Pizza Soup

Soups are one of my favorite things to make.  Not only are they comforting on a chilly day, but they're easy.  Something about the entire meal being in one pot just makes life easier.  One of my husband's favorite jokes to say is, "If you think loading the dishwasher means getting your wife drunk, you might be a redneck."  Very funny Greg.  We do have a dishwasher, but yes besides the Kitchen Aid, he's referring to me.  Hardy-Har-Har.  So yes, since I am the dishwasher, one pot meals are the greatest idea ev.  And if you can make the one pot be pizza flavored?  Even better.  Win-Win, the dishwasher AND the kids are happy.  Serve it with a salad (you know, if you want some of that green stuff in your diet) and definitely some crusty breadsticks.  Getting loaded is optional.

Pizza in a bowl?  Yes, please!

The Pizza Soup Line-Up

Heat oil in a Dutch oven. 
Saute ground beef with onion and
garlic til brown.

Add green peppers and mushrooms.

Add stewed tomatoes, crushed tomatoes
and water.

Stir in beef broth.

Add pepperoni.

Add seasonings.

Bring to a boil and then reduce heat.
Simmer about 10 minutes.

Remove bay leaf.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls.

Top with shredded cheese.
Place under low broiler
until cheese is melted and bubbly

 
Pizza Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 pound fresh button mushrooms, sliced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
14.5 ounces water (I rinsed the tomato can and used it)
1 cup beef broth
8 ounces pepperoni, quartered
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper to taste
1 package (16 ounces) shredded Mozzarella cheese

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, add olive oil.  Saute ground beef with onion and garlic until beef is browned.  Drain off any grease.  Add mushrooms and green peppers, cooking until soft but not mushy.  This should take about 3-5 minutes.  Add stewed tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, water, beef stock, pepperoni and spices.  Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes.  Remove bay leaf.  Taste and season with salt and pepper if necessary.  When ready to serve, ladle soup into oven-proof bowls.  Sprinkle with a generous portion of cheese and place under low broiler until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Prep Time:  Approximately 25 minutes     Cook Time:  Approximately 25 minutes