Tomato basil rice is the kind of side that quietly steals the show. It’s comforting, bright, and goes with almost anything from roasted chicken to grilled fish. This crockpot version does the work for you, turning pantry staples into a cozy bowl of tender, tomato-kissed grains with fresh basil throughout.

Set it, forget it, and come back to a dish that tastes like you cooked all afternoon. If you love easy, flavorful meals, you might also enjoy this bright pasta idea: Mediterranean Chickpea Pasta A Bright Flavor Packed Weeknight Dinner.

Crockpot Tomato Basil Rice - A Simple, Flavor-Packed Side Dish

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (rinsed)
• 1 (14.5–15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (divided)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)
• Lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon (optional, to brighten)

Method

 

1. Prep the rice: Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.This helps prevent gummy grains.
2. Layer flavors: Add rice, tomatoes (with juices), broth, tomato paste, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the crockpot. Stir well to combine and spread evenly.
3. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 2–3 hours, or until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Avoid opening the lid early to keep steam inside.
4. Finish with basil: Fluff with a fork, then stir in half the basil.Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Add a squeeze of lemon or zest if you like brightness.
5. Serve: Top with remaining basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Drizzle with a little olive oil for extra richness.

Why This Recipe Works

– Hands-off cooking: The crockpot keeps the rice fluffy and infuses the grains with tomato and herbs while you handle the rest of dinner. – Balanced flavor: Tomato brings sweetness and acidity; basil adds freshness; garlic and onion round everything out. – Pantry-friendly: Use canned tomatoes and long-grain rice—no fancy steps. – Consistent results: Gentle slow heat helps avoid scorched bottoms or uneven texture. For another cozy, weeknight-friendly option, try this pasta favorite: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta A Cozy Weeknight Favorite.

What You’ll Need

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (rinsed)
• 1 (14.5–15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (divided)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)
• Lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon (optional, to brighten)

How to Make It

1. Prep the rice: Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.

   This helps prevent gummy grains.

2. Layer flavors: Add rice, tomatoes (with juices), broth, tomato paste, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the crockpot. Stir well to combine and spread evenly.
3. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 2–3 hours, or until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Avoid opening the lid early to keep steam inside.
4. Finish with basil: Fluff with a fork, then stir in half the basil.

   Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Add a squeeze of lemon or zest if you like brightness.

5. Serve: Top with remaining basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Drizzle with a little olive oil for extra richness.

Keeping It Fresh

– Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. – Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen. – Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove or microwave, fluffing as it warms.

Benefits of This Recipe

– Easy meal prep: Batch-friendly and freezer-friendly. – Budget-smart: Uses affordable pantry staples. – Versatile: Pairs with chicken, fish, tofu, or roasted veggies. – Kid-friendly: Familiar tomato flavor with mild herbs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Skipping the rinse: Unrinsed rice can turn sticky. Rinse for better texture. – Lifting the lid often: Heat and steam escape, leading to uneven cooking. – Using short-grain rice: It’s starchier and can go mushy. Choose long-grain white rice (or see variations). – Not adjusting salt: Broth and canned tomatoes vary in sodium.

Taste and season at the end. – Overcooking: Check at 2 hours; slow cookers vary. Switch to Warm when tender.

Recipe Variations

– Cheesy tomato basil rice: Stir in 1/2–1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone at the end for a creamy finish. – Add veggies: Fold in baby spinach, peas, or sautéed zucchini during the last 10 minutes. – Protein boost: Add cooked chicken sausage, rotisserie chicken, or white beans at the end. – Brown rice version: Use 1 1/2 cups brown rice with 2 1/4–2 1/2 cups broth; cook on Low 4–5 hours. – Spicy twist: Add extra red pepper flakes or a spoon of Calabrian chili. For more bright, tomato-basil vibes, check out this pasta: Tomato Basil Cream Rigatoni A Cozy Weeknight Friendly Pasta.

And if you like simple, crowd-pleasing sides, you may also love this zesty option: Lemon Vinaigrette Bowtie Pasta Salad Bright Fresh And Perfect Anytime.

FAQ

Can I use jasmine or basmati rice?

Yes. Both work well. Rinse thoroughly and start checking for doneness at the 2-hour mark on Low.

What if my rice is still wet?

Give it 15–30 more minutes on Low, or crack the lid slightly and switch to Warm to let excess moisture evaporate.

Fluff gently.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Skip the Parmesan and finish with extra olive oil and lemon. The recipe is already dairy-free without the cheese.

How do I keep the rice from sticking?

Lightly oil the crock before adding ingredients and avoid stirring during cooking.

Fluff at the end with a fork.

Can I cook on High?

You can, but texture is better on Low. If needed, cook on High for about 1–1 1/2 hours, watching closely near the end.

In Conclusion

Crockpot Tomato Basil Rice delivers big comfort with almost no effort. It’s fragrant, fluffy, and fits right in with weeknight dinners or weekend spreads.

Pair it with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a simple salad and call it done. For a fresh side to round out the meal, try this bright salad: Lemon Asparagus Easter Salad Fresh Bright And Simple. And if you’re craving another easy, satisfying bowl, this one-pan pasta is a winner: One Pot Parmesan Chicken Orzo Creamy Cozy And Weeknight Friendly.