Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner Recipe
Introduction
Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner is a simple, comforting one-pan meal full of vibrant flavors. This dish combines tender rice with savory tomatoes and herbs, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a delicious, hearty dish ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add rinsed rice to the skillet and toast for 1 to 2 minutes until the edges become slightly translucent.
- Step 4: Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is fully absorbed.
- Step 6: Remove skillet from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork.
- Step 7: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Variations
- For added protein, stir in cooked beans, shredded chicken, or sautéed sausage before serving.
- Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a richer flavor.
- Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Fresh basil or cilantro can be substituted for parsley to change the flavor profile.
- Rinsing the rice helps prevent sticking and results in fluffier grains.
Storage
Store leftover tomato rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture if needed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust simmer time accordingly, usually around 40 to 45 minutes, and increase the broth to 2 1/2 cups.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely. This recipe uses vegetable broth and olive oil, making it fully vegan-friendly. Just ensure your broth is vegan if using store-bought.
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Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner is a flavorful one-pan meal combining sautéed onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings with tender long-grain white rice. Cooked entirely on the stovetop, it’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for a quick vegetarian dinner or side that’s both hearty and fresh with a touch of parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Sauté onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Toast rice: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the edges of the rice become slightly translucent.
- Combine liquids and seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano or Italian seasoning. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all liquid has been absorbed.
- Rest and fluff: Remove the skillet from heat and allow it to stand, covered, for 5 minutes. After resting, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the cooked rice with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch for fluffier grains.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with water for a lighter flavor or use chicken broth if not vegetarian.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt depending on the broth’s sodium content.
- Add cooked beans or sautéed vegetables for extra protein and nutrition.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: tomato rice skillet, vegetarian rice dinner, one pot rice dish, easy rice recipes, stovetop rice, quick vegetarian meal

