If you love pizza, you’ll adore this Pepperoni Pizza Soup! It’s a warm and cozy mix of tomato sauce, melted cheese, and tasty pepperoni bits, all in a delicious broth.
It’s like having pizza in a bowl—perfect for when you’re feeling lazy! I like to sprinkle a bit of extra cheese on top before diving in. It makes every bite extra cheesy! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great choice for sautéing due to its flavor and health benefits. You can swap it with vegetable oil or canola oil if you don’t have olive oil on hand.
Ground Italian Sausage: This adds a delicious flavor to the soup. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. Or, for a meatless version, use lentils or mushrooms.
Crushed Tomatoes: Essential for the soup’s base! If you can’t find crushed tomatoes, you can use diced tomatoes and purée them in a blender for a smoother texture.
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan create that cheesy goodness. For a different flare, try provolone or even a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Ensure My Soup Has Great Flavor?
Building flavor is key to any soup! Start by sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil until soft. This step releases a wonderful aroma and lays the foundation.
- Use a good quality broth; it greatly influences the soup’s taste.
- Don’t skip the simmering step! Letting your soup simmer helps meld all the flavors together, enhancing the overall experience.
- Add the cheese at the end to get that melty goodness. Stir well until it’s fully incorporated and creamy!
Enjoy your soup with toasted bread for a cozy meal, perfect for sharing with family or friends. 😊
Delicious Pepperoni Pizza Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Protein & Flavor:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 (28 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Bread, toasted, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need approximately 40 minutes from start to finishing your delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes, until they become soft and wonderfully fragrant. This step builds a great base for your soup.
2. Browning the Meat:
Add the ground Italian sausage (or beef) into the pot. Cook the meat for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. Make sure it’s browned and fully cooked. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it off for a leaner soup.
3. Adding the Base Ingredients:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Then, stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Bring all of this to a boil, letting the flavors mingle beautifully!
4. Letting it Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all the delicious flavors to blend together.
5. Adding the Pepperoni:
After simmering, add in the sliced pepperoni and let it continue to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will infuse even more pizza flavor into the soup!
6. Melting the Cheeses:
Now, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and well mixed, resulting in a rich, creamy soup.
7. Serving the Soup:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with extra pepperoni slices and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve the soup hot with some toasted bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Pepperoni Pizza Soup that’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Meat for This Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen ground meat! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the refrigerator or you can thaw it quickly in the microwave. Be sure to pat it dry before adding it to the pot to avoid excess moisture.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace the ground sausage with a meat alternative like crumbled tempeh or lentils. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
What Cheese Can I Substitute If I Don’t Have Mozzarella or Parmesan?
If you don’t have mozzarella or Parmesan, you can use any melting cheese. Provolone or gouda would work beautifully! For a dairy-free option, look for vegan cheese alternatives that melt well.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just remember to let it cool before placing it in the freezer!
