Cozy and Hearty Pizza Soup: A Family-Friendly Recipe for All Skill Levels

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with flavor and the familiar taste of pizza. This Pizza Soup is one of those recipes that quickly becomes a family favorite. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, this easy, delicious dish is perfect for everyone. The best part? It’s not just tasty—it’s also keto-friendly and customizable to suit your personal tastes.

In this post, I’m going to walk you through how to make this cozy Pizza Soup in both the Instant Pot and on the stove. I’ll also share a few of my own personal tips and variations you can try, so you can make this recipe your own.

So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this easy, hearty, and comforting dish that your family is going to love!

Why You’ll Love This Pizza Soup

A Hearty and Creamy Soup Packed with Flavor

This Pizza Soup combines all the things we love about pizza—savory meats, rich cheese, and Italian spices—in a soup form. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something warm, filling, and easy to prepare. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily modify it to fit your family’s preferences, whether that means switching up the meats, adding extra veggies, or experimenting with different cheeses.

If you’re looking for more cozy, hearty soup ideas, you might want to check out my Creamy Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes Delight, which pairs beautifully with any soup.

Keto-Friendly and Low-Carb

One of the things I love about this Pizza Soup is how it’s low in carbs but still so satisfying. With only 7.1g of net carbs per serving, it’s perfect if you’re following a keto diet or just looking to eat a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor. I’ve included some simple swaps in the recipe so you can adjust it based on your dietary needs.

If you’re a fan of keto-friendly recipes, don’t miss out on Keto Italian Garlic Breadsticks. They make a great side to this soup!

Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers

I don’t know about you, but I love making a big batch of something I can eat on the go. This Pizza Soup keeps well in the fridge for a few days and even freezes beautifully. So, if you’re looking for a make-ahead meal or something to prep for a busy week, this is the perfect recipe to add to your rotation.

For a little variety in your meal prep, try some Spiced Walnuts for a crunchy snack alongside this soup. They’re great for snacking or adding to salads!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pizza Soup

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to make this Pizza Soup:

For the Soup:

  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 pound 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

I love how versatile this soup is. The combination of Italian sausage and ground beef gives it a rich, meaty flavor, while the vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms add a nice touch of freshness. The cream cheese and heavy cream make it wonderfully creamy and comforting.

How to Make Pizza Soup

Whether you’re using an Instant Pot or cooking on the stovetop, this recipe is straightforward and simple to follow. Let’s break it down.

Instant Pot Method

Using an Instant Pot makes this recipe even easier, and the best part is that it’s virtually a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal. Here’s how to make it:

  1. Sauté the Meat:
    Turn your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the Veggies and Spices:
    With the sauté function still on, add the chopped mushrooms, garlic, zucchini, spinach, bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and cook for another minute to allow the flavors to blend.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
    Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
  4. Pressure Cook:
    Put the lid on the Instant Pot, set the valve to sealing, and select Manual or Pressure Cook for 15 minutes. It will take about 10-15 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure, so be patient.
  5. Release the Pressure and Add Cream:
    Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 5-10 minutes. After that, turn the valve to release the remaining pressure. Carefully remove the lid, and stir in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream until everything is creamy and smooth.
  6. Serve and Enjoy:
    Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it with some shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top for that extra cheesy goodness.

Stovetop Method

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, don’t worry! This soup is just as easy to make on the stovetop. Here’s how:

  1. Brown the Meat:
    Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Drain off the grease, but leave the meat in the pot.
  2. Add the Veggies:
    Add the chopped mushrooms, garlic, zucchini, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.
  3. Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Spices:
    Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring the soup to a simmer, and let it cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The soup should thicken slightly, and the vegetables should be tender.
  4. Add Cream and Spinach:
    Once the soup is ready, stir in the cream cheese, heavy cream, and spinach. Continue stirring until the cream cheese melts completely, and the spinach wilts.
  5. Serve:
    Once everything is well-combined, ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese, if desired.

Tips for Making the Best Pizza Soup

Make It Your Own

One of the things I love about this Pizza Soup is how customizable it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

  • Swap the Meats:
    If you prefer turkey sausage or chicken, feel free to use that instead of Italian sausage. Ground turkey or chicken can also work well in place of the ground beef.
  • Add More Veggies:
    This recipe is great for sneaking in extra veggies. Try adding some cauliflower, eggplant, or even roasted red peppers for more flavor and texture.
  • Make It Extra Cheesy:
    Who doesn’t love more cheese? Feel free to add extra mozzarella or parmesan for a gooey, cheesy finish. You could even sprinkle some grated parmesan on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Spice It Up:
    If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for some spice. You can also try adding a splash of hot sauce to the soup to kick up the flavor.

Leftovers and Freezing

This soup makes great leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

If you’re looking for another recipe to make ahead, try my Roasted Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter. It’s easy to prepare and can be served with your pizza soup for a well-rounded meal!

FAQs About Pizza Soup

Can I make Pizza Soup ahead of time?

Yes! This Pizza Soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will continue to develop, and it will taste just as good, if not better, when reheated. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Can I make this soup without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an Instant Pot, no worries. You can make this Pizza Soup on the stovetop, and it’s just as easy. Simply follow the stovetop instructions provided earlier in the recipe. It might take a bit longer, but the result will be just as comforting and delicious.

Can I substitute the ground beef or Italian sausage?

Yes, feel free to get creative with your protein choices. You can use ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even ground lamb if you prefer. The sausage provides great flavor, but any protein you like will work. Just be sure to season accordingly!

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

If you want to make this Pizza Soup dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with non-dairy options. Coconut cream, cashew cream, or almond milk can be used as a replacement for the heavy cream. For the cream cheese, try a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, which is widely available in stores.

Final Thoughts

This Pizza Soup is truly a crowd-pleaser. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, it’s bound to be a hit. Plus, the fact that it’s keto-friendly and low-carb makes it a great option for those who are watching their carbs.

I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients and make it your own! I’d love to hear how you modify the soup, so feel free to drop a comment below or share your version on Pinterest.

Try This Recipe Tonight!

If you’re looking for a comforting, easy, and satisfying meal to make tonight, give this Pizza Soup a try. And if you loved it, don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest for later!

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Close-up of Hearty Pizza Soup with Ground Beef, Carrots, Potatoes, and Spinach

Pizza Soup


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  • Author: Liza
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This hearty, creamy Pizza Soup combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage, ground beef, vegetables, and cheese in a comforting bowl. Perfect for keto diets and customizable to your tastes!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 pound 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

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large pot or Instant Pot, then drain excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped mushrooms, garlic, zucchini, spinach, bell pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir for 1 minute to blend the flavors.
  3. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir well and cook for 25 minutes on the stovetop or pressure cook for 15 minutes in the Instant Pot.
  4. Once cooked, stir in cream cheese and heavy cream until fully blended. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Serve with shredded mozzarella or parmesan for added cheesiness.

Notes

For a lower-carb option, substitute zucchini for other vegetables or add more spinach. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop/Instant Pot
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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