Broccoli Rice Soup

Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Broccoli Rice Soup is the perfect one-pot meal for cozy evenings. Featuring tender broccoli florets, hearty cooked rice, and a rich, cheesy broth made with sharp cheddar, this soup strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment. A velvety roux combined with milk and optional heavy cream creates a luxurious texture, while a hint of paprika adds a subtle smoky kick. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-make soup is ideal for busy weeknights or a simple lunch that feels gourmet. Garnished with extra cheddar or paprika, it's a family favorite that brings warmth to every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1.5 cups, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon (adjust to taste) black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 cup (optional, for added creaminess) heavy cream

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and chop the broccoli florets into small bite-sized pieces.

Step 2

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 3

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring continuously to make a roux. Cook the mixture for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth until the mixture is smooth. Bring the soup base to a gentle simmer.

Step 5

Add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant green.

Step 6

Lower the heat and stir in the milk. Let the soup heat through, but do not bring to a boil.

Step 7

Stir in the cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the soup is creamy.

Step 8

If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in the heavy cream at this point and mix well.

Step 9

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 10

Serve the soup warm, garnished with additional shredded cheddar cheese or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2596.3 grams (2596.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2521

Total Fat 129.10g	166%
Saturated Fat 75.60g	378%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.30g
Cholesterol 384mg	128%
Sodium 6231mg	271%
Total Carbohydrate 245.10g	89%
Dietary Fiber 24.80g	89%
Total Sugars 47.40g
Protein 103.20g	206%

Vitamin D 221IU	1107%
Calcium 2216mg	170%
Iron 14mg	79%
Potassium 2841mg	60%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.5%

Protein: 16.2%

Carbs: 38.4%