Simplest Best-Ever Tomato Soup
A velvety, deeply flavorful tomato soup made with just a handful of fresh ingredients, perfected for comfort food that's always the best. This american-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs canned diced tomatoes, medium carrots, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 onion
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Finely chop 2 medium carrots and 1 onion, then add to the pot with 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent.
- Step 2: Add 28 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juice), 2 cups vegetable broth, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, then use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth (or transfer to a regular blender in batches). Return to low heat if using a regular blender.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes more, stirring constantly until the soup is heated through and the cream is fully incorporated without boiling.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra basil and crusty bread on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simplest Best-Ever Tomato Soup take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Simplest Best-Ever Tomato Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep canned diced tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simplest Best-Ever Tomato Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Simplest Best-Ever Tomato Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Simplest Best-Ever Tomato Soup?
American soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
