Brothy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe – A Comfort Food Classic That’s Light & Nourishing

There are very few people who don’t like tomato soup. Today I’m here with a wonderful tomato and rice soup recipe that’s so amazing and delicious. It’s a healthy, budget-friendly dinner recipe that’s as comforting as it is nutritious. This Brothy Tomato Rice Soup is the ultimate one-pot meal that’s low in calories, rich in fiber, and perfect for weight loss and gut health.

For an easy weeknight dinner under $5 and a high-fiber plant-based lunch, his tomato rice soup delivers big flavor without the guilt or the grocery bill. Made with simple pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, garlic, and white rice, this soup comes together in under 40 minutes and is completely vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. It’s also incredibly meal-prep friendly—just batch-cook and store for quick weekday lunches or light dinners. The best part? It’s a low-cost, high-nutrition meal idea that supports clean eating, immunity boosting, and inflammation reduction, making it ideal for anyone following a healthy lifestyle on a budget.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Brothy Tomato Rice Soup

Follow these easy steps to make a comforting, healthy, and budget-friendly tomato rice soup that’s perfect for weight loss, meal prep, or a cozy dinner. This one-pot vegan soup recipe is full of nutrients, low in calories, and incredibly delicious!

🥕 Step 1: Sauté Aromatics & Vegetables

In a large soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5–6 minutes until vegetables become soft and fragrant. This step builds a strong flavor foundation for your low-calorie homemade soup.

🌿 Step 2: Add Seasonings & Tomato Paste

Stir in 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional), and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and tomato paste to caramelize. This enhances the umami in this easy vegan soup recipe.

🍅 Step 3: Pour in Tomatoes & Broth

Add a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra depth) and 5 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth. Drop in a bay leaf and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This nutrient-rich base makes this soup heart-healthy and great for digestion.

🍚 Step 4: Add Rice and Simmer

Stir in 1/2 cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice for a high-fiber version). Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender. This step makes it a one-pot healthy dinner recipe that’s also easy to clean up!

🍋 Step 5: Add Lemon Juice & Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in the juice of half a lemon. Remove the bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. This citrus twist makes it a detox-friendly soup recipe ideal for gut health and clean eating.

💡 Pro Tip: To make this a high-protein low-calorie soup, add canned chickpeas or cooked lentils before simmering. For a creamy texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream!

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🧊 Storage, Freezing & Meal Prep Guide

This Brothy Tomato Rice Soup is not only a cozy, gut-friendly comfort food but also a perfect fit for healthy meal prep, budget-conscious weekly planning, and make-ahead lunch ideas.

🥣 Refrigeration

• Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight glass container or BPA-free meal prep box.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
• For best results, reheat on the stove over medium heat until hot. You may need to add a splash of broth or water as rice continues to absorb liquid.

❄️ Freezing

• Divide soup into individual freezer-safe containers or silicone soup cubes for portion control.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge or defrost in the microwave. Then warm gently on the stovetop.
• Pro Tip: If prepping ahead, cook rice separately and add it while reheating to avoid mushiness.

🧾 Meal Prep Tips

• Ideal for budget meal prep for the week—each serving costs under $1!
• Great for office lunch meal prep—just pack with a side of bread or salad.
• Customize each portion with protein add-ins (chickpeas, tofu, shredded chicken) during the week.
• Add fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil before serving to refresh the flavor.

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🛒 Must-Have Kitchen Tools to Make This Brothy Tomato Rice Soup

Enhance your cooking with these top-rated kitchen essentials – carefully selected to help you prepare, cook, and serve that delicious soup effortlessly. These budget-friendly and professional-grade tools are ideal for making healthy soups, stews, and everyday meals.

Non-Stick Dutch Oven Pot

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8-Inch Chef’s Knife

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Measuring Cups & Spoons Set

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Yield: 4

🥣 Brothy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe

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This Brothy Tomato Rice Soup is a nourishing, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal perfect for cozy nights. Loaded with hearty rice, fresh vegetables, and tangy tomatoes, it's a warm, satisfying dish that's also low in calories and vegan-friendly. Whether you're meal-prepping, looking for an easy weeknight dinner, or just want a healthy comfort food option, this tomato soup with rice is the perfect solution!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
• 5 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice/quinoa for variation)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (for richer flavor)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish

Notes

• Protein Boost: Add canned chickpeas or white beans for a plant-based protein upgrade.
• Grain Swap: Replace white rice with brown rice, farro, or quinoa.
• Creamy Option: Stir in 1/4 cup coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy texture.
• Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or extra chili flakes for heat.
• Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crusty garlic bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Serve with a green salad for a complete, balanced meal.
• Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for extra flavor.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 210Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1487mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 3gSugar: 13gProtein: 4g

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