Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
Easy slow cooker tomato soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or quick weeknight meals. This comforting soup is packed with flavor and made using simple ingredients. With minimal prep time, you can set it in your slow cooker and enjoy a delicious tomato soup that warms your soul and fills your home with delightful aromas. It’s ideal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires just five minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy days.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of crushed and diced tomatoes creates a rich, hearty flavor that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish or alongside grilled cheese for a classic pairing.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious tomatoes and herbs, this soup is both filling and healthy.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys it.
Tools and Preparation
To make this easy slow cooker tomato soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ensure the process goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Immersion Blender
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors develop beautifully over several hours.
- Immersion Blender: It creates a smooth texture without the need to transfer hot soup to a blender, which can be messy.
Ingredients
Easy slow cooker tomato soup that everyone in your family will enjoy. Made with canned tomatoes and full of flavor.
For the Base
- 28 oz Crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 30 oz Diced tomatoes (canned)
- 1/2 cup White onion (diced)
For Seasoning
- 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
For Creaminess
- 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 it a mix then cover with the lid. Allow to cook for 4-5 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Use an immersion blender to blend soup until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Serve Warm
Serve warm and enjoy! Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs or croutons for added texture.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
Serving your Slow Cooker Tomato Soup can elevate the meal experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this comforting dish.
Pair with Grilled Cheese
- A classic choice, grilled cheese sandwiches complement the soup perfectly. The crispy bread and melted cheese provide a wonderful texture contrast.
Top with Fresh Basil
- Adding fresh basil gives a burst of flavor and a pop of color. Simply tear the leaves and sprinkle them over each bowl before serving.
Drizzle with Olive Oil
- A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can enhance the flavors. It adds richness and depth to every spoonful of soup.
Serve with Crusty Bread
- Crusty bread is perfect for dipping. Choose a baguette or sourdough for a satisfying crunch alongside each bite of soup.
Add a Dollop of Sour Cream
- For creaminess, top your soup with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This adds tang and smoothness that balances the tomato’s acidity.
Sprinkle with Cheese
- Grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella adds delicious cheesy goodness. Sprinkle on top just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
To achieve the best results with your slow cooker tomato soup, consider these helpful tips.
- Use quality canned tomatoes: Opt for San Marzano or organic varieties for more robust flavor.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving; you may want to add more herbs or spices depending on your preference.
- Blend well: Ensure you blend the soup until smooth for a creamy texture that everyone will love.
- Experiment with toppings: Try adding croutons, fresh herbs, or even bacon bits for added crunch and flavor.
- Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Add protein: To make it heartier, consider adding cooked lentils or shredded chicken when blending the soup.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
When enjoying Slow Cooker Tomato Soup, pairing it with complementary side dishes enhances your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
-
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
A timeless favorite, these sandwiches provide gooey cheese and crispy bread that’s perfect for dipping in soup. -
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan and croutons offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup. -
Garlic Bread
Buttery garlic bread is ideal for soaking up every last drop of the delicious tomato soup. -
Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a light and flavorful side dish. -
Roasted Vegetables
Seasoned roasted veggies add a savory element that pairs wonderfully with tomato flavors. -
Pasta Salad
A cold pasta salad can balance out the warmth of the soup while providing additional textures and flavors. -
Stuffed Peppers
These hearty stuffed peppers add substance to your meal while complementing the taste profile of tomato soup. -
Hummus and Veggies
A platter of crunchy vegetables served with hummus makes for a nutritious side that’s easy to prepare.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making slow cooker tomato soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that may ruin your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Using all canned tomatoes may lead to a flat taste. Adding fresh herbs or vegetables can enhance flavor.
- Overlooking blending: Not blending the soup well can leave it chunky. Use an immersion blender until smooth for a creamy texture.
- Ignoring seasoning: Failing to adjust spices can result in bland soup. Always taste and tweak seasonings before serving.
- Not allowing enough cooking time: Rushing the cooking process can affect flavor development. Stick to the recommended times for best results.
- Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality vegetable broth can impact the overall taste. Choose a flavorful broth for a richer soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for about 20 minutes until hot.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about slow cooker tomato soup that you might find helpful.
What is slow cooker tomato soup made of?
Slow cooker tomato soup is made from canned crushed and diced tomatoes, onions, herbs, vegetable broth, and cream for richness.
How long does slow cooker tomato soup take to cook?
This easy recipe takes about 4-5 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low in the slow cooker.
Can I customize my slow cooker tomato soup?
Yes! You can add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, or spices such as red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Is slow cooker tomato soup healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with vitamins from tomatoes and can be made lower in calories by using less cream or butter.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Using fresh tomatoes is a great option; just make sure to roast them first for deeper flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Tomato Soup is not only easy to make but also comforting and delicious. It’s perfect for family meals and allows plenty of room for customization based on your preferences. Try adding your favorite spices or extra veggies for a twist!
Soup
Easy Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the warmth of homemade Slow Cooker Tomato Soup, a comforting dish perfect for cozy family dinners or quick weeknight meals. This soup is rich in flavor, featuring a delightful blend of crushed and diced tomatoes, fresh herbs, and creamy texture. With just five minutes of prep time, you can set it in your slow cooker and let the flavors meld beautifully while you relax. Serve it as a main course or pair it with classic grilled cheese for an unforgettable meal that will please both kids and adults alike.
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 dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir well.
- Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
- Once cooked, use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.
- Serve warm with garnishes like fresh basil or croutons.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-7 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
