What’s better than cracking open a can of soup? Slow-cooking it to ensure the creamiest texture, brightest color, and richest flavor!
Tomato soup always reminds me of being a kid. My weekly lunch schedule at school almost always included grilled cheese and tomato soup, which my friends and I enjoyed. But the soup from my childhood pales in comparison to this decadent Crock-Pot version, which looks redder and tastes richer.
When it comes to snazzy soups, we all know that homemade is better. And if you’re new to the made-from-scratch soup club, then check out this recipe to see for yourself. Crock-Pot tomato soup is far fresher than canned. It starts with a savory blend of onion, garlic, tomato, broth, basil, oregano, and a pinch of sugar, which forms the foundational flavors of the whole dish. After it’s cooked down, you pour butter and heavy cream into the mix, thickening the tomato soup to creamy perfection.
Even though it takes a while to cook, the wait is incredibly worth it. Plus, I can make a large batch in my slow cooker and have plenty of leftovers for the following week. This is especially handy if you’ve got many mouths to feed.
In just four simple steps, this dish can add a nourishing (and slightly tangy) touch to your dining table. Ditch the store-bought stuff and try a ladleful of this warm but refreshing dish.
Does this soup have less sodium than store-bought?
One of the most common complaints about canned soup is its high sodium content. With this recipe, you have full control over the amount of salt that goes in. By using low-sodium broth and salt-free tomato paste, and by omitting or reducing added salt, you can make a soup that’s significantly lower in sodium than most store-bought versions. Plus, you can taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference as you cook, making it easy to enjoy a flavorful soup that fits your dietary needs.
How do I store leftovers?
Once cooled to room temp, leftover tomato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months—but expect some possible separation, which makes stirring it well while reheating a must. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot but not boiling, or microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring in between.
Serving suggestions
One of the most iconic pairings for lunch or dinner is tomato soup with grilled cheese, but did you know that there are many ways to make that sandwich? My favorite is this Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich, but you can go spicy with a Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese or rich and creamy with this Brie Grilled Cheese With Apples. Alternatively, Crock-Pot tomato soup can be savored with Cornbread Casserole, Potato Rolls, or this light and bright Spinach Salad Recipe. Explore the possibilities and have fun with it! The more color the better, in my opinion.
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Combine the diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar in the Crock-Pot. Stir well to mix everything together.
- Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on low heat until the vegetables are very soft, about 4 hours.
- Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth. Then, stir in the butter and heavy cream, allowing them to melt and mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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