If you have a craving for all the flavors of a classic pizza but want them in a comforting, hearty soup, this Crockpot Pizza Soup Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine rich Italian sausage mingling with zesty pepperoni, fresh veggies, aromatic herbs, and cheesy tortellini, all cooked slowly to perfection in your crockpot. It’s like having a piping hot pizza party in a bowl that’s perfect for busy days or cozy nights in. This soup is sure to become your new go-to for a warm, satisfying meal that’s full of texture and bold, familiar flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting a great Crockpot Pizza Soup Recipe started is all about gathering the right ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding a touch of freshness, or giving you that perfect pizza-inspired bite. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish easily and with ingredients you probably already have handy.
- Ground Italian sausage: Provides a flavorful, slightly spicy base that anchors the soup.
- Reduced sodium beef broth: Keeps the soup savory without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Sliced pepperoni: Adds that classic pizza meatiness and a touch of spice.
- Black olives (drained): Offer tangy, salty bursts that brighten the soup.
- Diced yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- Sliced mushrooms: Add earthiness and a meaty texture without heaviness.
- Diced green bell peppers: Contribute a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich flavors.
- Jarred spaghetti sauce: Your tomato base, full of herbs and sweetness to tie all elements together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every flavor.
- Dried oregano, basil, and parsley: Classic Italian herbs that give the soup its authentic pizza vibe.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: Soft, cheesy pasta pockets that make this soup extra comforting.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Perfect for topping off with melty, gooey goodness.
How to Make Crockpot Pizza Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground Italian sausage. Break it up as it cooks until thoroughly browned, which brings out rich, savory flavors and ensures each bite has that satisfying meaty texture. Once browned, drain excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy but retain all that delicious taste.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Next, add the browned sausage, beef broth, pepperoni, black olives, diced onion, mushrooms, green bell peppers, jarred spaghetti sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and parsley into your crockpot. Give everything a gentle stir to combine all those wonderful flavors. Set your crockpot to LOW and let it cook for about six hours, or if you’re short on time, HIGH for four hours. This slow cooking time helps the ingredients meld together perfectly, building that hearty pizza-inspired soup you’re dreaming about.
Step 3: Add the Tortellini
When your soup has simmered and the flavors are rich and robust, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cover your crockpot again and cook on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes. This step lets the tortellini cook through without getting mushy, offering tender pockets of cheesy goodness that complement the savory broth beautifully.
Step 4: Serve with Mozzarella Cheese
Finally, ladle your Crockpot Pizza Soup Recipe into bowls and top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheese will melt into the hot soup, creating a luscious, gooey finish that makes every spoonful feel like a pizza slice in a bowl.
How to Serve Crockpot Pizza Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your pizza soup is where you can get creative and add even more excitement to each bowl. Fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of grated Parmesan can enhance both aroma and flavor. Don’t forget a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few torn fresh mozzarella balls for an extra indulgent touch.
Side Dishes
To make your meal even more satisfying, serve this soup with classic pizza sides like garlic breadsticks, a crunchy Caesar salad, or even a simple antipasto platter. These pairings complement the flavors of the soup and round out the meal in a way that feels truly special and authentically Italian.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this soup in mini bread bowls adds a fun, rustic flair that doubles as an edible side, soaking up every last bit of that delicious broth. Alternatively, top it with crispy fried basil or some homemade croutons for texture and a pop of color. Presentation is a great way to make a simple Crockpot Pizza Soup Recipe feel like a restaurant-worthy experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Crockpot Pizza Soup Recipe should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to savor every last spoonful. Be sure to cool the soup completely before sealing the container to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some soup for a later date, it freezes wonderfully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of headroom for expansion, then seal tightly. Frozen Crockpot Pizza Soup Recipe can last up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup seems a little thick after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. For that extra cheesy touch, stir in a bit more shredded mozzarella just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and will still provide great flavor, although the soup might be a bit lighter in taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed to keep that bold pizza flavor you love.
Is it okay to substitute frozen tortellini for refrigerated?
Yes, frozen tortellini works just fine. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re heated through and tender.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Definitely! Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes with the herbs or use a spicy Italian sausage variety to turn up the heat. You can always add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce when serving for an extra kick.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
No worries! You can make this soup on the stovetop by simmering everything except the tortellini in a large pot for about an hour, then adding the tortellini and cooking until tender. Just keep an eye to avoid burning or sticking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the sausage and pepperoni for plant-based alternatives or add hearty veggies like eggplant or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll still get a flavorful, comforting soup.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Pizza Soup Recipe truly showcases how comforting and versatile slow-cooked meals can be. It combines all the best parts of pizza with the warmth and ease of a soup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a delicious meal without fuss. Give it a try – once you do, it may just become one of your favorite go-to dishes for cozy dinners and happy gatherings alike.
Print
Crockpot Pizza Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Crockpot Pizza Soup combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, pepperoni, and classic pizza toppings in a warm, comforting soup perfect for any day. Loaded with vegetables, herbs, and cheesy tortellini, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal made easy with slow cooker convenience.
Ingredients
Meat and Broth
- 1.5 lbs ground Italian sausage
- 32 oz reduced sodium beef broth
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni (halved)
- 1/3 cup black olives (drained)
- 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup diced green bell peppers
Seasonings and Sauces
- 16 oz jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
Pasta and Cheese
- 9 oz refrigerated Cheese Tortellini (about 2.5 cups)
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese for serving
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large skillet, cook the ground Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks until browned. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Combine soup ingredients: Transfer the browned sausage to the crockpot. Add the reduced sodium beef broth, sliced pepperoni, drained black olives, diced yellow onion, sliced mushrooms, diced green bell peppers, jarred spaghetti sauce, salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and dried parsley. Stir well to combine.
- Slow cook the soup: Cover the crockpot and cook the soup mixture on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours, allowing all flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
- Add tortellini: After the initial cook time, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 20-30 minutes until the tortellini is tender and heated through.
- Serve: Ladle the hot pizza soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve immediately for a delicious, cheesy finish.
Notes
- Use reduced sodium beef broth to control salt levels and enhance flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
- Feel free to swap Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- For a spicier soup, add red pepper flakes along with the dried herbs.
- Vegetarian option: omit meat and use vegetable broth, add extra vegetables or plant-based sausage.
