12 Easy and Delicious Recipes That Call for a Hearty Can of Tomato Soup

Comfort Meals

With winter in full swing (brrr), there's nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of soup to help us stay warm and nourished. But for those juggling busy lives, cooking every meal from scratch can be a daunting (and exhausting) task — especially when the last thing you want to do is hover over a stove for hours on end after a long day of work.

But here at Cheapism, we love a good life hack — and that includes how to make delicious and cheap meals using canned soup as a shortcut. If you're a fan of tomatoes, stick around for these 12 scrumptious recipes that call for canned tomato soup as the base.

Whether you're craving something creamy, spicy, or loaded with veggies, there's a tomato soup-based recipe out there that's sure to hit the spot.

1. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Perfect for a cozy weekend lunch or dinner, this soup is creamy, comforting, and is a breeze to make. All you have to do is enhance your canned tomato soup by adding fresh basil, a splash of heavy cream or milk, and season to your liking with salt and pepper. Serve with a grilled cheese or side of garlic bread and you've got yourself a comfort meal that you'll want to keep eating again and again.

Recipe: Food.com

2. Italian Meatball Soup

Ideal for busy weeknights when you just can't be bothered, this hearty soup combines store-bought meatballs, cooked pasta, and Italian herbs with canned tomatoes. It's a filling and flavorful dinner that comes together in under half an hour. If you prefer your soups on the spicier side, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes at the end.

Recipe: Salt and Lavender

Related: 19 Italian Dishes Made Cheaper at Home

3. Creamy Tomato and Chicken Pasta Bake

This creamy and delicious casserole calls for only a few ingredients and is super easy to whip up. Lay chicken breasts in a baking dish, season as desired, and combine with a mixture of canned tomato soup, pasta, spinach, and cheese. Bake for about 45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Recipe: Cook With Campbell's

4. Easy Sloppy Joes

Great for a casual dinner or if you've got picky eaters at home, this recipe is simple, filling, and satisfying. To recreate it, brown some ground beef or turkey with onions and garlic, then stir in canned tomato soup, a bit of mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Let it simmer until thick and serve on hamburger buns.

Recipe: Campbell's

Related: 13 Cheap and Easy Recipes Using Cream of Mushroom Soup

5. Mediterranean Rice Bake

If you're looking to go meatless, this Mediterranean-inspired casserole is a solid choice. Mix uncooked white or brown rice with canned tomato soup, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Add some grated cheese on top and bake until she's golden brown and bubbly. You can also add sliced halloumi (a type of cheese with a meat-like texture) to make this meal more substantial.

Recipe: Campbell's

Related: Unusual Casseroles That Are Actually Delicious

6. Shortcut Butter Chicken

For an Indian-inspired dish that does not skimp on flavor and is still easy to make, give this recipe a whirl. Sear your cubed chicken (you can also use rotisserie chicken to save even more time) on a skillet with onions, garlic, and ginger. Add canned tomato soup, curry powder and spices, and coconut milk. Simmer until everything is heated through and flavors meld together. Serve over jasmine rice.

Recipe: Campbell's

Related: 11 Cheap and Easy Canned Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipes

7. Chicken Tomato Tortilla Soup

This one is perfect for when you're craving something hearty and flavorful but don't want to spend hours making it from scratch. To recreate it, add black beans, corn, chicken, and tortilla strips to the tomato soup base. Top with avocado, sour cream, and cilantro (optional) for a quick and satisfying meal that is also chock full of protein.

Recipe: Eating Well

Related: Delicious and Inexpensive Mexican Dishes

8. Coconut Curry Lentil Soup

Ideal for colder evenings when all you want is a warm bowl of soup, this recipe calls for lentils, curry, and coconut milk in a flavorful tomato broth. To make it, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and curry powder in a saucepan until soft and fragrant. This will create a flavorful base for the soup. Then stir in your canned tomato soup, water, coconut milk, and lentils and cook on a low simmer for about 5 minutes.

Recipe: Campbell's

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9. Chicken Tinga Tacos

This vibrant dish is perfect for those who love a combination of smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors in their tacos. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot until fragrant. Season the chicken and add it to the pot along with adobo peppers and canned tomato soup. Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it and set it aside. Serve with warm tortillas or tacos and top with cilantro, lime juice, or Cotija cheese.

Recipe: Campbell's

10. Garden Vegetable Soup

If you're looking for a healthy and colorful soup that is both nutritious and delicious, give this one a try. Stir in a medley of your favorite vegetables and legumes like zucchini, bell peppers, beans, carrots, and celery into your crushed tomato base along with some water and seasonings. Cook on medium heat for about 25 minutes until the veggies have softened and all the flavors meld together.

Recipe: Veggie Society

11. Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

This deconstructed twist on classic stuffed peppers comes together in less than 30 minutes. Start by sautéing beef or turkey sausage (remove the casings) along with bell peppers and onions. Once the meat and vegetables are browned and fragrant, stir in cooked rice and a can of tomato soup. Top with cheese, cover with lid, and let it melt for a few minutes for that perfect ooey-gooey top.

Recipe: Campbell's

Related: Quick & Easy Ground Beef Recipes That Make Dinner a Breeze

12. Easy Meatloaf

For a comforting and hearty meal that's sure to impress the little ones, try this twist on classic meatloaf. Mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, and a can of condensed tomato and basil soup. Shape into a loaf and bake on 325 degrees for about an hour. You can also use the remaining soup mixed with a bit of brown sugar, soy sauce, and mustard to make a delicious glaze to pour on top of the meatloaf.

Recipe: The Kitchen Magpie

Related: Meatloaf, Chili and Other Foods That are Always Better as Leftovers