Crock Pot Tomato Basil Soup

Fresh, sweet, and savory, this comforting crock pot tomato basil soup feels like a hug on a cold evening. Earthy basil pairs with tangy, acidic tomato in this bowl of goodness is simple to make and has an irresistible flavor profile!

To say I love my crock pot is an understatement.

There’s nothing better than dropping a bunch of ingredients in, forgetting about them for a few hours, and returning to a mouth-watering Pot Roast or a tender Lamb Curry.

And there are few recipes more satisfying than my tried and tested crock pot tomato basil soup.

From the rich color to the classic ingredients and ease of preparation, everything about this dish screams comfort. The combination of succulent tomato and peppery basil warms you right up and is perfect paired with a crusty loaf on a cold winter’s day!

Now, full disclosure. You will need to set aside some time for pan-cooking your veggies before the crock pot takes over and works its magic.

But trust me, those 15 minutes over the stove will be repaid tenfold when you taste this tomato and basil soup. After all, sautéing your veggies gives an astonishingly rich depth of flavor that you don’t want to miss!

Pairing simple ingredients with a stress-free recipe to create a mind-blowing soup is a heavenly match in my book.

And guess what? It’s vegan, too!

Ingredients for Crock Pot Tomato and Basil Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to make your tomato and basil soup. As you’ve probably guessed, you’ll also need a crock pot – otherwise known as a slow cooker!

Olive Oil: The subtle, buttery tones of olive oil make it ideal for cooking your vegetables in. You can substitute with avocado oil in a pinch.

Carrot: Together with the celery and onion, this vegetable trio is called a mirepoix. It’s the foundation of our soup, and gives depth and consistency to the dish. Peel and chop into small pieces before adding to the pan!

Celery: Make sure you top and tail your celery sticks before chopping. The whiter tip and base can be bitter, and that’s not a flavor we want. Aim for a similar chop to the carrots and onions to create a perfect mirepoix blend.

Yellow Onion: Yellow onions are slightly sweeter than their white counterparts. When sautéed, they caramelize beautifully and counteract the acidity of the tomato and carrot.

Garlic: Recipe calls for six minced cloves, but you can use as much as your heart desires.

Ground Sage: Brings another note of warmth to the party.

Dried Oregano: Pairs beautifully with the sage.

Dried Thyme: Dried thyme imparts a stronger flavor than fresh. But feel free to use whole sprigs if you have them on hand! Just be sure to fish them out before blending.

Kosher Salt: Brings out the rest of the flavors without tasting overly salty.

Diced Tomatoes: It wouldn’t be a tomato soup without them! Ensure you don’t drain the can, as we want to retain all the pulp and juice.

Vegetable Broth: Ready-made liquid is fine, or you can make some up with a bouillon cube.

Coconut Milk: Use full-fat coconut milk over any other. It’s the best substitute for heavy cream. Don’t worry if it appears to have separated in the can, that’s normal!

Fresh Basil: Adds a gorgeous, earthen pepperiness to the dish.

Recipe Customizations:

• I’ve used coconut milk in my recipe above, but you can use any kind of dairy alternative you enjoy. If you want to keep your tomato and basil soup vegan, why not try the same volume of almond milk?
• If you’re not concerned about staying dairy-free and have some on hand, two cups of heavy cream work beautifully.
• If you have no fresh basil to hand, basil paste will work well. Use 3 tablespoons to ensure you get the same peppery kick as from the fresh ingredient.
• Fancy a bit of spice? Add a dash of paprika or a pinch of red chili flakes to turn up the heat.

Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot Tomato and Basil Soup

1. Ensure your skillet is hot enough before beginning to sauté the veg. We’re looking for that delectable browning, but we don’t want the vegetables to become mush before they meet the slow cooker.
2. This recipe calls for a four-hour cook. Any shorter and your soup won’t be done, but you can’t do it much harm by leaving it for a bit longer.

What Does It Taste Like?

A hearty bowl of tomato soup always brings me back to my childhood.

There’s something wholesome and cozy about the mild tang of the tomatoes and the fragrant depth of the basil.

This is a bowl of velvety goodness that’s both rustic and brilliantly complex in its depth of flavor.

In short, it’s a recipe binder staple for a reason!

How to Make Crock Pot Tomato Basil Soup

Place a skillet over medium heat and add the oil.

Add your chopped onion, celery, and carrot, and sauté until the vegetables have softened, stirring every once in a while. This should take around 15 minutes.

Sprinkle in the minced garlic, sage, oregano, thyme, and salt. Sauté for a further two minutes.

Pour everything from the skillet directly into your crock pot. Add the diced tomatoes (remember not to drain them first!), vegetable broth, coconut milk or heavy cream, and basil.

Give everything a good stir, then slow cook on ‘low’ for four hours.

Pour the contents into a blender, and blend until nice and smooth.

Serve your tomato basil soup however you like! The classic pairing is a big chunk of crusty bread. But I personally love grabbing a grilled cheese for dipping or whipping up a Roasted Eggplant Pesto Sandwich.

Let your soup completely cool if you intend to store it for later. In an airtight container, it’ll be good for 3-4 days in the fridge. Or, transfer it to a zip-lock bag and freeze for up to three months. Just be sure to blend it a little after defrosting – the milk or cream may separate when thawed!

Stuffed full of warmth and goodness (but requiring minimal attention and fuss!), this soup is a gift that keeps on giving. Let me know in the comments below if it had you licking your bowl clean!

Surprised at how easy and delicious this recipe was? Why not try these other crock pot delights?

More Crock Pot Recipes:

• Crock Pot Butternut Squash and Parsnip Soup
• Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
• Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Soup
• Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Enjoy this slow cooker tomato soup recipe the next time the craving strikes!

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