Healthy Crockpot Tomato Basil White Bean Soup

Name: Healthy Crockpot Tomato Basil White Bean Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

I absolutely love making this Healthy Crockpot Tomato Basil White Bean Soup, especially during those chilly days. There's something magical about the way the tomatoes, basil, and white beans come together to create a wholesome, hearty meal. It requires little effort—just toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic while I go about my day. The rich aromas that fill my kitchen as it cooks really bring comfort and warmth, making it one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Created by

Esmeray Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-14T06:29:34.892Z

From the moment I first prepared this soup, I realized it would become a staple in my kitchen. There's nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of tomato basil soup, especially when it’s packed with nutritious white beans. My family loves the buttery texture of the beans, which perfectly complement the tangy tomatoes. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies!

One tip I found helpful is to let the soup simmer longer than the recommended cooking time. This enhances the flavors, giving the basil and tomatoes ample time to meld together beautifully. Each spoonful transports me to a cozy café in Italy, where this dish likely originated.

        Why You'll Love This Soup
        Rich, comforting flavors in every spoonful
Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup
Packed with protein and fiber for a nutritious meal
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

      

Perfecting Your Flavor Balance

Achieving the perfect flavor balance in your Healthy Crockpot Tomato Basil White Bean Soup involves a few key techniques. For a bolder taste, consider roasting the garlic and onion in a pan with a splash of olive oil before adding them to the crockpot. This will deepen their flavors and enhance the overall taste of the soup. The sweetness from the caramelization plays beautifully against the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a richer soup that you'll love.

Another technique to elevate your soup is to let it simmer a bit longer if you prefer a thicker consistency. If you're home while it cooks, you can leave the lid slightly ajar during the last hour of cooking. This allows some steam to escape, concentrating the flavors and deepening the soup's texture. Just be sure to stir occasionally to prevent any sticking at the bottom of the crockpot.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of beans is crucial in this recipe as they provide protein and act as the base for the soup. While white beans, such as cannellini or great northern beans, are ideal, you can substitute chickpeas for added texture and a slightly different flavor. Just rinse and drain them well before adding to the crockpot to avoid any metallic taste from the canning liquid. Additionally, if fresh basil isn't available, dried basil can work in a pinch—use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

When it comes to seasoning, feel free to adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference. If you prefer a little heat, the optional red pepper flakes can be increased, or consider adding a splash of your favorite hot sauce at the end for an extra kick. Just remember to taste as you go—seasoning properly is key to ensuring a delightful and balanced flavor profile.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Healthy Crockpot Tomato Basil White Bean Soup

2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all the ingredients in the crockpot and let the flavors develop!

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Chop the fresh basil and set it aside.

Combine in the Crockpot

Add the white beans, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir well to combine.

Set to Cook

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serve Warm

Once the soup is cooked, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve warm with some crusty bread or a drizzle of olive oil.

Enjoy this delicious soup any time of the year!

Pro Tips

For an even creamier soup, puree a portion of it before serving. You can also add in other vegetables such as carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Make-Ahead Tips

This soup is ideal for meal prep because it tastes even better the next day! Consider making a double batch on the weekend and storing leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it a satisfying option for busy weeknights. It will keep well for about 4-5 days in the fridge, just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

If you're planning to freeze your soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply move the container to the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. When reheating from frozen, do so slowly on the stovetop, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to restore the desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This soup can be served on its own or paired with a variety of side dishes. I often enjoy it with a crusty baguette or warm focaccia brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth! For a heartier meal, consider adding a simple side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to complement the soup's fresh flavors.

Alternatively, you can transform your soup into a complete meal by topping it with grilled chicken or shrimp. Just add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they are cooked through. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of pesto right before serving adds an extra layer of richness that enhances the overall experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

→ What can I substitute for white beans?

You can use chickpeas or kidney beans if you prefer a different flavor or texture.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free.

→ How do I adjust the spiciness?

You can omit the red pepper flakes for a milder soup or add more according to your taste preferences.