Campbell Soup And Rice Recipe

When we think of comfort food, there’s something about the combination of savory, creamy, and hearty dishes that brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia. One such dish that has stood the test of time is the classic Campbell Soup and Rice Recipe. This dish isn’t just about filling your stomach; it’s about creating a satisfying, simple meal that can be made with minimal effort and still deliver big on flavor.

The heart of this recipe lies in Campbell’s iconic soups, which have been a staple in kitchens across America for decades. Whether it’s their Cream of Mushroom, Chicken, or Tomato soup, these cans of convenience are like a little shortcut to homemade magic. With rice as the base, the soup acts as a rich, savory sauce that coats each grain perfectly. The result? A comforting meal that’s great for any night of the week.

Now, let’s dive deep into this recipe, starting from the ingredients to the expert tips that will help elevate your cooking game.

This recipe is essentially about creating a creamy, savory rice dish with the help of Campbell’s soup as your base. It’s a quick fix for busy nights when you want something hearty, comforting, and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity-just a handful of ingredients, one pot, and a few easy steps. Yet, the final result is a satisfying, rich, and creamy meal that feels indulgent.

Why This Recipe Works

Time-saving: Using canned soup cuts down cooking time significantly.
Flexible: You can switch out the soup or add extra ingredients depending on your preference.
Hearty & comforting: Rice acts as the perfect base, soaking up the flavors of the soup and creating a filling meal.

Ingredients Needed

Now, let’s talk ingredients. This dish relies on a few staple pantry items, some of which you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, savory meal:

Campbell’s Soup (choose One)
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Perfect for a creamy, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with rice.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: A lighter, more versatile base that’s savory without being overpowering.
- Tomato Soup: If you prefer a tangier, slightly sweeter version, tomato soup works great.
Long Grain White Rice (1 cup):
- This type of rice is ideal for this dish because it’s fluffy and doesn’t become too sticky when cooked. However, you can swap with other rice varieties like jasmine or basmati for a different texture.
Water Or Chicken Broth (2 Cups)
- You’ll need liquid to cook the rice. Water works fine, but chicken broth adds an extra layer of flavor, giving the dish a more savory depth.
Butter Or Olive Oil (2 Tablespoons)
- The fat in this dish helps to create a richer, smoother texture. Butter provides a richer taste, while olive oil offers a lighter, slightly fruity note.
Salt and Pepper (to taste):
- Basic seasonings, but don’t skimp on them! They bring out all the flavors in the soup and rice. Taste as you go and adjust.
Optional Add-ins
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): For an aromatic depth that enhances the base flavors.
- Cheese (1/2 cup shredded, optional): A little sprinkle of cheddar or parmesan to make the dish even creamier and richer.
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme): Adds a touch of freshness and color.

Cooking Instructions

Okay, now let’s get into the fun part-the actual cooking. This dish is as simple as it gets, but don’t mistake that for blandness. Here’s how to prepare it:

Sauté The Aromatics (Optional)
- If you’re adding garlic or onions, start by heating your butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic (or onion) and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. This step is optional but adds a rich, savory undertone to the dish.
Add The Soup And Liquid
- Once your aromatics are ready, pour in your chosen Campbell’s soup (cream of mushroom, chicken, or tomato).
- Add the water or chicken broth to the soup. Stir it well to combine. Let it come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Add The Rice
- Stir in the rice, making sure it’s evenly coated with the soup mixture. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 18-20 minutes (or according to the rice package instructions), until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add more liquid if needed.
Finishing Touches
- Once the rice is cooked, check the seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it over the top and stir to melt it into the rice for an extra creamy finish.
Serve & Enjoy
- Serve the dish hot. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy this creamy, comforting meal!

Ingredient Insights

Each of the ingredients in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the dish’s signature creamy texture and rich flavor. Let’s break down some of the star ingredients:

Campbell’s Soup
- This soup is more than just a base; it’s a flavor powerhouse. Whether you go for the earthy cream of mushroom, the rich and savory cream of chicken, or the bright and slightly tangy tomato, Campbell’s soups provide depth and a velvety texture to the dish. They also eliminate the need for multiple seasonings and extra preparation time.
Rice
- Long grain rice is light and fluffy, which is perfect for this dish because it allows the soup mixture to soak in without becoming mushy. Rice also acts as the perfect base for the creamy soup, creating a hearty meal that’s filling without being overwhelming.
Chicken Broth Or Water
- Using broth instead of water can elevate the flavor by adding a more savory, rich undertone to the dish. Chicken broth enhances the soup’s inherent taste, bringing everything together in a comforting way.

Expert Tips

To truly elevate your Campbell Soup and Rice recipe, here are some pro tips to keep in mind:

Don’t overcook the rice: Rice continues to cook even after you take it off the heat. Make sure you don’t leave it on the stove too long to avoid overcooking and turning it into mush.
Use a lid: When cooking the rice, always cover the skillet or pot with a lid to trap steam and moisture. This helps the rice cook evenly and stay tender.
Stir gently: Rice can be delicate, so when you’re mixing it with the soup, do so gently. Too much stirring can cause the rice to break apart and become sticky.
Make it spicy: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking.
Make it a full meal: Add diced cooked chicken, veggies, or even some bacon bits for added protein and texture.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few variations to keep things exciting:

Chicken & Rice: Add shredded rotisserie chicken to the rice for a more protein-packed dish. This also makes the dish heartier and more filling.
Veggie Rice: Add frozen peas, corn, or carrots to the rice while it cooks for a boost of color, texture, and nutrients.
Cheesy Rice: Stir in your favorite cheese (cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella) once the dish is cooked for an extra creamy, cheesy experience.
Spicy Tomato Rice: Use tomato soup and add chili flakes, cumin, or paprika for a smoky, spicy twist.
Herbed Rice: For a fresh, aromatic version, stir in fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary before serving.

Final Words

Campbell Soup and Rice is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly satisfying. It’s quick, comforting, and versatile enough to be customized to your liking. Whether you’re feeding the family after a long day or preparing a quick lunch, this dish has got you covered.

It’s one of those recipes that’s never out of season-it works in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, and it’s adaptable to what you have on hand. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples, making it an easy choice for busy days when you don’t feel like going all out in the kitchen.

Campbell Soup And Rice Recipe