Bean Soup With Rice Recipe Vegan: Easy & Hearty Meal

Updated On: October 5, 2025

There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of homemade bean soup with rice. Whether you’re seeking warmth on a chilly evening or looking for a hearty, healthy meal that satisfies, this vegan bean soup with rice is exactly what you need.

Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and wholesome flavors, this recipe is as nourishing as it is delicious.

What I love most about this dish is its versatility. It’s a one-pot wonder you can customize with your favorite beans, vegetables, and spices.

It’s budget-friendly, filling, and makes for excellent leftovers. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and entirely vegan, making it suitable for just about everyone.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned plant-based chef, this recipe will soon become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making—and eating—this comforting soup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty and Satisfying: Thanks to the combination of beans and rice, this soup is filling and packed with protein and fiber.
  • Easy to Make: Everything comes together in a single pot, keeping the cooking and cleanup blissfully simple.
  • Customizable: Use any beans or veggies you have on hand—this recipe works with black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, or even lentils.
  • Budget-Friendly: Beans and rice are pantry staples that won’t break the bank, making this soup perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
  • Flavorful & Nutritious: Seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, every spoonful is brimming with flavor and nutrients.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: This soup keeps well in the fridge and even tastes better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers or freezing.
  • Perfect for All Diets: Vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly—you can serve this soup to almost anyone!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for a classic vegan bean soup with rice. Feel free to swap in your favorite beans or veggies!

Ingredient Quantity
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Yellow onion (diced) 1 medium
Carrots (peeled & diced) 2 medium
Celery stalks (diced) 2
Garlic cloves (minced) 3
Bell pepper (any color, diced) 1 medium
Canned diced tomatoes (with juices) 1 can (14.5 oz)
Cooked beans (kidney, black, pinto, or mixed) 2 cans (15 oz each), drained & rinsed OR 3 cups cooked beans
Vegetable broth 6 cups
Uncooked rice (white, brown, or wild blend) 3/4 cup
Bay leaf 1
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Smoked paprika 1 teaspoon
Dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon
Salt & pepper To taste
Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped, for garnish) Optional
Lemon juice (for brightness) 1-2 tablespoons (optional)

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Ladle
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener (if using canned beans/tomatoes)
  • Bowl (for prepping ingredients)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients:

    Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Mince the garlic.

    Rinse and drain canned beans if using, or have your cooked beans ready.

  2. Sauté the aromatics:

    In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery.

    Sauté for 5-6 minutes, until vegetables are softened and fragrant.

  3. Add garlic and bell pepper:

    Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.

  4. Season and build flavor:

    Add cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices.

    Toast for 1 minute for deeper flavor.

  5. Pour in liquids:

    Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.

  6. Add the beans and rice:

    Stir in the beans and uncooked rice. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper.

  7. Simmer:

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 30-35 minutes (40 minutes for brown rice), stirring occasionally. The rice should be tender and the soup thickened.

    Tip: If using brown or wild rice, add an extra cup of broth and a few minutes to the cooking time.

  8. Taste and finish:

    Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

    For brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice and stir in chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.

  9. Serve:

    Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra herbs or a wedge of lemon. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Tips & Variations

  • Mix Up Your Beans: Try a combination of black beans, kidney beans, cannellini, or even chickpeas for different textures and flavors.
  • Make It Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for some heat.
  • Extra Veggies: Stir in chopped spinach, kale, or zucchini during the last 5 minutes for extra nutrition.
  • Rice Options: White rice cooks quickly, while brown or wild rice adds a nuttier taste and heartier texture—just increase the simmer time and broth.
  • Thicker Soup: For a stew-like consistency, mash some of the beans in the pot before serving.
  • Make Ahead: This soup is perfect for meal prep! It keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
  • Flavor Boost: Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for umami richness.

“This soup is endlessly adaptable. Use what you have in your pantry and make it your own!”

Nutrition Facts

The following nutritional estimate is for one serving (out of six), prepared as written with white rice and two cans of mixed beans.

Nutrient Amount per serving
Calories 270
Protein 11g
Total Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 0.5g
Carbohydrates 48g
Fiber 9g
Sugar 5g
Sodium 650mg
Vitamin A 45% DV
Vitamin C 30% DV
Iron 18% DV
Calcium 7% DV

Nutrition will vary depending on the specific beans, rice, and vegetables you use.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with bread: A slice of crusty Green Chile Cheese Bread or a homemade Hamburger Bun Sourdough is perfect for dipping.
  • Top with toppings: Add sliced avocado, extra herbs, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of vegan yogurt for extra creaminess.
  • Pair with salad: A crisp green salad or a tangy slaw balances the warmth of the soup.
  • For extra protein: Stir in some cooked lentils or serve alongside this Half Runner Beans Recipe for a bean-lover’s feast.
  • As a starter or main: This soup is hearty enough as a main, but also makes a comforting starter for larger meals.

Conclusion

This vegan bean soup with rice is the definition of comfort food—healthy, hearty, and soul-warming. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply seeking something easy and nourishing, this recipe delivers every time.

The combination of beans and rice creates a perfect protein, while the veggies and spices bring depth and color to every bowl.

What’s most wonderful about this soup is its adaptability. Use whatever beans and veggies you have on hand, make it spicy or mild, thick or brothy—the possibilities are endless.

Don’t forget to serve it with your favorite bread or salad for a complete meal. And if you’re craving something sweet for dessert, why not try this Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding or a Glazed Twist Donut?

Happy cooking, and enjoy every nourishing spoonful!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Bean Soup with Rice

Description: A hearty, comforting bean soup with rice, packed with flavor and plant-based protein. Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup long-grain rice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in cumin and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, black beans, kidney beans, and rice.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 13 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 60 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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