If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, this Easy Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe is the perfect answer. It’s a cozy, velvety soup loaded with rich tomato flavor that gently simmers all day in your slow cooker, filling your home with the most inviting aroma. The blend of herbs and the creaminess from half & half make every spoonful a warm hug. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a soothing dish to share with friends, this recipe delivers both ease and deliciousness without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is a small star that adds depth, color, and that classic tomato soup taste we all adore. From the robust canned tomatoes to the aromatic herbs and the touch of cream, every element plays a crucial role.
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes: Provides the rich, smooth base of the soup with deep tomato flavor.
- 30 oz diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a slightly chunkier contrast to the crushed tomatoes.
- 1/2 cup white onion (diced): Brings natural sweetness and a gentle bite that rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 2 cups vegetable broth: Gives flavor and thins the soup to the perfect consistency without overpowering it.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy-herbal note that complements the tomato’s brightness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Lends a subtle Mediterranean aroma that lifts the soup’s flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: A classic herb that enhances the tomato essence and brings freshness.
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a perfectly mellow taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth without overwhelming the soup.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Brings richness and depth, making the soup luxuriously silky.
- 1 cup half & half: Adds creamy texture and smoothness, turning the soup into a comforting delight.
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by tossing all the ingredients into your slow cooker. This is where the magic begins. Mixing the crushed and diced tomatoes with the broth, herbs, and seasonings helps all the flavors mingle beautifully throughout the long cooking process.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4 to 5 hours, or on low for 6 to 7 hours if you prefer to let it simmer all day. The slow heat is key—it allows the tomatoes to break down slowly, infusing the soup with rich, developed flavors that you just can’t rush.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Once the cooking time is up, use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker to puree the soup until it’s perfectly smooth. This step turns the mixture from chunky to silky, creating that classic tomato soup texture everyone loves.
Step 4: Final Touches and Serve
Stir in the butter and half & half to give the soup its creamy finish. These ingredients add a velvety mouthfeel and mellow out the acidity of the tomatoes. Ladle it into bowls while it’s still warm, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of comfort.
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take your tomato soup to the next level. Think a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil for brightness, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tangy creaminess, or even crunchy croutons for a blissful textural contrast. A few shavings of Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil never hurt, either!
Side Dishes
The classic pairing is grilled cheese sandwiches, but don’t stop there. Garlic bread, cheesy crostini, or even a crisp green salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup. It’s simple, hearty, and makes the perfect meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the soup inside a roasted tomato or a hollowed-out bread bowl. These presentations add charm and extra flavor that will wow your guests or delight your family at the dinner table. A swirl of pesto or a sprinkle of chili flakes can also add a burst of color and exciting flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container and give it a good stir before reheating to make sure the texture stays just right.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this soup later, it freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly over low heat to maintain its silky texture. Stir often, and if it feels too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth, water, or cream to loosen it up perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can add a brighter, fresher flavor, especially in summer. Just be sure to peel and chop them before adding to the slow cooker, and you might want to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they break down completely.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the butter for olive oil and use coconut milk or a plant-based cream instead of half & half for that creamy texture without dairy.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Of course. Chicken broth adds its own savory depth, which pairs nicely with the herbs in this recipe. Just keep in mind it will no longer be vegetarian, but the flavor will be amazing.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy but pourable. If it feels too thick after blending, adding a little broth or cream will help you achieve that perfect spoonable consistency.
What slow cooker size works best for this recipe?
A 4- to 6-quart slow cooker is ideal. It provides enough space for the soup to cook evenly without overcrowding, which helps the flavors develop just right.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Easy Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever managed tomato soup any other way. It’s hands-off, comforting, and endlessly versatile. So grab your slow cooker and start stirring up some cozy magic—you and your taste buds are in for a real treat!
Print
Easy Slow Cooker Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy slow cooker tomato soup made with canned tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of cream. Perfect for a cozy meal, this recipe requires minimal prep and lets the flavors meld beautifully over hours of slow cooking.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 30 oz diced tomatoes (canned)
- 1/2 cup white onion (diced)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried)
- 1 teaspoon oregano (dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon basil (dried)
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Finishing Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup half & half
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, diced white onion, vegetable broth, dried thyme, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed to create the soup base.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 6 to 7 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and develop a rich taste.
- Blend the Soup: Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the slow cooker until smooth and creamy in texture.
- Add Cream and Butter: Stir in the butter and half & half until fully incorporated and the soup is rich and velvety.
- Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and enjoy immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut milk instead of half & half.
- You can adjust the seasoning to taste before blending, adding more salt or herbs if desired.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat gently before serving.
- Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a hearty meal.
