Stovetop Tomato Rice Soup (Super simple!)

There’s something deeply comforting about a big bowl of tomato rice soup. It’s the kind of soup that’s perfect for cozy nights, served with crusty bread or a gooey grilled cheese. We’re keeping it simple using pantry staples like canned crushed tomatoes and white rice. Whether you’re warming up after a chilly day or looking for an easy, satisfying meal, this tomato rice soup is bound to hit the spot.

This soup reminds me SO much of one of my favorite soups on planet earth – The Tomato Rice Soup from Urth Cafe. I’m drooling just thinking about it, and I gotta say, I think I nailed it. While I have tons of soups that are super easy to make, this one has jumped to the top of my list.

We all have those nights when cooking feels like the last thing we want to do. But if you’re a busy home cook like me, feeding your family homemade delicious meals most of the time, is more important than throwing in the towel in exchange for fast food.

This is why recipes like this Stovetop Tomato Rice Soup exists. It’s quick, comforting, and made with pantry staples you probably already have on hand. That’s always the goal. Think of it as a cozy, one-pot wonder that comes together faster than it takes to decide on takeout.

I have no shame in my basic cooking game. Nobody ever said cooking has to be complicated or use fancy, expensive ingredients. This soup is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something magical. Oh, and it comes together in about 40 minutes with a lot of that being hands off time.

Here’s what you need to make it

• Olive oil – you could also use butter
• Onions – we’re gonna shred them so they melt into the soup
• Garlic – more is more
• Tomato paste – creates real depth of flavor
• Crushed tomatoes – always have a can in your pantry
• Low sodium chicken broth – low sodium is key so you can control the salt
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried basil – always have on hand
• White rice – basmati or jasmine work great

Let’s Break it Down

Here’s the play-by-play to make this soup effortlessly, even if you’re super busy.

1. Get your pot ready. Start with a preheated soup pot. A little olive oil, some shredded onions, and a few minutes of cooking until they’re soft and golden.
2. Garlic Time. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute. It’ll get fragrant and slightly golden—don’t let it burn, though. Burnt garlic = bitter and yuck.
3. Tomato Party. In goes the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. The tomato paste gives everything a little boost of concentrated flavor, while the crushed tomatoes bring the body.
4. Season It Right. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried basil. These pantry MVPs are here to make your soup sing.
5. Ricey Rice. Stir in your rinsed white rice, bring the pot to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. This is where the magic happens. The rice cooks, soaking up all the tomato-y goodness, while you kick back for 15 minutes, or clean up.
6. Patience Pays Off. Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it sit for another 15 minutes. The rice finishes cooking, the flavors meld, and you’re left with a soup that’s rich, thick, and utterly satisfying.

Do you have to shred the onions? While chopping the onions won’t effect the overall taste, it plays a big role in texture and this soup is all about the texture! By shredding the onions, it allows them to really melt into the soup and create SO much flavor. Just do it.

How to Serve it?

This Tomato Rice Soup is perfect on its own, but why not serve it with a crusty piece of sourdough, a classic grilled cheese, or even some garlic bread. You’ll be ripping, dipping and loving your life in no time.

A few tips from one busy home cook to another

• Rinse the Rice: Don’t skip this step! Rinsing removes extra starch, which keeps your soup from turning too gloopy.
• Customize It: Want to add some protein? Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage. Feeling fancy? A swirl of heavy cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan takes this soup to the next level.
• Freeze It: This soup freezes beautifully. Make a double batch, and you’ll have an instant dinner option for another busy night.

One Last Thing

Every home cook needs a fabulous soup pot for cozy season. If you’re looking for a forever pot, try this pot from one of my favorite brands. It’ll be your new bestie.

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