Cozy Up with a Bowl of Comfort
Alright, let’s be real—there are days when cooking feels like a full-on chore. You’re hungry, maybe a little cranky, and the last thing you wanna do is babysit a pot on the stove. That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with this Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup. It’s warm, comforting, and honestly tastes like it simmered for hours… even though it didn’t.
This recipe checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and seriously foolproof. Whether it’s chilly outside or you just need something cozy to dip your grilled cheese into (yes, please), this Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup has your back. It’s the kind of soup that makes you wanna curl up on the couch with fuzzy socks and a big ol’ bowl.
And don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy ingredients or pro chef skills. Just a handful of pantry staples and your trusty Instant Pot. Let’s make some soup magic, shall we?
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Tomato Soup Recipe Works
You know how some recipes sound easy but turn into a hot mess halfway through? Yeah, this isn’t one of those. This Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup hits different—and here’s why it just works, every dang time:
1. It’s actually easy.
Like, dump-it-in-the-pot easy. No roasting, no fancy steps, no standing over the stove. The Instant Pot handles the hard stuff while you chill.
2. Pantry staples are the heroes.
This isn’t one of those recipes that sends you on a wild goose chase for weird ingredients. Tomatoes (fresh or canned), garlic, onion, broth—you probably already have everything you need.
3. It’s ready fast but tastes slow-cooked.
The pressure cooking does its thing and gives you that deep, cozy flavor that usually takes hours. But nope—not today. This Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup pulls it off in under 30 minutes.
4. It’s super customizable.
Wanna add cream? Go for it. Want it spicy? Toss in chili flakes. Keeping it vegan? Skip the dairy—it’s still bomb. You do you.
5. Everyone loves it.
Kids, picky eaters, soup snobs—this one’s a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple, classic, and totally hits the comfort food sweet spot.
Basically, it’s comfort food that doesn’t ask for much—just your Instant Pot and a few ingredients. And that’s why I keep coming back to this Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup whenever I need something warm, quick, and delicious.
Ingredients
Okay, let’s break it down. One of my favorite things about this Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup is how you don’t need a cart full of stuff from the store. Honestly, you probably already have most of this hanging out in your kitchen.
Here’s what you’ll want to grab:
- Canned whole tomatoes – I usually go with San Marzano if I’m feeling fancy, but any good-quality canned tomatoes will do. Crushed or diced? Totally fine too. If you’ve got fresh tomatoes? Roast them first, but canned makes this Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup truly… well, easy.
- Yellow onion – Just one. Chop it up rough—you don’t need to be precise, we’re blending it later anyway.
- Garlic cloves – I say the more the merrier. I usually toss in 3-4 for that rich flavor.
- Olive oil or butter – Either one works. Butter adds a richer vibe, olive oil keeps it lighter.
- Vegetable broth or chicken broth – Whatever you’ve got in the pantry. Go low-sodium if you like to control the salt.
- Basil – Fresh is best, but dried works too. A little goes a long way.
- Salt and pepper – Duh. Always.
- Optional: heavy cream or coconut milk – This is if you want that creamy, dreamy finish. It’s still great without it though!
And that’s it. No weird ingredients, no five-trips-to-the-store kind of recipe. Just real, simple stuff that comes together fast in one pot. That’s what makes this Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup such a weeknight winner.
Step by step instructions to make instant pot tomato soup
Alright, grab your Instant Pot and let’s make some magic happen. I promise—this isn’t one of those “easy” recipes that ends up being a project. This one’s the real deal.
1 Sauté the flavor stuff
Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add your olive oil or butter, then toss in the chopped onion. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until it’s soft and smells amazing. Add the garlic and cook for another minute (don’t walk away—garlic burns fast).
2 Add the rest
Dump in your canned tomatoes (juice and all), broth, basil, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give it all a stir. This is where the magic starts to smell real good.
3 Pressure cook, baby
Pop the lid on, seal it up, and set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. It’ll take a few minutes to come to pressure, but once it gets going, you’re on autopilot.
4 Quick release (carefully!)
Once the timer beeps, do a quick release—just be careful with that steam. I always use a towel over the valve because, let’s face it, I’ve scared myself one too many times.
5 Blend it up
Use an immersion blender right in the pot and blend until smooth. No immersion blender? No problem. Just let it cool a little and toss it in a regular blender in batches (just don’t fill it too full, trust me on that).
6 Make it creamy (optional but yum)
If you’re adding cream or coconut milk, stir it in now. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Boom. That’s it. You just made Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup like a pro—with zero drama and one pot to clean.
Substitutions and Variations
Here’s what I love most about this Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup—it’s super flexible. Like, you can totally switch it up based on what you’ve got in the fridge or what mood you’re in. No rules here, just really good soup.
Spice it up
Feeling bold? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic. Or toss in a little hot sauce at the end. It gives the soup a little kick without being over the top.
Sneaky veggie boost
Want to pack in more veggies without anyone noticing? Add chopped carrots, celery, or even a red bell pepper along with the onions. They blend right in and make the soup even heartier.
Go dairy-free
Skip the cream and stir in some coconut milk instead. It’s rich, slightly sweet, and totally vegan-friendly. I do this a lot when I want something lighter but still creamy.
Roasted garlic version
If you’ve got a little more time, roast a whole head of garlic and add it in before blending. It’s mellow, rich, and adds a next-level flavor. Totally worth it on a weekend.
Add cheese
Parmesan stirred in right before serving gives it that salty, cheesy bite. Or go wild and blend in a little cream cheese—it makes it super silky and adds a little tang.
Tomato variety fun
Try fire-roasted canned tomatoes for a smoky twist. Or mix in a tablespoon of tomato paste for extra richness if you’re using fresh tomatoes.
Whatever you do, just make sure it still tastes like you. That’s the beauty of this Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup—it’s a blank canvas with endless cozy possibilities.
Toppings and Pairings That Make It Even Better
Okay, so your Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup is hot and ready. Now what? Time to dress it up and give it some tasty sidekicks. You don’t have to do anything fancy here—but a few extras go a long way in making this feel like a full-on comfort meal.
Grilled Cheese
Let’s be honest—this is the power couple of the soup world. Gooey cheese, crispy bread, dunked in a warm bowl of tomato soup? It just hits different. I like sourdough or Texas toast, and sharp cheddar is my go-to, but anything melty works.
Pair your tomato soup with: Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches for the ultimate comfort meal
Croutons
Store-bought is fine, but homemade croutons? Game-changer. Just cube up some bread, toss it in olive oil and garlic powder, and bake until crunchy. They soak up the soup in the best way.
Fresh basil or parsley
Sprinkle a little on top for color and that fresh herb pop. Makes your bowl look fancy even if you’re eating in pajamas.
Drizzle of cream or swirl of coconut milk
If you added cream earlier, a little drizzle on top makes it feel café-worthy. Plus, it looks super pretty on Instagram—just sayin’.
Or serve it with Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for a sweet and savory balance
Crusty bread or garlic toast
You know when the soup is so good you wanna wipe the bowl clean? Yeah, this is that kind of soup. A good slice of bread on the side is mandatory in my house.
All these extras just take your Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup from “this is good” to “okay, I’m making this every week.” It’s simple comfort food done right—and it never gets old.
Expert Tips to Make Tomato Soup Even Better
Let’s keep it real—anyone can make this Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup, but these little tricks? They take it from “yum” to “holy wow, this is homemade?!”
- Use good canned tomatoes If you’re going the canned route (and honestly, I do 90% of the time), spring for good-quality ones. San Marzano-style tomatoes are my fave. They’re sweeter, richer, and just taste better.
- Sauté your onions and garlic first Don’t skip this step. Even though it’s an Instant Pot recipe, sautéing adds way more flavor than just tossing everything in raw. It gives the soup that cozy, cooked-all-day vibe.
- Add a tiny bit of sugar Just a pinch. It cuts the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavor. Not necessary, but it makes a difference—especially if you’re using canned tomatoes.
- Blend it smooth (or not) If you like super creamy soup, go all in with the immersion blender. If you’re more into texture, leave it a little chunky. Totally your call.
- Adjust the salt at the end Taste before you serve. Tomato soup can go from flat to fabulous with just a little extra salt or a splash of broth to thin it out.
- Finish with fat A swirl of cream, a knob of butter, or a drizzle of olive oil at the end makes it taste richer and more satisfying. It’s a small touch that adds a big flavor boost.
Keep these tips in your back pocket, and you’ll nail this Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup every time—whether it’s your first try or your fiftieth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make tomato soup in the Instant Pot?
It’s super simple. First, use the sauté setting to cook onions and garlic in a bit of oil. Then add canned tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Seal the lid, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, do a quick release, and blend it until smooth. That’s your base. You can add cream at the end if you like it richer.
How to deepen the flavor of tomato soup?
Start by sautéing your onions and garlic—that little bit of browning builds a ton of flavor. Use high-quality canned tomatoes, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, and throw in herbs like basil or thyme. A splash of cream, a pat of butter, or a handful of parmesan at the end can also really bring it home.
Is an Instant Pot good for making soup?
Oh, totally. It speeds up the process big time and brings out deep, rich flavors fast. Everything cooks evenly, and you don’t have to babysit a simmering pot. Plus, less cleanup. It’s honestly one of the easiest ways to whip up a comforting bowl of soup.
What is the best setting for soup in an Instant Pot?
You’ll usually want to use the Manual or Pressure Cook setting on high pressure. Skip the “Soup/Broth” button unless your Instant Pot doesn’t have manual controls—it just cooks a bit differently and isn’t as consistent for recipes like this one.
How do I freeze tomato soup?
Let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (leave a little space for it to expand). Lay the bags flat for easier storage. Skip the cream if you’re freezing—it can get weird when thawed. The soup keeps great in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup isn’t just a recipe—it’s one of those go-to meals that never lets you down. It’s quick, it’s cozy, and it makes your kitchen smell like you’ve been cooking all day (even if dinner came together in under 30 minutes).
Whether you’re whipping it up on a lazy Sunday, meal prepping for the week, or just need something warm after a long day, this soup always hits the spot. And the best part? You can make it your own, swap things out, dress it up, or keep it super simple.
So next time you need a no-fuss, feel-good dinner, you know what to do. Grab your Instant Pot, crack open some tomatoes, and let this Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup do its thing. You’re gonna love it.
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