Pizza Soup
Discover the Comfort of Pizza Soup
When you think of classic comfort food, pizza often comes to mind. But what if you could capture all the savory goodness of a pizza in a warm, hearty bowl? Enter Pizza Soup, a delightful fusion of Italian flavors and nourishing ingredients that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This soup combines the richness of Italian sausage and ground beef with the freshness of vegetables, all simmered in a robust tomato-based broth. It’s a dish designed to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.
Before diving into the recipe, if you’re a fan of Italian flavors, you might want to try my Italian Beef Stew or Creamy Tuscan Chicken. These dishes pair beautifully with our Pizza Soup, creating a memorable meal experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pizza Soup is more than just a soup; it’s a culinary hug. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Flavor-Packed: With ingredients like garlic, Italian seasoning, and bell peppers, every spoonful bursts with flavor.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Whether you prefer the convenience of an Instant Pot or the traditional approach of a stovetop, this recipe has you covered.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with protein and veggies, this soup is a wholesome option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
- Low in Carbs: Each serving contains only 7.1g of net carbs, making it a great choice for those watching their carb intake.
- Family-Friendly: The familiar flavors of pizza make it a hit with kids and adults alike, ensuring that everyone at the table will find something to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound Italian Sausage
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 8 ounces chopped mushrooms
- 2 teaspoons garlic
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 3 cups spinach
- 1/2 cup bell pepper chopped
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (32 ounce) container beef broth
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Cooking Instructions
Instant Pot Directions
Sauté the Meat: Turn the Instant Pot on sauté mode. Spray the bottom of the pan and cook the Italian sausage and ground beef. Drain off any grease.
Add the Vegetables and Spices: Turn off the Instant Pot and add mushrooms, garlic, zucchini, spinach, bell pepper, Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir and let it cook for a minute on the residual heat.
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and select Manual or Pressure Cook for 15 minutes. The pot will take about 15 minutes to come to pressure.
Release the Pressure: Once the cooking time is over, let the pressure release naturally for 5-10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
Finish with Creamy Goodness: Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream until fully incorporated.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese.
Stove Top Instructions
Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Drain but keep the meat in the pot.
Sauté the Veggies: Add mushrooms, garlic, zucchini, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Simmer the Soup: Add beef broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally for about 25 minutes.
Incorporate the Creamy Ingredients: Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and spinach. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts and the cream cheese is melted.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Consistency Matters: If you prefer a thicker soup, add less broth. For a thinner consistency, you can add more broth or water as needed.
- Customizable Flavors: Feel free to adjust the seasoning. Add more Italian seasoning for a deeper flavor or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day. Make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Top your soup with fresh basil, a sprinkle of parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra burst of flavor.
- Freezing Tips: This soup freezes well, making it an ideal option for batch cooking. Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
Nutritional Benefits and Customization
Nutritional Benefits
Pizza Soup is not only delicious but also nutritious, offering a well-balanced meal in a bowl. Here’s what each ingredient brings to the table:
- Italian Sausage and Ground Beef: These proteins are rich in iron and B vitamins, essential for energy production and overall health.
- Mushrooms: Low in calories but high in antioxidants, mushrooms provide nutrients such as selenium, which supports immune function.
- Spinach: Packed with vitamins A and C, spinach is a powerhouse of nutrition, aiding everything from vision health to skin vibrancy.
- Zucchini: A good source of vitamin C and manganese, zucchini also contributes to heart health.
- Tomatoes: Full of lycopene, tomatoes have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
- Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream: While adding creaminess, they also provide calcium and fat for energy.
- Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamin C and various antioxidants, bell peppers enhance both the flavor and nutritional profile of the soup.
Customization Options
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage and beef for plant-based alternatives or increase the mushroom content for a meaty texture.
- Spice It Up: Add jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce for those who prefer their meals with a kick.
- Cheese Lovers: Incorporate different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for additional creaminess and flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh basil or oregano can enhance the Italian essence of the soup.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly if using store-bought broth or sausage.
Related Recipes
Looking to expand your culinary repertoire? Check out these related recipes:
- Creamy Italian Chicken Soup
- Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
- Zucchini and Mushroom Stir-Fry
- Classic Minestrone Soup
- Tuscan White Bean and Sausage Soup
The Art of Pairing
Pairing your Pizza Soup with the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread complements the flavors of the soup perfectly.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy dressing offers a nice contrast to the rich, hearty soup.
- Bruschetta: The crispness of toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil can add an extra layer of freshness to your meal.
Conclusion
There you have it—Pizza Soup, a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the essence of pizza into a hearty, warming bowl. Whether you’re using an Instant Pot or cooking on the stove, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Each serving is a delightful combination of rich proteins and fresh vegetables, perfect for any meal.
Meta Description: Discover how to make Pizza Soup, a delicious and hearty dish that brings the flavors of pizza into a comforting bowl. Perfect for any meal!
Pinterest Titles: 1. “Warm Up with Hearty Pizza Soup – Perfect for Cozy Nights!” 2. “Enjoy the Flavors of Pizza in a Bowl with This Delicious Soup Recipe!”
Pinterest Descriptions: 1. “Transform your love for pizza into a comforting bowl of soup. This Pizza Soup recipe is loaded with Italian flavors, perfect for a cozy night!” 2. “Enjoy all the flavors of your favorite pizza in this hearty and delicious soup. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner!”
Final Thoughts
In a world where time is precious, and comfort food is a must, Pizza Soup stands out as a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body. This recipe is a testament to the idea that food doesn’t need to be complex to be delicious. With its robust flavors and health benefits, it’s the perfect addition to your cooking repertoire.
Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or enjoying it solo, Pizza Soup is bound to be a hit. The next time you find yourself craving pizza and soup simultaneously, remember this recipe. It’s a delightful fusion that delivers the best of both worlds in every spoonful.
Embrace the warmth and comfort of Pizza Soup and discover a new family favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your household. Its simplicity, versatility, and deliciousness make it a must-try for any home cook. Happy cooking!
Pizza Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Turn the Instant Pot on sauté mode, spray the bottom of the pan and cook the meat and drain off any grease.
- Turn the Instant Pot off and add the mushrooms, garlic, zucchini, spinach, bell pepper, spices, tomatoes, tomato paste and beef broth.
- Stir and cook for 1 minute on the residual heat.
- Put the lid on, turn the valve to sealing, and select Manual or Pressure Cook for 15 minutes. It will take about 15 minutes to come to pressure and begin counting down.
- Once the cook time is over, let the pressure manually release for 5-10 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.
- Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream.
- Serve with shredded mozzarella or parmesan.
- For stove top instructions, heat a large pot or Dutch oven to medium heat.
- Once the pot is hot, add the ground beef and Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking up as you go. Drain off the grease, but keep the meat in the pan.
- Next, add the chopped mushrooms, garlic, zucchini, and chopped bell peppers. Sauté the mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
- Add the broth, tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and spices.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 25 minutes. The soup should have thickened slightly, and the vegetables should be tender.
- Lastly, stir in the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and spinach.
- Gently stir the soup until the spinach has wilted and the cream cheese has melted completely.
