Slow Cooker Classic Tomato Soup

If you ever find yourself longing for a warm, comforting bowl of tomato soup, look no further than this Slow Cooker Classic Tomato Soup recipe. Perfect for chilly evenings, this nourishing soup is rich in flavor and incredibly easy to prepare. Just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. With the heartiness of vegetables and the warming essence of herbs, this soup is sure to become a staple in your home.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Slow Cooker Classic Tomato Soup is everything you want in a classic dish. It’s layered with the rich flavor of tomatoes, brightened with herbs, and finished with a creamy texture that makes each spoonful a delight. Whether you pair it with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich or enjoy it solo, this soup provides comfort and warmth. The best part? You can prepare it with pantry staples, making it both an economical and delicious option.

Ingredients

• 56 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• ½ yellow onion, peeled and minced
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup half and half or whole milk

How To Make Slow Cooker Classic Tomato Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. It’s best to have everything ready before you start cooking to streamline the process. Mince the onion and dice the carrots so they’re ready to go into the slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker, add the 56 ounces of canned diced tomatoes, minced yellow onion, and diced carrots. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth to create a comforting base for your soup.

Step 3: Add the Spices

Sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Toss in 1 bay leaf for an extra flavor boost. These spices will infuse the soup with aromatic warmth as it cooks.

Step 4: Add the Butter

Place 4 tablespoons of butter right on top of the vegetable mixture. The butter will melt and contribute to the creamy texture of the soup.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer, the better, as this allows the flavors to develop beautifully.

Step 6: Blend the Soup

Once the soup has cooked, remove the bay leaf. If you prefer a smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree everything directly in the slow cooker. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a traditional blender. Be careful as the soup will be hot!

Step 7: Add Creaminess

After blending to your desired consistency, stir in 1 cup of half and half or whole milk to give the soup a luscious, creamy texture. Mix it thoroughly and allow it to heat through for a few minutes.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the warm soup into bowls and serve immediately. Pair it with some crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich, and enjoy the perfect comforting meal.

Expert Tips

• For an extra depth of flavor, consider roasting the diced carrots and onions in the oven before adding them to the slow cooker.
• If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when seasoning your soup.
• Don’t skip the blending step! This creates a smooth and luscious soup that amplifies the flavors.
• Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste; soup is very forgiving and can be personalized to suit your palate.

Variations and Customizations

• For a more rustic touch, leave some of the tomatoes chunkier and skip the blending step.
• Add in some spinach or kale for an added nutritional boost and to incorporate some greens.
• Swap out the butter for olive oil to make the soup dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
• Incorporate different herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh finish just before serving.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (though we can’t promise you will!), this soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

FAQ

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! You can use fresh tomatoes, but keep in mind that you may need to adjust the amount of vegetable broth since fresh tomatoes contain more water. About 3 to 4 pounds of fresh tomatoes will work well in this recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Always double-check the labels on your canned tomatoes and vegetable broth to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes! You can easily make this soup vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and using coconut milk or cashew cream instead of half and half or whole milk.

Can I add protein to this soup?

Certainly! You can add cooked lentils or beans for a protein boost. Just stir them in when you add the half and half or milk to warm them through before serving.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Classic Tomato Soup is a simple yet satisfying recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. It fills your home with a delightful aroma and warms your soul on the coldest days. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that’s both delicious and nourishing. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and look forward to a flavorful homemade soup that beats any store-bought version. Enjoy every soothing spoonful!