There’s something special about a bowl of Tomato Rice Soup — it’s cozy, soothing, and tastes like the kind of meal that warms both your hands and heart. With simple pantry staples like rice, tomatoes, and broth, it turns everyday ingredients into a wholesome dish that feels homemade and familiar.
I first made this soup on a rainy evening when I wanted something easy but comforting. I had leftover rice, canned tomatoes, and some broth — and within 20 minutes, the kitchen was filled with that nostalgic aroma of tomato soup simmering on the stove. When I added the rice, it became a complete meal: hearty, flavorful, and just what I needed.
Now, this Tomato Rice Soup sits proudly next to my Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup and Snow Day Soup as one of my favorite comfort bowls for cozy nights.
Tomato Rice Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and stir for about a minute. Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the flavors blend beautifully.
- Stir in the cooked rice and let it heat through for 5 minutes. For a thicker soup, simmer a bit longer.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh herbs or Parmesan. Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Tomato Rice Soup
This soup is quick, nourishing, and budget-friendly. It’s the perfect balance of tangy tomato flavor, soft rice, and a rich, savory broth. It’s vegetarian-friendly, great for meal prep, and easy to customize with whatever you have on hand.
If you love simple comfort meals like my Cabbage Detox Soup or Cheddar Broccoli Potato Soup, this Tomato Rice Soup fits perfectly into your weeknight rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked white rice (or brown rice for extra fiber)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional for richness)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Croutons or a drizzle of cream
If you love tomato-based comfort dishes like my Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup or Autumn Tortellini Soup, this one will absolutely become your next favorite.
How to Make Tomato Rice Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Base
Add tomato paste and stir for about a minute. Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Simmer for Flavor
Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the flavors blend beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Rice
Stir in the cooked rice and let it heat through for 5 minutes. If you prefer a thicker texture, let it simmer longer — the rice will absorb some of the broth.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan. Pair it with Christmas Bread Recipe or Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls for the ultimate cozy meal.
If you love easy one-pot recipes, this one’s as simple and satisfying as my Creamy Pasta Cheese Soup.
Tips for Perfect Tomato Rice Soup
- Use cooked rice: It helps keep the soup light and ready faster.
- Add cream for richness: A splash of cream or coconut milk makes it velvety.
- Balance the acidity: Don’t skip the sugar — it rounds out the tomato flavor.
- Make it hearty: Add chickpeas, beans, or diced chicken for extra protein.
These same tips for layering flavor are what make my French Onion Ground Beef so delicious too.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. The rice may soften slightly, but the flavor remains great.
Reheating: Warm gently over medium heat and add a splash of broth to loosen the texture.
Like my Cabbage Detox Soup, this soup gets even more flavorful after resting overnight.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Tomato Rice Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili oil.
- Creamy Tomato Rice Soup: Stir in a bit of cream or cream cheese for extra smoothness.
- Vegetable Boost: Add diced zucchini, spinach, or peas.
- Italian Twist: Stir in shredded Parmesan and a handful of basil at the end.
If you love soups that adapt to your mood, this one’s as flexible as my Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use uncooked rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to add 1 extra cup of broth and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender.
2. Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely — just use vegetable broth and skip the cheese.
3. Can I use brown rice instead?
Yes! It adds a nutty flavor and more texture.
4. How can I thicken the soup?
Let it simmer longer or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste or cream.
The Final Bite
This Tomato Rice Soup is cozy, simple, and bursting with comforting flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your home smell amazing and your heart feel full. With its tangy tomato base, tender rice, and savory herbs, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or slow weekends.
Serve it with a side of No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread or a fresh salad for a meal that’s both easy and nourishing.