Pin It 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 for my family on a night when we all needed some comfort and minimal cleanup, and it quickly became a go-to recipe.
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 Onion:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 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 minute, until the edges become slightly translucent.
- Combine Ingredients:
- 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 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Pin It My kids love scooping this rice right from the skillet. It brings everyone together at the table for an easy home-cooked dinner.
Required Tools
Large skillet with lid, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Measuring cups and spoons
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210, Total Fat: 4 g, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 4 g (per serving)
Notes
For added protein, stir in canned beans or cooked chickpeas with the tomatoes. To make it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Substitute brown rice and increase simmering time by 10 minutes, adding extra broth if needed. Pairs well with a simple green salad.
Pin It This skillet dinner is perfect when you want simple comfort and a satisfying meal in less than an hour.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but increase the simmering time by 10–15 minutes and add extra broth as needed to ensure the rice cooks through.
- → How can I add more protein to this dish?
Stir in canned beans or cooked chickpeas along with the tomatoes to boost the protein content.
- → Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, it uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients, making it fully vegan-friendly.
- → What tools are needed for preparation?
A large skillet with a lid, chef's knife, cutting board, and measuring cups and spoons are recommended.
- → Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking gives it a nice spicy kick.