Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger Soup

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 featuring beef, pasta, and veggies in a savory broth that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal chopping and just a few ingredients, this soup comes together quickly and effortlessly.
• Flavorful Comfort: The blend of beef and Italian seasoning creates a warm and inviting taste that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the vegetables or pasta types based on what you have at home.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it tastes even better the next day!
• Crowd-Pleaser: This hearty soup is sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike, making it ideal for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather your tools before starting. Having everything on hand will help you focus on enjoying the process of making this delicious soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking; just set it and forget it until mealtime.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning your ground beef, which adds depth to the flavor of your soup.
• Cutting board: A stable surface that keeps your kitchen organized while you chop vegetables.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and safe cutting of ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

For Flavoring

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Pasta Addition

• 3/4 cup small pasta (like ditalini)

Seasoning & Garnish

• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley and Parmesan for garnish (optional)

How to Make Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat before transferring it to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

In your slow cooker, add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine with the beef.

Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth

Stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, tomato paste, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Season the Soup

Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Step 5: Set Your Slow Cooker

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Step 6: Add Pasta Before Serving

Thirty minutes before serving time, stir in the small pasta. Allow it to cook until tender.

Step 7: Garnish

Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of soup!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger Soup

Serving Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger soup can be a delightful experience, enhancing its already rich flavors. This soup pairs well with various accompaniments and garnishes that elevate the meal. Here are some serving suggestions to consider.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: A warm baguette can be perfect for dipping into the hearty soup.
• Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor complements the Italian spices in the soup beautifully.

Garnished with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Adding freshly grated Parmesan on top provides a creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor.
• Mozzarella: For a melty addition, sprinkle shredded mozzarella right before serving.

Topped with Herbs

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Fresh basil leaves can bring out the Italian essence of the soup.

Served with Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crispness and balances the richness of the soup.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger Soup

To ensure your Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
• Choose quality broth: A good quality beef broth will enrich your soup’s taste.
• Cook pasta separately: For better texture, cook pasta separately if you’re planning to store leftovers.
• Experiment with veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger soup makes for a complete meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this hearty dish perfectly.

1. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze bring brightness to your table.
2. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated veggies, and cheese makes for a delightful appetizer.
3. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a comforting touch against the savory soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: These can be filled with rice, beans, or vegetables for a filling side option.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add flavor and color to your meal while being nutritious.
6. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese pair wonderfully when dipped into the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes you should avoid:

• Using the wrong type of meat: Always choose fresh ground beef for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using pre-packaged ground meats that may contain fillers.

• Not browning the meat: Skipping the browning process can lead to a bland soup. Take the time to brown your ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.

• Overcrowding with vegetables: Adding too many vegetables can change the soup’s consistency. Stick to recommended amounts for balance.

• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust seasonings accordingly. Don’t wait until the end; flavors develop over time.

• Adding pasta too early: If you add pasta at the beginning, it may become mushy. Stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking for optimal texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The soup will last up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.

• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2–3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.

• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until warmed throughout, about 5–10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about making Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger Soup:

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or lamb if you prefer.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the meat entirely. Add more beans or lentils for protein.

What kind of pasta works best?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni are ideal as they cook evenly without becoming too soft.

Can I customize the herbs?

Absolutely! Feel free to add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger Soup is not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand. It’s perfect for meal prep or warming up on a chilly evening. Give this comforting recipe a try; your family will love it!