Baked Veggie Rice Skillet

Name: Baked Veggie Rice Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Highlighted under: Daily Meals

I love how easy it is to whip up this Baked Veggie Rice Skillet on busy weeknights. With just a handful of fresh vegetables and some pantry staples, I can create a hearty meal that everyone enjoys. The fragrant herbs and spices bring everything to life, making this dish not only delicious but also colorful and inviting. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. I truly believe this recipe will become a favorite in your household too!

Created by

Theodora Blythe

Last updated on 2026-01-15T14:45:35.502Z

This Baked Veggie Rice Skillet is a dish that I stumbled upon while trying to use up some leftover vegetables in my fridge. I love how the rice absorbs all the flavors from the veggies and spices, transforming a simple meal into something truly delightful. The baking process gives it an irresistible texture that is hard to beat.

When I make this skillet, I usually challenge myself to use whatever veggies I have on hand. This not only adds variety but also makes the dish uniquely mine each time. One tip I discovered is to layer the vegetables on top of the rice while it cooks to prevent them from overcooking – they stay vibrant and slightly crisp, which adds to the overall appeal of the dish!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Vibrant and colorful, making it visually appealing
Packed with nutrients from a variety of fresh vegetables
Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients

      

Ingredient Highlights

The choice of vegetables in this Baked Veggie Rice Skillet plays a crucial role in both flavor and nutrition. Bell peppers, with their natural sweetness, complement the earthy notes of broccoli and zucchini, creating a well-rounded taste profile. Each vegetable adds its unique texture, enhancing the overall dish. I recommend using fresh, vibrant vegetables for optimum flavor and color; wilted or soft veggies won’t provide the same impact in taste or appearance.

Garlic and onion serve as the aromatic base for this dish, imparting a depth of flavor that makes the skillet feel hearty. Cooking these ingredients until translucent is key; it allows their natural sugars to caramelize slightly, heightening their flavor. If you want to alter the flavor profile, feel free to experiment with different aromatics like leeks or shallots, which can introduce a more delicate taste.

Customization Ideas

One of the beauties of this recipe is its versatility! You can easily customize the protein by adding cooked chickpeas or diced tofu, making it a complete meal. If you prefer a heartier version, consider incorporating some cooked quinoa or mixing in lentils, which will also boost the nutritional value. Remember to adjust the vegetable broth accordingly if you're adding more grains to ensure the dish doesn’t turn out too dry.

For those looking to spice things up, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can add a delightful kick. Alternatively, a splash of soy sauce or lemon juice added just before serving can brighten the flavors significantly. Feel free to use leftover vegetables you have on hand, as they can seamlessly blend into this dish without compromising its deliciousness.

Ingredients

Gather these tasty ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

With these ingredients prepped, you are ready to create your meal!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious skillet:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Rice

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the diced bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, and broccoli. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the veggies are slightly tender.

Combine Ingredients

Add the rice, vegetable broth, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix well to combine.

Bake

Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is cooked and absorbs all the broth.

Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Now it's time to enjoy your delicious Baked Veggie Rice Skillet!

Pro Tips

Feel free to replace any of the vegetables with your favorites or whatever is in season. Experimenting with different herbs can also enhance the flavor of this dish!

Storage and Reheating

This Baked Veggie Rice Skillet holds up well in the refrigerator for up to five days, making it an excellent meal prep option. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth to the skillet to prevent the rice from drying out and cook on medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, consider preparing the rice and vegetable mixture and storing it separately from the broth until you’re ready to bake. This way, you’ll have a quick weeknight meal ready to go without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your rice isn’t fully cooked after the suggested time, it may be due to insufficient liquid absorption. Check for additional broth and add just enough to cover the rice; then cover and return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t become mushy; you want that perfect al dente texture.

For an inconsistent baking result, ensure your oven is properly preheated, and use a skillet that can withstand oven temperatures. If you’ve used a glass dish, check the manufacturer’s instructions, as some may not be safe for high heat. And always give the final dish a good fluff with a fork before serving to separate the grains and enhance presentation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and increase the liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth and ensure the rice is certified gluten-free.

→ Can I add protein to this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding chickpeas, cooked chicken, or tofu can make it more filling.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.