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Simple Tomato Bean Soup - Comforting, Hearty, and Easy to Make

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced (optional but recommended)
  • 1 celery stalk, diced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil (or Italian seasoning)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, or whole peeled tomatoes hand-crushed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini, navy, great northern, or kidney)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (to balance acidity; adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1–2 teaspoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice, to finish
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil, for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Warm the pot: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add the onion, carrot, and celery with a pinch of salt. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring, until soft and lightly golden.
  3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the garlic, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Toast the tomato paste: Add the tomato paste and stir for 1–2 minutes to deepen its flavor and color.
  5. Build the base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Add beans: Stir in the rinsed beans. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Simmer: Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The soup should thicken slightly and the flavors will meld.
  8. Season: Add sugar or honey to balance the acidity. Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed.
  9. Finish: Stir in the vinegar or lemon juice to brighten. If you want a creamier texture, mash some beans against the side of the pot or blend a cup of the soup and return it to the pot.
  10. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with chopped parsley or basil. Add Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil if you like.