There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of Easy Homemade Tomato Soup, with its velvety texture and rich, tangy-sweet flavor. In just 43 minutes, you can whip up this American classic that’s brimming with fresh, vibrant tomatoes and a hint of creaminess. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and light, making it ideal for cozy weeknights or a quick, satisfying lunch.
Each spoonful delivers a burst of warmth, with the natural sweetness of tomatoes mingling with savory herbs and a touch of richness. Packed with nutrients like vitamin C and fiber, this soup is as nourishing as it is delicious. Serve it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food experience.
What You’ll Need for Easy Homemade Tomato Soup
- 4 Tablespoons butter (unsalted preferred, but salted works too)
- 1 onion, diced (yellow or white onions work best)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (fresh or jarred, adjust to taste)
- 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes (substitute with fresh tomatoes if in season)
- 1 (15 ounce) can chicken broth (vegetable broth works as a substitute)
- 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Tomato Soup
- Melt the butter: In a stock pot or large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Cook the onion: Add the diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Combine the base: Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Blend the soup: Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth.
- Serve warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy immediately. Pair with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Your Tomato Soup
This creamy tomato soup is a classic comfort food, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate cozy meal. For a lighter option, try it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh basil, or a handful of croutons for added texture and flavor.
Storing and Reheating: Keep It Fresh and Delicious
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe Variations: Make It Your Own
This recipe is versatile and easy to customize! For a creamy twist, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk after blending. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You can also add cooked pasta, rice, or even roasted vegetables to make it heartier.
Time-Saving Tips: Simplify Your Cooking Process
To save time, prep your ingredients ahead of time. Dice the onion and mince the garlic the night before, storing them in separate containers in the fridge. If you’re in a rush, use pre-minced garlic from a jar. For an even quicker version, skip the immersion blender and use a hand whisk to break down the tomatoes slightly—it won’t be as smooth, but it’ll still taste delicious!
Equipment Guidance: Tools to Make It Easier
An immersion blender is a game-changer for this recipe, making it quick and easy to achieve that silky-smooth texture. If you don’t have one, a regular blender works too—just blend in batches and be careful with the hot liquid. A large stock pot with a lid is ideal for simmering the soup, and a wooden spoon or silicone spatula is perfect for stirring without scratching your pot.
Easy Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 28 ounce cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 15 ounce can chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Melt butter in a stock pot or large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper and Italian Seasoning.
- Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Cover, reduce heat to low and cook for 30 minutes.
- Remove soup from heat and use an immersion blender (or pour into a regular blender, if desired) and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve warm.