Easy Pizza Soup for Dinner
Easy Pizza Soup for Dinner is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 6. 425 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking with Shirani on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 47 min | Total: 1 hr 7 min
Cost: $13.48 total, $2.25 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80% lean, broken up while cooking)
- 6 cups Water (Filtered or tap water)
- 2 cans Condensed Tomato Soup (Typical 10.5‑oz cans)
- 1 jar Spaghetti Sauce (About 24 oz, any brand)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (Dried blend of oregano, basil, thyme, etc.)
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Sharp cheddar, shredded)
Instructions
Brown the ground beef
Heat the large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef, break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: medium heat
Drain excess fat
Remove the pot from heat and use a paper towel to soak up excess grease, then discard the towel.
Time: PT2M
Add water and tomato soup
Pour 6 cups of water into the pot, then add the two cans of condensed tomato soup. Stir until fully combined.
Time: PT2M
Stir in spaghetti sauce
Add the jar of spaghetti sauce. If you want to reuse the jar, rinse it with a little water first and shake to collect any remaining sauce.
Time: PT2M
Season the soup
Add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning and stir thoroughly.
Time: PT1M
Bring to a boil
Increase the heat to medium‑high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Simmer the soup
Reduce heat to low, uncover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: low heat
Melt the cheese
Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until fully melted and incorporated.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, optionally with garlic bread or artisan toast.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 425
- Protein
- 21 g
- Carbohydrates
- 12 g
- Fat
- 24 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains meat, High‑protein
Allergens: Milk (cheddar cheese), Beef
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken, Plant‑based mince
- Instead of Water: Low‑sodium chicken broth, Vegetable broth
- Instead of Condensed Tomato Soup: Tomato bisque, Crushed tomatoes mixed with water
- Instead of Spaghetti Sauce: Marinara sauce, Homemade tomato sauce
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Dried oregano + dried basil (½ tsp each)
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Mozzarella, Pepper jack, Vegan cheddar
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Paper Towel
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
- Bring the soup to a rolling boil before simmering.
- Melt the shredded cheddar cheese completely without burning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use lean ground beef to keep the soup from becoming overly greasy.
- For extra depth, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick.
Add additional water or low‑sodium broth a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Cheese clumps and doesn’t melt smoothly.
Reduce heat to low, add cheese gradually, and stir continuously. You can also grate the cheese finer for quicker melting.
Soup tastes bland.
Season with extra salt, pepper, or a pinch of red‑pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano add brightness.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; reheat before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the soup a day ahead and refrigerate; reheat gently on the stove.
- If freezing, omit the cheese and add fresh cheese when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Pizza Soup in American cuisine?
Pizza Soup is a modern comfort‑food creation that blends classic Italian‑American pizza flavors with a simple tomato‑based soup. It likely originated in school cafeterias and community kitchens as a quick, budget‑friendly way to serve pizza‑like taste without dough.
What are traditional regional variations of pizza‑style soup in Italian‑American cooking?
Some variations replace ground beef with Italian sausage, add pepperoni slices, or use mozzarella instead of cheddar. In the Midwest, a thicker version may include pasta shells, while Southern versions might incorporate corn or beans for extra heartiness.
How is pizza soup traditionally served in American households?
It is usually ladled into bowls and enjoyed with crusty garlic bread, grilled cheese, or a slice of artisan bread. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves are common finishing touches.
What occasions or celebrations is pizza soup associated with in the United States?
Pizza soup is popular for quick weeknight meals, school lunch programs, and casual gatherings like game nights or potlucks where a warm, crowd‑pleasing dish is needed.
What makes pizza soup special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
It captures the savory, herb‑laden profile of pizza—tomato, cheese, Italian seasoning, and meat—in a comforting broth, offering the flavors of pizza without the crust, making it both hearty and easy to prepare.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pizza soup from Cooking with Shirani?
Common errors include not browning the beef enough, which reduces flavor; adding cheese over high heat, causing it to seize; and letting the soup boil too vigorously, which can cause it to become overly thick or scorch.
Why does this pizza soup recipe use condensed tomato soup instead of fresh tomatoes?
Condensed tomato soup provides a smooth, thick base and consistent flavor, reducing cooking time. Fresh tomatoes would require longer simmering and additional seasoning to achieve the same richness.
Can I make pizza soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed, and stir in fresh cheese just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking with Shirani specialize in?
Cooking with Shirani focuses on quick, budget‑friendly home‑cooked meals, often featuring creative twists on classic comfort foods and helpful kitchen hacks like the paper‑towel oil‑draining trick.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking with Shirani's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Shirani emphasizes simplicity, minimal equipment, and resourcefulness—reusing jar liquids, using pantry staples, and offering clear step‑by‑step narration—making Italian‑American dishes accessible to beginners and busy home cooks.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
