Ultimate Pizza Soup Recipe: A Hearty and Flavorful Dish
Pizza soup is a delicious and comforting twist on the classic Italian dish. Packed with all the flavors of pizza, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings and warm you up on chilly days. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a hearty and flavorful pizza soup that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you need a comforting meal. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage, bulk
- 1 (3.5-ounce) package pepperoni
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped (1 1/4 cup)
- 1 onion, chopped (1 cup), medium
- 1 (28-ounce) can tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the Italian Sausage:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot with the cooked sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Pour in the canned tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, and tomato sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Pepperoni:
- While the soup is simmering, slice the pepperoni into bite-sized pieces. Add the pepperoni to the pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the hot pizza soup into bowls and sprinkle each serving with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the pizza soup hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of this soup, omit the Italian sausage and pepperoni. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or olives for added flavor and texture.
- Spicy Variation: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the soup for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Version: For a creamy pizza soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of cooking. This will add richness and creaminess to the soup.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- To make this soup keto-friendly, use low-carb substitutes for the tomato sauce and canned tomatoes. You can also reduce the amount of onion and bell pepper to lower the carb content.
Low-Carb Version:
- For a low-carb version, use cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles instead of pasta. You can also skip the onion and use garlic powder for flavoring to further reduce the carb content.
In conclusion, pizza soup is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for satisfying your pizza cravings without the need for a crust. With its hearty combination of Italian sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, and cheese, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re following a keto diet, watching your carb intake, or simply craving a cozy and flavorful meal, this pizza soup recipe is sure to hit the spot. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting flavors of pizza in a warm and satisfying soup!
