Slow-Simmered Tomato and Basil Soup with Heavy Cream

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting, creamy soup simmered with fresh tomatoes and basil, finished with a dollop of heavy cream for a rich keto-friendly meal that's ready in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs beef broth, diced tomatoes, chopped fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to break down.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 2 cups beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Continue simmering for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soup is heated through and cream is incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and serve warm, garnished with extra basil if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Tomato and Basil Soup with Heavy Cream take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (5 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 Slow-Simmered Tomato and Basil Soup with Heavy Cream?

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 beef broth from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Tomato and Basil Soup with Heavy Cream?

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 Slow-Simmered Tomato and Basil Soup with Heavy Cream for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

Is Slow-Simmered Tomato and Basil Soup with Heavy Cream low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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