Name: Slow Cooker Tomato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486886H8M20S
Total time: PT-486886H8M20S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes; 1 tablespoon crushed garlic; 14 oz can chicken broth or 2 cups (or vegetable broth for vegetarian); 2 tablespoons sugar; ⅓ cup butter, cut into ½″ cubes; 1 cup heavy cream; 15–20 fresh basil leaves or 1 tablespoon dried basil

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A rich, creamy Tomato Soup—made effortlessly in your slow cooker. With crushed tomatoes, garlic, butter, basil, and a splash of cream, this comforting soup delivers classic flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is easy to make, richly satisfying, and brimming with warmth. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal without fuss. The slow cooking deepens the tomato flavor, and the smooth finish is delightfully indulgent.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon crushed garlic
14 oz can chicken broth (or 2 cups)—or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
2 tablespoons sugar
⅓ cup butter, cut into ½″ cubes
1 cup heavy cream
15–20 fresh basil leaves or 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves

Directions

Combine Ingredients In Crock Pot
Pour crushed tomatoes, broth, garlic, and dried basil (if using) into the slow cooker.
Cook On Low
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours, depending on when you plan to serve.
Add Sugar And Butter
After cooking, stir in sugar, then add butter cubes. Stir until the butter is fully melted and combined.
Incorporate Cream
While stirring continuously, pour in the heavy cream slowly. Keep mixing until it’s fully incorporated and the soup is smooth.
Stir In Fresh Basil
If using fresh basil, add it now and stir to distribute evenly.
Serve And Garnish
Serve hot, topped with optional garnishes such as pesto, croutons, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Servings And Timing

Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low)
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes–6 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Stir in roasted red peppers or caramelized onions for added sweetness and depth
Top with grilled cheese croutons for an extra comforting twist

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or broth if the soup thickens.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes. Substitute about 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. You may need extra cooking time and may want to strain seeds and skin before blending.

What if I only have dried basil?

Use 1 tablespoon dried basil in the slow cooker step, then skip the fresh basil garnish.

Can I make this spicy?

Yes. Add red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or a drizzle of hot sauce when stirring in the cream.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes—as long as your broth and any garnish like croutons are gluten-free.

Can I omit sugar?

You can reduce or omit sugar if your tomatoes are naturally sweet, but a bit of sugar balances the acidity well.

What can I top it with besides croutons?

Try fresh pesto, Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic reduction.

Can I blend this for a smoother texture?

Yes. Use an immersion blender after cooking to smooth it further, then stir in butter and cream.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Use coconut milk or dairy-free cream alternatives, and swap butter for a vegan butter substitute.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—double all ingredients and use a larger slow cooker. Cooking time will stay roughly the same.

Will it separate when reheated?

Sometimes cream can separate when reheated too quickly. Reheat gently and stir continuously to maintain smoothness.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Tomato Soup is a cozy, creamy classic made simple by your slow cooker. With its rich tomato depth, buttery finish, and flexible toppings, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any day. Prepare it in the morning, return home to a warm bowl, and enjoy a moment of homemade goodness.