Hearty soup with Italian sausage, vegetables, pizza sauce, and melted mozzarella in a savory broth.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 14 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Soup Base
05 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
06 - 1 2/3 cups pizza sauce
07 - 14 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
→ Cheeses
08 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Seasonings
09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1/2 tsp dried basil
11 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
13 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
# Steps:
01 - In a large pot over medium heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened, approximately 4 minutes.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Pour in the broth, pizza sauce, and undrained diced tomatoes, stirring to combine all ingredients.
05 - Add dried oregano, dried basil, optional crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese just before serving until melted.
08 - Ladle the soup into bowls, top each serving with the remaining mozzarella cheese, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
