring cups and spoons.

Allergen Information

Contains no major allergens. If using prepared broth, always check the label for gluten or other allergens to ensure the dish stays safe for everyone.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 210, Total Fat 4 g, Carbohydrates 40 g, Protein 4 g. Nutritional values will vary with ingredient brands and garnishes.

Flavorful Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner: This photo shows a close-up of the delicious, cooked rice. Save
Flavorful Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner: This photo shows a close-up of the delicious, cooked rice. | pumpkinvale.com

Enjoy this tomato-rice skillet dinner any night of the week for a quick, wholesome meal. Leftovers taste great warmed up for lunch the next day.

Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner

One-pan comforting dish with tender rice, onions, garlic, and juicy tomatoes for busy evenings.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Time Needed
40 minutes
Created by Emma Wallace


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Serving Size

Diet Information Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

Ingredient List

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

How to Make

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: Incorporate 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 turn slightly translucent.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Simmer: Bring mixture 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 rice gently with a fork.

Step 07

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and ask a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Contains no major allergens. Verify broth ingredients to ensure gluten and allergen-free status.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Details shown are for general guidance and aren't a medical substitute.
  • Caloric Content: 210
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 4 g