Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner

Featured in: Main Dishes

This comforting one-pan skillet combines tender long-grain rice with juicy diced tomatoes, sautéed onion, and garlic, seasoned with oregano and pepper. Simmered gently in vegetable broth, the dish yields a flavorful and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. A simple yet hearty combination garnished with fresh parsley adds a fresh, vibrant finish. Optional additions like beans or spices customize it to your liking, making it a versatile, wholesome choice.

Updated on Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:27:00 GMT
A steaming, aromatic skillet of tomato-rice dinner ready to serve fresh parsley. Save
A steaming, aromatic skillet of tomato-rice dinner ready to serve fresh parsley. | cheerfulchefs.com

A simple, comforting one-pan meal of tender rice simmered with juicy tomatoes, onion, and a hint of garlic is perfect for busy weeknights. This skillet dinner combines convenience and flavor for those looking for easy, hearty food.

I first tried making this Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner on a weekday when I was pressed for time, and was amazed at how satisfying and flavorful it turned out without much 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 (Optional): 2 tbsp
  • Fresh Parsley (Optional): For garnish

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:
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 Main Ingredients:
Add the diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
Simmer:
Bring to a boil, 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 & Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Golden-hued tomato-rice skillet dinner, a simple vegetarian meal bubbling in a skillet. Save
Golden-hued tomato-rice skillet dinner, a simple vegetarian meal bubbling in a skillet. | cheerfulchefs.com

This Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner quickly became a family favorite and is often requested on busy nights for its comfort and simplicity.

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 the label for gluten or other allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

Close-up of a flavorful tomato-rice skillet dinner, featuring tender rice and juicy tomatoes. Save
Close-up of a flavorful tomato-rice skillet dinner, featuring tender rice and juicy tomatoes. | cheerfulchefs.com

Give this easy skillet dinner a try for a comforting meal any night of the week. The leftovers taste great too!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, substitute brown rice but increase simmering time by 10–15 minutes and add extra broth as needed for tenderness.

How can I add protein to this dish?

Stir in canned beans or cooked chickpeas along with the tomatoes to boost protein content.

What seasoning alternatives work well here?

Dried oregano is recommended, but Italian seasoning or fresh herbs can add variety.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking to give the dish a gentle heat.

What tools are needed to prepare this meal?

A large skillet with lid, chef’s knife, cutting board, and measuring cups/spoons are all you need.

Is this dish suitable for special diets?

Yes, it fits vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets when using appropriate broth.

Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner

Tender rice cooked with tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a one-pan easy dinner.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Main Dishes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background American

Portions 4 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegan-Friendly, Dairy-Free Option, Gluten-Free Option

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

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Sauté Onions: 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 appear slightly translucent.

Step 04

Combine Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Stir to blend evenly.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains no major allergens. Verify broth label for gluten or other allergens.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fats: 4 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 40 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams