Campbell’s Tomato Rice Soup Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the nostalgia and simplicity of a warm bowl of soup. And within the vast world of soups, Campbell’s Tomato Rice Soup holds a special place. It combines the rich, tangy flavor of tomatoes with the comforting, hearty texture of rice, making it the ideal choice for a cozy meal at home. This classic soup has been a staple in many households, offering both a satisfying meal and a great way to stretch your grocery budget.

What makes Campbell’s Tomato Rice Soup particularly popular is its balance of flavors – the acidity of the tomatoes complements the mild starchiness of rice, creating a bowl that feels both rich and light. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple enough for anyone to make but still manages to pack in plenty of flavors. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, looking for a quick lunch, or simply craving something that evokes the feeling of home, this soup is perfect. So, let’s dive into the details on how to make this iconic soup yourself!

Campbell’s Tomato Rice Soup Recipe

Here’s an easy-to-follow, homemade version of Campbell’s Tomato Rice Soup that brings all the flavor and comfort you crave. While this recipe takes inspiration from the classic canned version, it’s made fresh and from scratch, giving you the flexibility to tweak and adapt as you please.

Ingredients Needed

For a traditional yet delicious take on Campbell’s Tomato Rice Soup, you’ll need the following:

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

  (For sautéing the onions and garlic, adding depth to the flavor.)

• 1 Medium Onion, Finely Chopped

  (Onions are the base of many soups, adding savory sweetness when sautéed.)

• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced

  (Garlic elevates the flavor profile with its aromatic punch.)

• 1 Can (28 Oz) Crushed Tomatoes

  (The main component of the soup, offering that rich, tangy tomato base.)

• 2 Cups Chicken Broth

  (Adds savory depth, but vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian option.)

• 1 Cup Cooked Rice

  (You can use leftover rice or cook it fresh; it adds the heartiness.)

• 1 Teaspoon Sugar

  (Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.)

• Salt And Pepper To Taste

  (Basic seasonings to round out the flavor.)

• 1 Teaspoon Dried Basil

  (Herbs like basil give the soup a fragrant, Mediterranean flair.)

• 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano

  (Oregano complements the tomatoes and adds a touch of warmth.)

• 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream Or Half-and-half

  (This creates a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tomato’s tang.)

• Optional garnish: Fresh basil or a dollop of sour cream.

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup from scratch isn’t difficult at all. Here’s a step-by-step guide to create that comforting bowl of homemade Campbell’s Tomato Rice Soup:

1. Heat Olive Oil

   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

2. Add Garlic

   Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

3. Add Tomatoes And Broth

   Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and allow it to cook for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

4. Season

   Add sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and let the soup continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Incorporate The Rice

   Add the cooked rice into the soup, stirring until the rice is well mixed in and heated through. If the soup gets too thick, you can add a bit more broth to achieve your desired consistency.

6. Finish With Cream

   Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. This step gives the soup a silky texture and balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Simmer for another 5 minutes, ensuring everything is fully incorporated.

7. Serve

   Once done, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or a dollop of sour cream for added richness and flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in making the soup flavorful, comforting, and satisfying. Let’s break it down:

• Olive Oil

  Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat and serves as the cooking medium for the onions and garlic. It imparts a subtle richness and complexity that’s perfect for sautéing.

• Onion And Garlic

  These two ingredients form the aromatic foundation of the soup. Onions provide a sweet base, and garlic enhances the flavor with its distinctive pungency, creating a robust backdrop for the tomatoes.

• Crushed Tomatoes

  The heart of the soup, crushed tomatoes bring a sweet yet tangy flavor that is rich and satisfying. They provide a full-bodied texture and a slight acidity, balancing out the creamy elements of the dish.

• Chicken Broth

  This helps deepen the flavor of the soup. You could swap it out for vegetable broth or even water, but the chicken broth adds a savory complexity that elevates the entire dish.

• Rice

  Rice is what gives this soup its filling, comforting quality. It soaks up the tomato broth, becoming tender and creamy, making the soup feel like a complete meal rather than just a starter.

• Heavy Cream Or Half-and-Half

  The creaminess of the soup is derived from the heavy cream or half-and-half. This ingredient helps temper the acidity of the tomatoes, making the soup velvety and indulgent.

• Herbs And Seasonings

  Basil and oregano bring in a herbal, Mediterranean touch, while the sugar helps balance the natural tartness of the tomatoes, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

Expert Tips

• Use Fresh Herbs

  If you have access to fresh basil and oregano, they can add an extra layer of freshness to the soup. Fresh herbs tend to have a more potent flavor, so use them sparingly-about half of what the recipe calls for in dried herbs.

• Don’t Overcook The Rice

  If you’re using uncooked rice, avoid cooking it too long in the soup, as rice tends to break down and lose its texture the longer it simmers. Adding pre-cooked rice is an easy way to prevent this.

• Make Ahead

  Tomato rice soup often tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. You can easily make this soup in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and enjoy!

• For Extra Creaminess

  If you want to make the soup even creamier, consider blending a portion of the soup until smooth, then return it to the pot and stir in the rice and cream. This will create a velvety texture without losing the hearty bits of rice.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, and you can adjust it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

• Vegetarian Option

  Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you have a vegetarian-friendly version of the soup. You can even add some finely chopped spinach or kale for added nutrition.

• Spicy Tomato Rice Soup

  If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño while sautéing the onions and garlic. This will give your soup a nice, spicy kick.

• Tomato Basil Rice Soup

  For an even more tomato-forward flavor, add extra fresh tomatoes to the mix. You can either blend them into the soup for a smoother consistency or leave them diced for more texture.

• Add Protein

  You can make this soup more filling by adding cooked chicken, turkey, or even shrimp. These additions will give the soup a protein boost and make it even more satisfying.

Final Words

Campbell’s Tomato Rice Soup is one of those recipes that brings comfort and joy with each spoonful. With its balanced flavors, rich textures, and simple ingredients, it’s no surprise that it has become a household favorite. Making it at home is incredibly easy, and it allows you to customize the dish to your liking-whether you prefer it creamy, spicy, or loaded with extra veggies.

The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, serving it to friends, or just craving something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this soup delivers on all fronts.