I love cozy nights when a warm, hearty bowl of soup can instantly lift the mood, and this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Hamburger Soup has become my ultimate go-to. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, yet it’s incredibly easy to make. From browning the ground beef to tossing in fresh veggies and pasta, every step fills my kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that promise comfort and satisfaction. What I adore most about this recipe is that it brings together the flavors of Italy with a touch of home-style simplicity—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is more than just a meal; it’s a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a medley of fresh vegetables creates a hearty, filling dish that’s balanced and flavorful. The Italian seasoning enhances every ingredient without overwhelming the taste, while the tomato paste adds a rich, savory depth. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for yourself, this soup satisfies every time. It’s also perfect for those days when you want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile
One of the things I love most is how versatile this soup is. You can swap the vegetables based on what’s in season, adjust the pasta size, or even use gluten-free pasta if needed. It also freezes beautifully, so making a big batch means you’ll have ready-to-go meals for the week. Plus, it’s easy to make vegetarian by replacing the beef with plant-based alternatives and using vegetable broth. This adaptability makes it a recipe that fits any lifestyle or dietary preference.
Budget-Friendly
This recipe is kind to your wallet without compromising on flavor. Ground beef is affordable and protein-rich, while carrots, celery, and onions are inexpensive staples that add bulk and nutrition. You only need pantry essentials like tomato paste and Italian seasoning to make the flavors shine. With minimal ingredients, you can create a satisfying, wholesome meal that serves six people—making it ideal for families or batch cooking.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Hamburger Soup
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1 pound ground beef
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3 carrots, chopped
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 small onion, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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4 cups beef broth
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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3/4 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley and Parmesan for garnish (optional)
How to Make This Recipe
Making this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Hamburger Soup is easier than it looks, and the results are absolutely worth it. I love that it’s mostly hands-off once everything is in the slow cooker, giving you time to relax or prep other meals. The key is layering flavors carefully and allowing the soup to simmer so every ingredient melds together beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making
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Brown the Ground Beef: Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Browning the beef first ensures that the soup has a rich, savory flavor. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup light, then transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef is browning, chop the carrots, celery, and onion, and mince the garlic. Adding fresh vegetables gives the soup texture and natural sweetness. Toss them into the slow cooker with the beef, spreading them evenly so every scoop has a bit of everything.
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Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice and stir in the tomato paste. Then, add the beef broth. Stir everything gently to combine. The tomatoes and broth create a flavorful base that will infuse the beef and vegetables as it cooks.
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Season the Soup: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. I always taste the broth before cooking and adjust the seasoning slightly, as flavors concentrate during the slow cooking process.
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Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6–7 hours, or high for 3–4 hours. The low and slow method produces tender vegetables and deeply flavorful broth, while the high setting works well if you’re short on time.
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Add Pasta: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the small pasta like ditalini. This timing prevents the pasta from overcooking and becoming mushy. Let it cook until tender, absorbing some of the broth’s flavor for a cohesive, hearty soup.
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Final Touches: Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to elevate the flavors and presentation.
Quick and Easy
This soup is ideal for busy weeknights because it’s mostly hands-off. The slow cooker does all the work while you focus on other tasks. Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this recipe perfect when you need dinner on the table with little effort.Customizable
You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Swap the carrots for zucchini or bell peppers, use whole-wheat pasta for extra fiber, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick. You can also make it vegetarian by replacing the beef with plant-based crumbles and using vegetable broth. The flexibility ensures it fits everyone’s taste.Crowd-Pleasing
Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s always a hit. The combination of hearty beef, tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta appeals to all ages. Plus, the aroma alone often draws everyone to the kitchen before it’s even done cooking!This recipe also keeps well in the fridge for up to five days and freezes beautifully for up to three months. Simply reheat gently on the stove or in a slow cooker for a comforting meal any day.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Hamburger Soup
1. Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes! Small pasta like ditalini works best, but you can substitute with elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo. Just adjust the cooking time so the pasta doesn’t overcook.2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors actually develop more overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes very well. Freeze in individual portions or a large container. Make sure to add the pasta only when reheating, as cooked pasta can become mushy after freezing.4. Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also skip the Parmesan garnish or use a vegan alternative.5. How do I thicken the soup if it’s too watery?
Simmer uncovered on low heat for 10–15 minutes to reduce the broth, or stir in a small amount of tomato paste to add richness and thickness.6. Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add zucchini, bell peppers, green beans, or peas. Just chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly with the other ingredients.
Slow Cooker Italian chicken hamburger Soup
This Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Hamburger Soup is my go-to comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with beef, pasta, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this one-pot meal delivers warmth and satisfaction with minimal effort.
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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3 carrots, chopped
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 small onion, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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4 cups beef broth
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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3/4 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley and Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
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Add chopped carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
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Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and Italian seasoning.
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Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
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About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in pasta and cook until tender.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan before serving.
Notes
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Use gluten-free pasta if desired.
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Adjust vegetables based on season or preference.
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Soup freezes well; add pasta only when reheating to avoid mushiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
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