This tomato soup recipe makes one of the best bowls of tomato soup we’ve ever had. It’s shockingly simple and calls for only three main ingredients (butter, onion, and tomato). Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you. The soup is absolutely delicious!
This easy tomato soup recipe is inspired by Marcella Hazan’s famous tomato sauce. You might not think three ingredients can combine to make such a velvety and delicious soup, but they can.
Canned tomatoes are excellent in this recipe (although I have shared tips for using fresh below). If you love roasted tomatoes, see our roasted tomato soup recipe.
Key Ingredients
- Tomatoes: I love canned tomatoes for this soup. They’re always in season, so I can enjoy this recipe year-round. San Marzano or Muir Glen are my go-to. If you have fresh tomatoes, you’ll need about 10 to 12 medium (or 2 pounds). There is no need to peel them. Everything is blended in the end, anyway!
- Onion: I cut half a large onion into large wedges and then allow them to simmer with the tomatoes until it’s sweet and soft. The onion adds a lovely flavor and makes the soup creamy.
- Butter: I don’t add cream or milk to my tomato soup but use butter. The butter simmers with the tomatoes and onion, which flavors the soup and makes it taste rich and creamy.
How to Make Homemade Tomato Soup
To make this extra easy tomato soup, add butter, onion, a large can of tomatoes, and water to a large pot. (I usually use water in this soup, but stock or broth work, too). Remember, you can use fresh tomatoes – tips for using them are in the recipe below.
Bring everything to a low simmer and cook for 40 minutes. The photo and video show that our tomato soup becomes super creamy. That’s thanks to the butter. The onions also soften, which adds to the creaminess of our soup when blended.
Blend the soup until smooth. I typically use an immersion blender, but a regular blender works perfectly fine. Adjust the soup with salt and pepper, then grab a bowl and enjoy!
What to Serve with Tomato Soup
Our family loves serving tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. This tomato soup is also excellent, topped with homemade croutons or served next to a slice of homemade focaccia or buttery garlic bread.
I also love serving soup next to fresh salads. Try our easy chopped salad, tahini kale salad, or homemade Caesar salad.
More Easy Soup Recipes
- Gazpacho (chilled tomato soup)
- Easy Creamy Vegetable Soup
- Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Easy Three Ingredient Tomato Soup
- PREP
- COOK
- TOTAL
This is one of the easiest and tastiest tomato soups I’ve made. I love serving with grilled cheese sandwiches, but this is also wonderful with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side.
Watch Us Make the Recipe
You Will Need
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 large onion, cut into large wedges
1 (28-ounce) can tomatoes, we prefer to use whole peeled or crushed, see notes for fresh tomatoes
1 ½ cups water, low sodium vegetable stock, or chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, or more to taste
Directions
1Melt the butter over medium heat in a Dutch oven or large saucepan.
2Add onion wedges, water, tomatoes with their juices, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
3Bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, for about 40 minutes. Stir occasionally and add additional salt as needed.
4Blend the soup, and then season to taste. The soup doesn’t need to be ultra-smooth; some texture is nice. An immersion blender does make quick work of this, or you can use a blender. When using a regular blender, work in smaller batches, and don’t fill it too high – hot soup expands! For safety, remove the lid’s center insert and cover the opening with a kitchen towel while blending. This releases steam and prevents messy splatters.
5Store homemade tomato soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Fresh tomatoes: Use 10 to 12 medium tomatoes (2 pounds). No need to peel them, everything is blended in the end.
- Vegan tomato soup: Substitute the butter for plant-based butter or extra-virgin olive oil.
- For tomato basil soup: Add a handful of fresh basil before blending the soup.
- Make creamy tomato soup: After blending, add a splash of cream for an extra creamy tomato soup.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates. We have omitted salt since you will need to add to your tastes.
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I don’t usually leave reviews often but had to here. My husband literally said this was the best soup he’s ever had!!! I did add a bit more salt, added the suggested basil leaves and sprinkled a little cheese on top. But honestly, tasted great even without these and it was delicious. So simple, so good.
Yay! Thank you so much for coming back to leave a review 🙂