If you are craving the comforting flavors of your favorite pizza but want something warm and cozy in a bowl, this Easy Pizza Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It brilliantly captures the essence of classic pizza with ground beef or Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, a rich tomato base, and a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese on top. It’s a perfect, hearty meal for lunch or dinner that’s surprisingly simple to make and sure to become a family favorite. Plus, pairing it with garlic bread gives you the full pizza experience without the fuss of dough and baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four different ingredients placed separately on a white marbled surface. At the top center, there is a small clear glass bowl with a block of raw ground meat that is pinkish red with white fat specks. At the bottom left, a clear glass measuring cup holds a chunky red tomato sauce with visible pieces of tomatoes and herbs. On the bottom right, another clear measuring cup contains a yellow-orange liquid, likely some kind of broth or juice. At the bottom center, a small clear glass bowl is filled with round slices of red pepperoni, some folded. A dark red cloth is partially visible at the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Easy Pizza Soup Recipe is all about simplicity and classic tastes, and the ingredients list reflects that. Each item is chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color, making the soup both satisfying and vibrant.

Chopped onions (½ cup): Adds a savory sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
Chopped green bell peppers (½ cup): Provides a fresh, slightly crisp bite and lovely green color.
Garlic cloves (2-3): Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth and a slight kick.
Ground beef, ground turkey, or Italian sausage (1 pound): The hearty protein foundation that brings richness and flavor.
Italian seasoning (1 ½ teaspoons): A fragrant blend that imparts classic pizza flavors.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing every ingredient.
Pepperoni (2 oz, sliced or chopped): The iconic pizza topping that gives a spicy, meaty punch.
Marinara or pizza sauce (2 cups): Creates a thick, flavorful tomato base; marinara works best for thickness and taste.
Canned fire-roasted tomatoes (14.5 oz): Adds smoky, rich tomato notes and a pleasant texture.
Broth (2-3 cups, beef, chicken, or vegetable): Thins the soup to your desired consistency while enhancing savory depth.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional): Melts beautifully on top, adding creamy, cheesy goodness.

How to Make Easy Pizza Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Vegetables

Start by heating a Dutch oven or a large pot over medium-high heat. Add your choice of ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage along with the chopped onions, green peppers, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use a meat chopper or spoon to break the meat into crumbles. Cook everything together until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink, releasing those wonderful meaty aromas. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the soup rich but not greasy.

Step 2: Add the Sauce, Tomatoes, and Pepperoni

Next, toss in the pepperoni pieces, marinara sauce, and the canned fire-roasted tomatoes. Each ingredient layers more flavor and texture — the pepperoni offers a spicy, meaty kick and those fire-roasted tomatoes bring a lovely smoky depth that compliments the savory meat perfectly.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Simmer

Pour in 2 to 3 cups of broth, choosing between beef, chicken, or vegetable depending on your preference. The broth controls the soup’s thickness, so add less if you want it thicker or more if you prefer a more stew-like consistency. Stir everything well, bring the heat down to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. This resting period allows all the flavors to marry into one delicious, comforting bowl.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese over each bowl. The cheese melts into gooey pockets that make every bite irresistibly luscious and true to a pizza’s cheesy signature. Your soup is now ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Pizza Soup Recipe

A speckled white bowl holds a thick red soup filled with ground meat, slices of pepperoni, diced tomatoes, and small green vegetable pieces, topped with a small pile of shredded white cheese in the center. On top of the cheese, there are three bright green basil leaves arranged closely together. The bowl sits on a round wooden board with two slices of toasted bread placed behind it, each slice topped with green herbs and seasoning. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface with a deep reddish-purple cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing your soup adds a fresh pop and extra flavor. Consider topping each serving with torn fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. A drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of grated Parmesan can also elevate the presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

To complement the soup, serve it alongside warm, crusty garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks. Their golden, buttery crunch is perfect for dipping and carrying that pizza flavor theme through your whole meal. A crisp green salad can also add a refreshing balance to the hearty, rich soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun and festive presentation, ladle the soup into small bread bowls or even hollowed-out mini pumpkins during autumn. Offering a build-your-own topping bar with extra pepperoni, olives, or fresh herbs encourages guests to customize their bowls, making the meal a playful experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Easy Pizza Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the soup in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool the soup completely before freezing to preserve the best possible texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much during storage. Heat until just warmed through and then add fresh mozzarella or cheese topping if you like, melting it right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef in this Easy Pizza Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are fantastic lean alternatives that still pair wonderfully with the robust pizza flavors. Just brown them thoroughly to develop flavor before adding the other ingredients.

Is marinara sauce better than pizza sauce for this soup?

Yes. Marinara sauce is thicker and more flavorful than typical pizza sauce, which is designed to be spread thinly on dough. Using marinara helps give this soup a rich, hearty texture and taste.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can skip the meat and pepperoni and use vegetable broth along with extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to add bulk and flavor. You might also add plant-based sausage for a similar texture.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Try adding crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or topping each serving with a drizzle of spicy chili oil. You could also use spicy Italian sausage or pepperoni for an extra kick of heat.

What can I use if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

Any large heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet with a lid will work just fine. The key is to have enough room to brown the meat and simmer the soup without crowding the ingredients.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that brings all the joy of pizza into a cozy bowl, this Easy Pizza Soup Recipe is a must-try. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones on chilly days or whenever you need a soul-warming dinner. I promise, once you make it, this soup will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation, delivering that pizza vibe without any of the extra fuss.