Italian Summer Soup: Crockpot Soup Recipe - Steph’s Stove
Italian Summer Soup: Crockpot Soup Recipe - Steph’s Stove is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 6. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Steph’s Stove by Stephanie Thomas on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 4 hrs 10 min | Total: 4 hrs 50 min
Cost: $13.06 total, $2.18 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Jimmy Dean Italian Sausage (removed from casing, broken into bite‑size pieces)
- 2 each Carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 ribs Celery (including leafy tops, diced)
- 1 each Green Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1 small Yellow Onion (diced)
- 2 each Summer Squash (cut into half‑moon pieces)
- 2 each Zucchini (cut into half‑moon pieces)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 can Cannellini Beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (28 oz, undrained)
- 32 oz Chicken Stock (low‑sodium preferred)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly shredded)
Instructions
Brown the Sausage
Heat the nonstick skillet over medium‑high heat. Remove the casing from the Italian sausage, break it into bite‑size pieces, and brown, stirring occasionally, until the meat is nicely caramelized.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium‑high
Drain Excess Oil
Place a few paper towels on a plate, press the skillet contents against them to soak up the rendered fat, then discard the towels.
Time: PT2M
Dice the Vegetables
Dice the carrots, celery (including tops), green bell pepper, and small yellow onion into uniform bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT10M
Prepare Squash and Zucchini
Cut the summer squash and zucchini into half‑moon slices or bite‑size chunks.
Time: PT5M
Mix Dry Seasonings
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Time: PT2M
Assemble in the Crock Pot
Transfer the browned sausage to the crock pot. Add the diced carrots, celery, green pepper, onion, squash, and zucchini. Break any larger sausage chunks so everything is roughly the same size.
Time: PT3M
Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth
Stir in the drained cannellini beans, the can of diced tomatoes (with juices), and the 32 oz of chicken stock. Sprinkle the dry seasoning mixture over the top.
Time: PT3M
Season with Salt and Pepper
Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Time: PT1M
Slow‑Cook the Soup
Cover the crock pot and cook on HIGH for about 4 hours (or LOW for 6‑8 hours) until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded.
Time: PT4H
Finish with Parmesan
When ready to serve, ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle freshly shredded Parmesan cheese on top.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Contains Pork, Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free sausage)
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Jimmy Dean Italian Sausage: Mild pork sausage, Chicken sausage, Turkey sausage
- Instead of Carrots: Parsnips, Sweet potatoes
- Instead of Celery: Fennel stalks
- Instead of Green Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper, Yellow bell pepper
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion, Sweet onion
- Instead of Summer Squash: Pattypan squash, Yellow squash
- Instead of Zucchini: Yellow squash, Cucumber (for raw texture)
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic, Garlic salt (reduce added salt)
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Herbes de Provence, Dried oregano & basil blend
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper, Fresh chopped chili
- Instead of Cannellini Beans: Great Northern beans, White kidney beans
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes (about 2 cups), Crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Chicken Stock: Vegetable stock, Water with bouillon cube
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano
Equipment Needed
- Nonstick Skillet
- Paper Towels
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)
- Large Spoon or Ladle
- Bowl (for transferring sausage)
- Box Grater
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown the sausage to develop flavor
- Drain excess oil to avoid a greasy soup
- Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking
- Add the correct amount of broth so ingredients stay submerged
- Cook the soup for the full 4‑hour high setting
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a handful of fresh basil or parsley just before serving for extra brightness.
- Use low‑sodium broth to control the salt level more precisely.
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked Italian sausage instead of regular.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thin.
Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or let the soup simmer uncovered for 15‑20 minutes to reduce.
Soup is too thick.
Add additional chicken stock or water, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Sausage still pink after cooking.
Increase the high‑cook time by 30 minutes or finish the soup on the stovetop until the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 160 °F (71 °C).
Vegetables are mushy.
Cut vegetables into larger pieces next time or reduce the cooking time to 3 hours on high.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑sized bags or containers for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dice all vegetables a day ahead and store them in a sealed bag in the refrigerator.
- Freeze sliced squash and zucchini in single‑layer bags; they can go straight into the crock pot frozen.
- The soup reheats well; simply warm on the stove or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Crock Pot Summer Soup with Italian Twist in Italian‑American cuisine?
While not a traditional Italian dish, this soup reflects the Italian‑American tradition of adapting classic flavors—like Italian sausage and herbs—to American comfort foods such as slow‑cooker soups, especially during summer when fresh vegetables are abundant.
What are the traditional regional variations of Italian‑style summer soups in the United States?
In the U.S., Italian‑inspired summer soups often feature seasonal vegetables, beans, and cured meats. Variations include adding pasta (minestrone), using different sausages (spicy Calabrese), or swapping cannellini beans for chickpeas.
How is Crock Pot Summer Soup with Italian Twist traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil, accompanied by crusty bread or a simple green salad.
What occasions or celebrations is Crock Pot Summer Soup with Italian Twist associated with in Italian‑American culture?
This soup is popular for casual family gatherings, pot‑lucks, and summer barbecues where a warm yet light dish is welcome without heating the kitchen.
What makes Crock Pot Summer Soup with Italian Twist special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
The combination of Italian sausage, Italian seasoning, and summer vegetables cooked low‑and‑slow creates a comforting, flavor‑rich soup that blends hearty Italian flavors with the freshness of seasonal produce.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Crock Pot Summer Soup with Italian Twist?
Common errors include over‑crowding the skillet when browning the sausage, not draining excess fat, cutting vegetables too small (they can become mushy), and under‑seasoning the broth before the slow‑cook phase.
Why does this Crock Pot Summer Soup with Italian Twist recipe use a high setting for 4 hours instead of low for 6‑8 hours?
The high setting shortens the cooking time while still allowing the sausage and vegetables to meld flavors. It’s ideal for home cooks who want a ready‑to‑eat soup the same day without an overnight wait.
Can I make Crock Pot Summer Soup with Italian Twist ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cool the soup to room temperature, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days or freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Crock Pot Summer Soup with Italian Twist is done cooking?
The vegetables should be tender but still hold their shape, the sausage should be fully cooked and no longer pink, and the broth should be slightly thickened from the beans and tomatoes, with a rich reddish‑orange hue.
What does the YouTube channel Steph’s Stove by Stephanie Thomas specialize in?
Steph’s Stove by Stephanie Thomas focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that often use everyday kitchen tools like slow cookers, emphasizing comfort food with seasonal twists and clear, step‑by‑step guidance.
How does the YouTube channel Steph’s Stove by Stephanie Thomas' approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Stephanie Thomas blends classic Italian‑American flavors with modern convenience, such as using a crock pot for soups, and she emphasizes minimal cleanup and quick prep, whereas many other channels may rely on stovetop or oven‑only methods.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
