If pizza night and soup night had a cozy little love story, this Pizza Soup Recipe would be the happy ending. It has everything you crave from a classic slice—savory Italian sausage, zesty tomato base, pepperoni, herbs, and melty mozzarella—but in warm, spoonable form. It’s hearty, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or chilly evenings when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes just like pizza in comforting soup form
- Hearty, filling, and packed with bold Italian flavors
- Easy one-pot recipe with simple ingredients
- Family-friendly and great for leftovers
- Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish
Ingredients
- Olive oil (1 tbsp) – Helps brown the sausage and build flavor
- Italian sausage (1 lb, casings removed) – Juicy, savory base of the soup
- Onion (1 medium, diced) – Adds sweetness and depth
- Green bell pepper (1 medium, diced) – Classic pizza veggie flavor
- Garlic cloves (2, finely diced) – Aromatic and savory
- Dried oregano (1 tsp) – Essential pizza seasoning
- Dried basil (½ tsp) – Adds warmth and balance
- Dried marjoram (½ tsp) – Subtle herbal note that rounds out the sauce
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz) – Rich tomato foundation
- Tomato sauce (1 cup) – Smooths and deepens the broth
- Sugar (1 tsp) – Balances acidity in the tomatoes
- Pepperoni (4 oz, quartered) – Smoky, salty pizza goodness
- Chicken stock (4 cups) – Creates a savory soup base
- Fresh basil leaves (6–8, shredded) – Bright, fresh finish
- Mozzarella cheese (4 oz, grated) – Melty topping that makes it pizza
- Salt and black pepper – To taste
How to Make Pizza Soup
Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the soup.
Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Add Garlic and Herbs
Stir in the garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and marjoram. Cook for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Build the Soup Base
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, pepperoni, and chicken stock. Stir well to combine, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. This allows all those pizza flavors to come together beautifully.
Finish and Serve
Stir in the shredded fresh basil and taste, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated mozzarella cheese while hot. Let the cheese melt for a minute or two before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use good-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor
- Simmer gently to avoid breaking down the sausage too much
- Add the cheese right before serving for the best melt
- If the soup is too thick, add a splash of extra stock
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle
Recipe Variations
- Supreme Pizza Soup: Add mushrooms, olives, or extra bell peppers
- Spicy Pizza Soup: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the sugar and add extra veggies
- Creamy Pizza Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end
Serving Suggestions
Serve pizza soup with garlic bread, breadsticks, or a simple side salad. It’s also great topped with extra mozzarella, parmesan, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat.
FAQs
Can I make pizza soup ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day.
Can I freeze pizza soup?
Yes, freeze without the cheese topping for best results. Add cheese after reheating.
Can I use beef instead of Italian sausage?
You can, but Italian sausage adds signature pizza seasoning. If using beef, add extra herbs.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Use mild sausage and go light on seasoning for picky eaters.
What other cheeses work well?
Provolone, Italian blend, or even a little parmesan are great options.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Soup Recipe takes everything you love about pizza and turns it into a cozy, satisfying bowl of comfort. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly fun to serve—especially when topped with melty cheese. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this soup is guaranteed to disappear fast. Grab a spoon and enjoy every pizza-inspired bite.
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Pizza Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Pizza Soup has all your favorite pizza flavors in hearty, cozy soup form! Loaded with juicy Italian sausage, pepperoni, rich tomato broth, and topped with melty mozzarella—easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely diced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 4 oz pepperoni, quartered
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves, shredded
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned.
- Add onion and green bell pepper and sauté until softened.
- Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and marjoram; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, pepperoni, and chicken stock. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and top with mozzarella. Let melt before serving.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic knots for a full pizza night feel.
- Leftovers reheat well and thicken slightly over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American