Name: Hearty Tomato Rice Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup uncooked white rice; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 bay leaf; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of tomato soup, and when you add rice to the mix, it becomes a hearty, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. This Hearty Tomato Rice Soup is the ultimate cozy dinner, whether you’re curled up on a cold night or looking for a light but filling lunch that won’t weigh you down.

The balance of rich tomato flavor, soft tender rice, and savory herbs creates a nourishing bowl that feels like a hug. Plus, it’s simple to prepare with pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients. This recipe is a must-try for anyone who wants an easy way to bring more homemade comfort food to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Tomato Rice Soup

This soup is budget-friendly, easy to make, and deeply satisfying. It has the rich flavor of slow-cooked tomatoes but comes together in under an hour. It’s vegetarian (and can be vegan with a simple swap), and it tastes even better the next day. You can also customize it with protein add-ins or extra veggies, making it incredibly versatile.

What Kind of Rice Works Best in Tomato Rice Soup?

You can use almost any kind of rice in this recipe, but long grain white rice or jasmine rice works beautifully because it holds its shape and adds subtle texture without overpowering the soup. Brown rice adds a nutty bite and extra fiber, though you’ll need to increase the cook time slightly. Leftover cooked rice can also be added at the end to keep things even quicker.

Ingredients for the Hearty Tomato Rice Soup

This soup uses wholesome, everyday ingredients that work together to create big flavor. You’ll only need one pot and about 40 minutes of your time.

Olive oil
Yellow onion
Garlic cloves
Carrots
Celery
Crushed tomatoes
Vegetable broth
Uncooked white rice
Dried basil
Dried oregano
Salt and black pepper
Sugar
Bay leaf
Fresh parsley

Each ingredient builds the flavor base, from the aromatic vegetables and herbs to the rich crushed tomatoes and fluffy rice. Don’t skip the sugar—it helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.

How To Make the Hearty Tomato Rice Soup

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until everything is softened and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to begin melding.

Step 3: Add Broth and Rice

Add vegetable broth and stir in the uncooked rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Step 4: Taste and Finish

Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving for a pop of freshness.

How to Serve and Store Hearty Tomato Rice Soup

This soup serves 4 to 6 people generously. Ladle it into bowls and top with more parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a comforting touch. A slice of warm crusty bread makes the perfect side.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The rice will continue to absorb some of the liquid, so you might want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

What to Serve With Hearty Tomato Rice Soup?

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Nothing beats the classic pairing of tomato soup and grilled cheese. Use sharp cheddar for the ultimate melt.

Garlic Bread

Crispy and buttery garlic bread adds a savory crunch that complements every spoonful.

Caesar Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with crisp romaine and creamy dressing adds contrast to the warm soup.

Roasted Veggies

Add a side of roasted broccoli, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for extra nutrients and texture.

Avocado Toast

For a modern twist, pair your bowl with a slice of avocado toast topped with red pepper flakes.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Hearty and flavorful stuffed peppers make a satisfying companion for this lighter soup.

Spinach Feta Puffs

Flaky pastry bites filled with spinach and cheese are perfect if you’re serving this as a light dinner.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If this Hearty Tomato Rice Soup hits the spot, try some of our other cozy soup favorites:

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup for something rich and meaty.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a protein-packed creamy base.
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque when you want something fancy yet easy.
French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole if you’re craving beefy comfort food.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can revisit it whenever comfort food calls.

Let me know if you added extra veggies, used leftover rice, or served it with a twist. I love hearing how these recipes come to life in your kitchen. Questions and comments are always welcome too!

Explore more soul-warming and health-boosting soup recipes over at Janet Dishes on Pinterest. You’re sure to find your next favorite bowl!