Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
Easy slow cooker tomato soup that everyone in your family will enjoy. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly days, cozy family dinners, or quick weeknight meals. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a flavorful soup that’s both satisfying and healthy. The use of canned tomatoes makes it accessible year-round, while the slow cooking method enhances the flavors, making this recipe a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs and creamy half & half results in a deliciously rich taste.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with grilled cheese for a classic combo.
- Family-Friendly: This soup is loved by kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for families.
- Healthy Option: Packed with nutrition from tomatoes and herbs, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious slow cooker tomato soup, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Immersion blender
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This essential tool allows for long, slow cooking that melds flavors beautifully without constant supervision.
- Immersion blender: Perfect for creating a smooth texture directly in the pot—no need to transfer hot soup!
- Measuring cups: Ensure precise ingredient measurements for consistent results every time.
Ingredients
Canned Tomatoes
- 28 oz Crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 30 oz Diced tomatoes (canned)
Fresh Ingredients
- 1/2 cup White onion (diced)
- 1 teaspoon Thyme (dried)
- 1 teaspoon Oregano (dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon Basil (dried)
Seasonings
- 1/2 tablespoon Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
Liquids
- 2 cups Vegetable broth
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup Half & half
How to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Give them a mix to combine well before covering with the lid.
Step 2: Cook the Soup
Allow the mixture to cook:
1. Cook on high for 4–5 hours or
2. Cook on low for 6–7 hours.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
Once cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Serve your delicious slow cooker tomato soup warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
Serving Slow Cooker Tomato Soup can elevate your meal experience. This flavorful soup pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its delicious taste.
With Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- A classic pairing, grilled cheese sandwiches offer a crunchy texture that complements the smooth soup.
Topped with Fresh Basil
- Adding fresh basil not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color to your dish.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve the soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up all the savory goodness.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A light drizzle of olive oil on top adds richness and depth to every spoonful of soup.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- Pairing with a simple side salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
To ensure your Slow Cooker Tomato Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use quality canned tomatoes: Opt for high-quality crushed and diced tomatoes to enhance the flavor profile.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust spices to meet your preference.
- Add cheese: Stir in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella just before serving for added creaminess.
- Consider fresh herbs: Fresh thyme or basil can elevate the dish beyond dried herbs.
- Blend thoroughly: Use an immersion blender until smooth for a creamy texture that everyone will love.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or smoked paprika for depth.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Tomato Soup enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: This classic combo is loved by many and provides a perfect contrast in texture.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad offers crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is ideal for dipping into the luscious tomato soup.
- Cheesy Breadsticks: These cheesy delights are fun to dip and add extra flavor to your meal.
- Caprese Salad: The freshness of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil complements the soup beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted veggies adds nutritional value and texture alongside your soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Slow Cooker Tomato Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the blending step: Not using an immersion blender can result in a chunky soup. For a creamy texture, blend thoroughly after cooking.
- Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned: While fresh tomatoes can be delicious, canned tomatoes provide a consistent flavor and convenience. Stick with canned for best results.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: If your soup tastes bland, it may need more salt or herbs. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving for the best flavor.
- Overcooking on high heat: Cooking too long on high heat can affect the texture. Stick to 4-5 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low for perfect results.
- Forgetting to measure ingredients: Accurate measurements are key in any recipe. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure your flavors balance correctly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Tomato Soup.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs! Use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried for optimal flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like carrots or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your tomato soup.
How do I make this soup vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute half & half with coconut milk or almond milk and use plant-based butter.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Tomato Soup?
Pair it with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread for a comforting meal that everyone will love!
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Tomato Soup is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite spices or add-ins, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Soup
Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 cups (6 servings) 1x
Description
Indulge in a bowl of comforting Slow Cooker Tomato Soup, a dish that warms the heart and delights the taste buds. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines canned tomatoes with aromatic herbs, creating a rich and velvety soup perfect for chilly days and cozy family dinners. With just five minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a classic grilled cheese sandwich, this soup is sure to become a go-to favorite for both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients from tomatoes and fresh herbs, making it a guilt-free indulgence that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 30 oz diced tomatoes (canned)
- 1/2 cup white onion (diced)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup half & half
- 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
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and mix well.
- Cover and cook on high for 4–5 hours or on low for 6–7 hours.
- Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings or sides.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–7 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
