Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil and White Bean Soup
A comforting, hearty soup with tender white beans and fresh basil simmered in a rich tomato broth. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion, medium, diced carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 2 medium, diced carrots
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups, drained and rinsed canned white beans (cannellini or navy)
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion, 2 diced medium carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Pour in 28 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices and 6 cups vegetable broth. Add 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to develop flavor.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups drained and rinsed canned white beans and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Simmer for another 10 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil and White Bean Soup take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Basil and White Bean 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil and White Bean 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 Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil and White Bean Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Basil and White Bean Soup vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So flavorful and easy to make. I used fresh basil from my garden, and it made all the difference. Perfect for a weeknight meal.
- ★★★★★
A new favorite! The slow simmer really brought out the depth of flavor. I'll be making this again and again.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely delicious! I made it for my vegan friend and she couldn't stop raving about it. The basil was fresh and the tomatoes were sweet.