Pizza Soup

Directions

1. 1
   You can use a crockpot or dutch oven for this recipe.
2. 2
   If using crockpot;.
3. 3
   Wash and prepare veggies.
4. 4
   Dump them into the crockpot.
5. 5
   Add the cooked browned italian sausage.
6. 6
   Cut up the pepperoni and place on a paper plate in a single layer in microwave for about 1-2 minutes or a plate covered with a paper towel to catch the grease, then add just the meat to crockpot, not the grease.
7. 7
   (You arent trying to make the pepperoni get crisp, just release most of its grease so its not on the top of the soup in a nasty layer.
8. 8
   ).
9. 9
   Add spices and stir.
10. 10
    Pour in the pizza sauce and tomatoes, and follow with three empty jars of water or 5 cups of water.
11. 11
    Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours.
12. 12
    Everything in this is already cooked, except for the veggies, so you are really only heating through and allowing the flavors to meld.
13. 13
    Or on high for 4 hours.
14. 14
    Thirty minutes before serving, add the dry pasta, and turn to high.
15. 15
    My pasta only takes 20 minutes to soften quite nicely.
16. 16
    When pasta is done, stir in 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
17. 17
    Garnish/top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
18. 18
    IF you are doing on the stovetop, Do it pretty much the same except saute the veggies with the itialian sausage while you are browning it.
19. 19
    Dump it all in the pot and heat and simmer for 15 minutes, then add the pasta and cook pasta until its tender.
20. 20
    Stir in 1 cup cheese and garnish with remaining cheese!