Spanish rice is often enjoyed as a tasty side dish, but have you ever thought about making it the star of your meal? This Spanish Rice Soup transforms the classic flavors of Spanish rice—warm spices, tender grains, and rich tomato goodness—into a cozy, comforting soup that’s hearty enough to stand on its own. It’s the perfect way to savor the familiar taste of Spanish rice in a new, satisfying form that’s ideal for dinner.

In this soup, rice simmers with traditional ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, and ground cumin, creating a warm, slightly smoky base that’s deeply flavorful. For the broth, a blend of beef broth and green salsa adds depth and a mild kick, balancing the warmth of the spices with a hint of tangy heat. Ground beef is added to make it a full, filling meal, turning this one-pot wonder into a comforting bowl that’s perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving something hearty yet easy to prepare.

Ingredients to Make Spanish Rice Soup

• GROUND BEEF
• ONION
• GARLIC POWDER
• GREEN SALSA
• CANNED DICED TOMATOES
• CANNED GREEN CHILES
• GARLIC POWDER
• GROUND CUMIN
• BEEF BROTH
• SALT AND BLACK PEPPER
• WHITE RICE

How to Make Spanish Rice Soup

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, minced onion, and garlic powder until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease. Then add the salsa, diced tomatoes, green chilies, additional garlic powder, ground cumin, and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the rice. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is softened and has absorbed the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from the heat to prevent the rice from overcooking. Serve hot, and enjoy this hearty, flavorful soup!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover cooked rice instead of uncooked rice?
Yes, you can use leftover cooked rice! Add it in the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through without overcooking. Reduce the simmering time for the soup to prevent the rice from becoming too soft.

What type of rice works best for this soup?
Long-grain white rice is typically used, as it holds up well and stays tender. However, you can use brown rice, though it may need a longer cooking time. Adjust the simmering time accordingly.

Can I make this soup a freezer meal?
Yes, I have included instructions on how to do this in the recipe notes below.

Can I add more spice to this recipe?
Definitely! To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños, more green chilies, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice level to your preference for a bolder flavor.

What other toppings would go well with this soup?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice. Tortilla strips or crumbled tortilla chips add a delicious crunch.

Can I use something other than ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other proteins to suit your preference or dietary needs. Ground turkey or chicken make great alternatives for a lighter version.

How can I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
If you’re concerned about mushy rice, cook the rice separately and add it to each bowl when serving. This will keep the rice firm and prevent it from absorbing too much broth in the pot.

FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:

• Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup
• Quicken Chicken and Rice Taco Soup
• Wild Rice Ham Soup
• Stuffed Pepper Soup

Recipe adapted from MyFreezEasy.