Cheesy Ham and Rice Soup

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Cheesy Ham and Rice Soup, a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy nights or using up leftover ham. This easy-to-make soup combines tender bites of cooked rice, smoky diced ham, and aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, all enveloped in a creamy, velvety broth made rich with sharp cheddar cheese and a touch of heavy cream. With a base of chicken broth thickened to perfection and hints of garlic and fresh parsley, this one-pot wonder is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s an ideal comfort food meal, complete with the perfect balance of savory and cheesy goodness. Serve it with a crusty baguette or a fresh side salad for a winning weeknight dinner!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons Butter
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 2 large Carrots, diced
• 2 medium Celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 6 cups Chicken broth
• 2 cups Cooked white or brown rice
• 2 cups Cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 5

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly.

Step 7

Stir in the cooked rice and diced ham. Simmer for 5 minutes to warm through.

Step 8

Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Step 9

Add the shredded cheddar cheese in batches, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 10

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 11

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3370.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3924.7

Total Fat 217.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 125.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g
Cholesterol 853.7mg	0%
Sodium 13639.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 260.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.1g	0%
Total Sugars 26.8g
Protein 208.3g	0%

Vitamin D 54.7IU	0%
Calcium 1945.5mg	0%
Iron 19.8mg	0%
Potassium 4046.3mg	0%

*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: 51.1%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 27.2%