Name: Comforting Crock Pot Tomato Basil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 25 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup chopped fresh basil; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp sugar; 2 lbs tomatoes, chopped, or 2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

This Comforting Crock Pot Tomato Basil Soup blends ripe tomatoes with fragrant basil in a creamy, savory broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s an easy, hands-off recipe that delivers warm, comforting flavors with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This comforting crock pot tomato basil soup is a heartwarming classic that brings rich, velvety flavors to your table with zero fuss. The slow cooker melds ripe tomatoes with aromatic basil and a hint of cream into a soothing dish perfect for chilly days or a light dinner. Paired with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich, it’s both nutritious and satisfying, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining. Its simplicity, budget-friendly ingredients, and hands-off cooking make it a go-to for cozy, stress-free meals that feel like a warm hug in a bowl.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use Ripe Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes enhance flavor; canned work well too.

Sauté Aromatics: Lightly cook onions and garlic for a deeper taste.
Blend for Smoothness: Use an immersion blender for a creamy texture.
Add Cream Late: Stir in cream during the last hour to prevent curdling.

Low Heat Only: Cook on low to develop rich flavors without scorching.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and tweak salt and pepper after blending.
Thicken if Desired: Simmer with lid off in the last hour for a thicker soup.

Rest Before Serving: Let it sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Fresh Basil: Add basil at the end for the brightest flavor.
Stir Gently: Avoid breaking tomato chunks too early if preferring texture.

Yield: 8 servings

Comforting Crock Pot Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy crock pot tomato basil soup, comforting and perfect for a cozy meal.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup chopped fresh basil

1 cup heavy cream
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
2 lbs tomatoes, chopped, or 2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes

2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

Prep the Aromatics: Dice the onion and mince the garlic, ready to build flavor.
Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 4-5 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Add Tomatoes: Place chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes with juice) into the slow cooker.

Pour Broth: Add chicken broth, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring to combine.
Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to meld.
Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired smoothness.

Add Cream: Stir in heavy cream during the last hour, blending gently for richness.
Incorporate Basil: Add chopped fresh basil in the last 30 minutes for a bright finish.
Adjust Consistency: If too thin, uncover and cook on high for 30 minutes to thicken.

Serve and Enjoy: Let rest for 10 minutes, then ladle into bowls and savor with crusty bread!

Notes

Use ripe tomatoes for best flavor; canned tomatoes are a great substitute.
Sauté aromatics lightly to enhance depth; avoid burning garlic.

Add cream and basil late to preserve texture and flavor.
Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness.
This recipe can be adapted for vegan or low-carb diets with appropriate swaps.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 184Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 34mgSodium 334mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 2gSugar 6gProtein 4g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Tomatoes (2 lbs): Fresh, chopped, or 2 cans (28 oz each) of whole peeled tomatoes.

Yellow Onion (1 large): Diced for savory sweetness and depth.
Garlic (3 cloves): Minced fresh garlic for aromatic warmth.
Chicken Broth (3 cups): Low-sodium keeps the dish balanced; vegetable broth works too.

Heavy Cream (1 cup): Adds rich creaminess; half-and-half is a lighter option.
Fresh Basil (½ cup, chopped): Adds bright, herbaceous flavor; use leaves only.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Used for sautéing, adding a touch of richness.

Sugar (1 tsp): Balances acidity; adjust based on tomato ripeness.
Salt and Pepper (1 tsp each): Seasons the soup; adjust after cooking.
Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp, optional): Adds a subtle kick; adjust to taste.

Variations and Substitutions

Tomato Swap: Use fire-roasted canned tomatoes for a smoky twist.
Broth Options: Substitute with vegetable or beef broth for variety.
Cream Alternatives: Replace with coconut milk or skip for dairy-free.

Herb Variations: Add thyme or oregano alongside basil for depth.
Spice It Up: Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne for heat.
Veggie Add-Ins: Mix in carrots or celery for extra nutrition.

Low-Carb: Omit sugar and use a keto-friendly thickener if needed.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based cream and vegetable broth.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days; reheat with broth.

Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, stirring to blend.