Transform your favorite takeout classic into a comforting, one-pot meal with this incredibly easy Pizza Soup recipe. Bursting with savory flavors, this hearty soup features rich ground beef or spicy Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, and is topped with luscious, gooey melted cheese. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy all the satisfying taste of pizza in a warm, spoonful experience. Perfectly paired with a side of crispy garlic bread, this dish is destined to become a new family favorite.
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Have you ever wished you could savor the irresistible flavors of your most beloved comfort foods in a new, exciting, and effortlessly convenient way? My culinary journey has led me on a delicious mission: to transform classic dishes into delightful soup recipes. This Easy Pizza Soup is a prime example, offering all the joy of a pizza night without the usual fuss. Beyond its unique and comforting appeal, serving your favorite meals as soup provides incredible advantages. It’s a fantastic option for meal prep, as the flavors often deepen and become even more delicious the next day. Plus, it’s remarkably freezer-friendly, allowing you to stock up on quick, satisfying meals for busy weeknights.
Table of Contents
Crafting the Perfect Pizza Soup: Why This Recipe Shines
Imagine the rich, savory taste of a supreme pizza, but in a warm, comforting bowl. Our Easy Pizza Soup delivers exactly that! This recipe isn’t just about combining ingredients; it’s about creating a harmonious blend of flavors that evoke the essence of everyone’s favorite Italian-American dish. From the robust meat base to the vibrant tomato sauce and the irresistible cheesy topping, every spoonful is an adventure.
This homemade pizza soup is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly versatile. It’s a fantastic solution for a quick weeknight dinner, requiring minimal fuss but delivering maximum satisfaction. Its one-pot nature means less cleanup, making it even more appealing after a long day. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for convenient meal prep options, this comforting soup is designed to fit seamlessly into your busy lifestyle. It’s also an excellent way to use up leftover ingredients, encouraging creativity in the kitchen.
Selecting Your Meaty Base for Pizza Soup
The foundation of any great soup lies in its ingredients, and for this Easy Pizza Soup, the choice of meat can truly elevate the flavor profile. I typically opt for organic, grass-finished ground beef, coupled with savory Italian sausage and classic pepperoni, for a robust and authentic pizza taste. However, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability.
You are welcome to customize the meat selection to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Consider using lean ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, regular ground sausage works wonderfully. For those seeking a truly unique twist, explore combinations of these meats to create your signature blend.
For pepperoni, my personal preference leans towards uncured, nitrate-free varieties. These options are made without the added preservatives often found in highly processed deli meats, offering a cleaner flavor and a more wholesome choice. If you’re aiming for a vegetarian or vegan pizza soup, simply omit the meat entirely and increase the quantity of vegetables or add plant-based protein alternatives like lentils or mushrooms. This flexibility ensures that everyone can enjoy a bowl of this delightful soup.
Choosing the Right Sauce for Your Pizza Soup
The sauce is undoubtedly the heart of any pizza-inspired dish, and this pizza soup is no exception. For the richest and most authentic flavor, I highly recommend using a high-quality marinara sauce. You can either whip up your own with my tried-and-true Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe here, or effortlessly pick up one of your favorite store-bought sauces. Both marinara and classic pizza sauce will work effectively in this recipe.
However, there’s a subtle yet significant difference between the two that impacts the final texture and taste of your soup. Marinara sauce is typically much thicker and boasts a more concentrated, robust flavor profile, often featuring a richer blend of herbs and spices. This makes it an ideal choice for soup, contributing to a hearty, substantial consistency that I personally prefer. A thicker soup not only feels more satisfying but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
In contrast, traditional pizza sauce is usually thinner, designed to spread smoothly over a pizza crust without making it soggy. While it will still lend a pizza flavor, it might result in a less dense soup. If you opt for a thinner pizza sauce, you might consider simmering the soup for a longer period to allow some reduction, or slightly reducing the amount of broth to achieve a thicker consistency. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but for a truly rich and flavorful Easy Pizza Soup, marinara sauce is my top recommendation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Pizza Soup
Crafting this delicious and easy pizza soup is a straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results. Follow these detailed steps to create a hearty and flavorful meal that everyone will love. For precise measurements and complete instructions, refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare Your Pot: Begin by heating a sturdy Dutch oven or a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. A good quality pot ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, which is crucial for building deep flavors.
- Brown the Meat and Aromatics: Add your chosen ground meat (beef, Italian sausage, turkey, or chicken) to the hot pot. Immediately follow with the chopped onions, bell peppers, minced garlic, Italian Seasoning, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Use a meat chopper or a sturdy spoon to break down the meat thoroughly as it cooks, ensuring it crumbles into fine pieces.
- Cook Until Golden: Continue to stir and cook the mixture until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink. The onions and bell peppers should soften, and the garlic should become fragrant. This step is vital for developing rich flavors. If there’s excess fat rendered from the meat, carefully drain it before proceeding to the next step.
- Introduce Key Liquids and Flavors: Stir in the sliced pepperoni, rich marinara sauce, vibrant fire-roasted tomatoes, and your chosen broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring all the flavors start to meld.
- Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, then place a lid securely on the pot. Allow the soup to gently simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This simmering time is crucial; it allows the ingredients to marry, the flavors to deepen, and the soup to thicken to a wonderfully rich consistency.
- Final Touch: Cheese It Up! Just before serving, ladle the hot pizza soup into bowls and generously top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese. The residual heat from the soup will beautifully melt the cheese into gooey perfection, just like a freshly baked pizza. For an extra touch of freshness, garnish with basil or parsley if desired.
Creative Substitution Ideas to Customize Your Pizza Soup
One of the best aspects of this Easy Pizza Soup recipe is its incredible flexibility. Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity and customize it with your favorite pizza toppings and ingredients. Here are some fantastic substitution and addition ideas to make this soup uniquely yours, transforming it into a personalized comfort food experience:
- Crispy Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon into the soup for an extra layer of smoky, salty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other pizza elements.
- Earthy Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms (cremini, button, or even a wild mushroom blend) with the onions and bell peppers to add a deep, umami richness and a delightful texture.
- Fresh Basil: Stir in fresh basil leaves at the end of cooking or use as a garnish for a vibrant, aromatic burst of classic Italian flavor. It brightens the entire dish.
- Shredded Chicken: If you prefer chicken, shred cooked chicken breast or thigh meat and add it during the simmering stage for a hearty alternative to ground meat.
- Tangy Black Olives: Sliced black olives add a distinct briny tang that many pizza lovers adore. Add them during the simmering phase.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top along with or instead of mozzarella for a sharper, saltier finish. A blend of cheeses can also be exquisite.
- Fresh Spinach: Wilt in a handful or two of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of simmering for added nutrition and a touch of green. It blends seamlessly into the soup.
- Spicy Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the Italian seasoning.
- Bell Pepper Medley: Instead of just green bell peppers, use a mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers for added sweetness and color.
These ideas are just a starting point. Don’t hesitate to experiment with other pizza-inspired ingredients like artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or different types of sausage to find your perfect pizza soup combination.
Storing Your Delicious Pizza Soup Leftovers
One of the many benefits of homemade soup, especially this Easy Pizza Soup, is how wonderfully it keeps as leftovers. Proper storage ensures that you can enjoy the delicious flavors for days to come. Once the soup has cooled down to room temperature (this is crucial to prevent bacterial growth and preserve freshness), transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent any air exposure, which can lead to spoilage and flavor degradation.
Store the tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3-4 days. While the soup will still be safe to eat after this period, its quality and freshness might start to diminish. For the best flavor and texture, it’s always recommended to consume leftovers within this timeframe.
Reheating Pizza Soup: Tips for Maintaining Flavor
This Pizza Soup is an absolute winner when it comes to leftovers; in fact, many find its flavors become even more developed and delicious after a day or two in the fridge. Reheating is simple and can be done using a couple of convenient methods, ensuring your soup tastes as good as the first time.
Microwave Method: For a quick reheat, portion your desired amount of soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small vent to allow steam to escape. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir thoroughly. Continue heating in 30-60 second intervals, stirring in between, until the soup is piping hot. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can sometimes alter the texture of the meat or vegetables.
Stovetop Method: For a more controlled and gentle reheat, transfer the desired amount of leftover pizza soup to a saucepan or small pot. Place it over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Heat until the soup reaches your desired temperature, typically 5-10 minutes. If the soup appears too thick after refrigeration, you can add a splash of extra broth or water to thin it out to your preferred consistency. Always taste and adjust seasonings as needed after reheating.
Freezing Pizza Soup for Future Enjoyment
This Easy Pizza Soup is incredibly freezer-friendly, making it an ideal choice for convenient future meals. Freezing individual portions means you’ll always have a delicious, homemade option ready to go, perfect for busy days or unexpected cravings.
To freeze, first allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature. This is essential to prevent ice crystals from forming and to maintain the soup’s quality. I highly recommend using these freezer molds from Amazon. They are fantastic for freezing soup in perfect individual portions, which makes thawing and reheating much simpler. Alternatively, you can use freezer-safe bags, laying them flat on a baking sheet to freeze, then stacking them to save space, or use any other airtight, freezer-safe containers.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pizza soup, simply remove a portion from the freezer and defrost it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, it can be reheated gently on the stovetop or quickly in the microwave, following the reheating instructions above. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat from frozen on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave using a defrost setting followed by regular heating, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Pizza Soup
While this Easy Pizza Soup is a hearty and satisfying meal all on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. Think of sides that would complement a traditional pizza, and you’re on the right track!
For the ultimate pizza experience, nothing beats a warm, crusty piece of bread. My top recommendations include:
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with garlicky flavor, this is an absolute must-have for dipping into the rich soup.
- Homemade Classic Southern Cornbread: For a touch of Southern comfort, a slice of warm cornbread offers a delightful texture contrast and soaks up the savory broth beautifully.
Beyond these traditional choices, consider these additional pairings:
- Crusty Italian Bread or Focaccia: A simple, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of the flavorful soup.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Cheese Sticks or Mozzarella Bites: Lean into the cheesy theme with some baked or air-fried cheese sticks.
- Toasted Croutons: Sprinkle homemade or store-bought croutons on top for added crunch.
No matter what you choose to serve alongside, this Easy Pizza Soup is guaranteed to be a hit at your dinner table.
Explore More Hearty Soup Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting warmth and inventive flavors of our Easy Pizza Soup, then you’re in for a treat! My kitchen is a haven for transforming beloved dishes into exciting new soup creations. Whether you’re seeking cozy classics or unique twists, there’s a soup for every craving. Dive into these other popular and delicious soup recipes from my collection:
- Lasagna Soup: All the layers and flavors of lasagna in a comforting bowl.
- Autumn Butternut Squash Soup: A creamy, seasonal favorite perfect for chilly days.
- Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup: The ultimate classic comfort food, just like grandma used to make.
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup: Your favorite burger flavors transformed into a creamy, satisfying soup.
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup: Rich, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker.
- Creamy Chicken Alfredo Soup: A decadent and comforting soup inspired by the beloved pasta dish.
- Roasted Poblano Soup: A smoky and flavorful soup with a gentle kick.
- Chicken Florentine Soup: A vibrant and wholesome soup featuring chicken and spinach.
- Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup: Quick and flavorful, perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Italian Sausage Soup: A hearty and savory soup packed with robust Italian flavors.
Each of these recipes is designed to be easy to follow, delicious, and a perfect addition to your meal rotation. Happy cooking!
Easy Pizza Soup
By Brandi Crawford
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15 minutes
30 minutes
45 minutes
dinner, lunch
American
8
cups
234
kcal
Equipment
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Meat Chopper
- Freezer Soup Molds
Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped onions
- ½ cup chopped green bell peppers
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1 pound ground beef, ground turkey, or ground Italian Sausage
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian Seasoning Adjust to taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 oz pepperoni This was ¼ cup. Sliced in half or into small pieces.
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 14.5 oz canned fire roasted tomatoes
- 2-3 cups broth Any broth beef, chicken, vegetable, etc. Less broth for thick soup.
- shredded mozzarella cheese Optional topping.
Instructions
- Heat a Dutch oven or large pot on medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the Dutch oven or large pot with the onions, bell peppers, garlic, Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Break down the meat with a meat chopper.
- Stir and cook until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the meat if necessary.
- Add the pepperoni, marinara sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, and broth to the pot and stir.
- Adjust the heat to low and place a lid on the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until thick and the ingredients are well combined.
- Top the soup with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Notes
If you find your soup is too thick for your liking, you can easily thin it out by adding additional broth, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup
Calories: 234kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 17g
Fat: 14g
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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