Looking for the best easy soup ideas? This slow cooker Italian chicken hamburger soup is simple, healthy, and full of flavor! Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or cozy family nights. It’s the best one-pot comfort food with pasta, beef, and veggies in a savory broth everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 15 minutes to prep before it cooks on its own.
- Flavorful Comfort: Savory beef broth combined with fresh vegetables delivers a hearty taste.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta types for different flavors.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Family Approved: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting and delicious soup.
Tools and Preparation
To make this slow cooker Italian chicken hamburger soup, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows you to set it and forget it, making meal prep stress-free and convenient.
- Skillet: Perfect for browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker, which enhances flavor.
- Cutting board and knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and safely.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Pantry Items
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese
How to Make Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
- To the slow cooker, add chopped carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic.
- Mix well to combine with the ground beef.
Step 3: Incorporate Liquids and Seasoning
- Stir in diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, beef broth, and Italian seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Step 4: Slow Cook
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Add Pasta
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the small pasta.
- Continue cooking on high until pasta is tender.
Step 6: Serve
- Once cooked through, ladle into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired before enjoying!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger Soup
Serving this hearty slow cooker Italian chicken hamburger soup is simple and enjoyable. It can be customized with various toppings and sides, making it perfect for any occasion.
Toppings
- Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate some Parmesan over the soup for an extra cheesy finish.
- Croutons: Add crispy croutons for a delightful crunch that complements the soup’s texture.
Accompaniments
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette can balance out the rich flavors of the soup.
- Cheese Sticks: Pairing cheese sticks with the soup adds a fun, cheesy snack element.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger Soup
To make your slow cooker Italian chicken hamburger soup even better, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture, making your soup more vibrant.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed for optimal flavor.
- Choose Quality Broth: A good quality beef broth adds depth to the soup. Homemade broth can make a big difference!
- Cook Pasta Separately: For a firmer pasta, cook it separately and add it to individual bowls before serving.
- Store Properly: To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger Soup
Pairing side dishes with your slow cooker Italian chicken hamburger soup enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread brushed with garlic butter makes a perfect companion for dipping.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crispness and creaminess that balances the hot soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms provide a delightful bite-sized treat alongside the soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a comforting touch and are easy to enjoy alongside.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables offer a nutritious side dish that complements the flavors of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger soup can be delightful, but avoiding common mistakes is key to achieving the best flavor and texture.
- Neglecting to Brown the Meat: Skipping this step can lead to a bland taste. Always brown the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker for richer flavor.
- Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Adding too many ingredients can prevent proper cooking. Follow the recipe’s ingredient amounts to maintain optimal cooking conditions.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking for too long or too short can ruin your soup. Stick to the suggested low or high settings for perfect results.
- Forgetting to Stir in Pasta: If you forget to add pasta at the right time, it may not cook properly. Add it 30 minutes before serving for al dente perfection.
- Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning can lead to a bland soup. Always season to your preference just before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger Soup
- Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger soup.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or even lean lamb if you prefer a different meat option. This will still give you that hearty flavor.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta altogether. You can serve it over rice or quinoa instead.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop veggies and brown the meat up to a day in advance. Just store them separately and combine them when you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger soup is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences, making it a go-to recipe you’ll love returning to time and again. Give it a try and enjoy heartwarming comfort food!
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Hamburger Soup
Indulge in a delightful bowl of Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Hamburger Soup, a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make soup combines hearty ground beef with fresh vegetables, savory diced tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, all simmered to perfection in a rich beef broth. It’s an ideal meal prep option for busy weeknights, providing a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. With a touch of pasta added towards the end of cooking, this one-pot wonder is both nourishing and filling. Whether served alone or garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, this soup promises warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.
- Total Time: 34 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.
- Add 3 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, 1 diced onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the slow cooker; mix well.
- Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juice), 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 4 cups beef broth, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until vegetables are tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in 3/4 cup small pasta; continue cooking on high until pasta is tender.
- Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or serve it over rice instead. For meal prep convenience, chop vegetables and brown the meat the day before.