Instant Pot Oprah’s Tomato Soup—healthy and flavorful tomato soup recipe (can be vegetarian and dairy free). It tastes amazing with grilled cheese sandwiches!
Note: SLOW COOKER instructions are listed in the recipe card below

Instant Pot Oprah’s Tomato Soup
I am a fan of all tomato soups. They are totally my jam. When I was young I was a huge fan of Campbell’s Tomato Soup. I’d sprinkle in grated cheese and it would get all melty and delicious. I’d also crunch up saltine crackers on top. The best was eating a grilled cheese sandwich dipped in tomato soup. Those two things are made for each other.
It’s been years since I’ve had canned tomato soup. These days I make my own from scratch and it’s honestly not much harder than warming up a can of tomato soup. I came across a recipe called Oprah’s Tomato Soup. I knew I had to try it. If it’s good enough for Oprah than it’s good enough for me. She says, “I’ve never met a tomato soup I didn’t like. It looks rustic, it feels rich, and it tastes, well, honest. Here’s a base that’s beautiful just on its own—I like freezing a couple of batches to have on hand—and three vibrant variations, if you feel like mixing things up a little.”
At first glance I thought the recipe might be a little bit boring. No dairy? Wah! Dairy is my favorite. Not even butter? But this soup was just perfect for a chilly evening. It had lots of flavor and body (thanks to the crushed tomatoes, carrots and celery). The addition of fresh basil gave it that fresh garden taste even in the middle of winter. I felt no guilt because this recipe is only 166 calories. I did serve mine with grilled cheese. But this would also be great with a piece of fresh French bread or homemade crazy bread.

What are crushed tomatoes? Tomatoes are crushed to a fine texture and often mixed with a little tomato puree, but still chunkier and less cooked-tasting than sauce. I love crushed tomatoes for soups and sauces. The texture is perfect. They aren’t totally pureed but not as chunky as diced tomatoes.
More Tomato Soup Recipes You’ll Love…
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini, Spinach And Chicken Soup
Slow Cooker Tomato-Basil Parmesan Soup
Instant Pot Tomato Basil Parmesan Tortellini Soup
Instant Pot (Tomato Based) Ham And Bean Soup
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Instant Pot Oprah’s Tomato Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (plus 5 minute NPR)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Healthy and flavorful tomato soup recipe (can be vegetarian and dairy free). It tastes amazing with grilled cheese sandwiches!
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 ribs of celery, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, finely chopped
- 6 medium basil leaves, torn into small pieces
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth (or 3 cups water and 1 Tbsp Better than Bouillon)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- Salt (I used 1/2 tsp)
- Fresh cracked pepper
- Optional toppings: cream, fresh basil, parmesan cheese, oyster crackers or croutons
Instructions
Instant Pot Instructions:
- Turn Instant Pot to sauté setting (the middle setting, “normal”). When display says HOT add in the oil. Add in the onions, celery, carrots and basil. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes. Add in the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add in chicken broth and scrape bottom of pot so that nothing is sticking. Turn off Instant Pot.
- Dump in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. (I didn’t stir)
- Cover Instant Pot and secure lid. Make sure valve is set to sealing. Set the SOUP button to 5 minutes (use pressure cook or manual button if you don’t have the soup button). When time is up let the pot sit for 5-10 minutes and then move valve to venting. Remove the lid.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to desired consistency (or work in batches and pulse in a normal blender). Add in salt to taste (I used ½ tsp). Add in pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with desired toppings.
Slow Cooker Instructions:
- Heat a pan over medium heat on the stove. Add in the olive oil and the onions, celery, carrots and basil. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes. Add in the garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the broth, tomatoes and tomato paste.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to desired consistency (or work in batches and pulse in a normal blender). Add in salt to taste (I used ½ tsp). Add in pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with desired toppings.
Notes
For extra bold flavor use fire roasted crushed tomatoes
I used my 6 quart Instant Pot Duo 60 7 in 1*.
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot or Slow Cooker

*Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Hi Karen!
If I were to use fresh tomatoes, how many should I use?
Thank you!
I would say between 10-12 peeled tomatoes
I’ll let you know how it comes out.
Thank you so much!
It had fairly good flavor, but it needs sugar. How much would you recommend. It was better topped with shredded parmesan.
★★★★
I would brown the tomato paste to wake up the flavors. Add to the garlic.
★★★★★
Good idea!!!
Will try this in my new Instant Ace Nova blender. Still experimenting with it.
Cool! Let me know how you like it!