This soup is easy and cooks in about 15 minutes, so it's the perfect weeknight dinner. It tastes like a pizza in a bowl, and is served with a cheesy Italian bread.
3 c. low or no-sodium beef broth
28 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
2 c. tomato sauce
1 t. dried oregano
1/4 t. coarsely ground black pepper
2 T. olive oil
8 oz. sliced mushrooms
1 green bell pepper, roughly chopped
1 small onion, chopped
4 slices pre-cooked bacon, chopped
4 oz. sliced pepperoni, chopped
1/2 loaf Italian bread
2 c. grated mozzarella cheese
Turn on the broiler and immediately position the rack 6-8 inches from the heat source.
Place a large pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop on high heat. Add broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and black pepper; stir; cover. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to low.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat; add the mushrooms; stir. Add the green bell pepper, onions, bacon, and pepperoni; stir. Stir occasionally until onions and peppers are softened a little.
Cut the bread into 4 thick slices. Place the bread on a broiler pan; put pan under the broiler to toast bread lightly. Remove bread; flip it over.
Remove pan from broiler; add 1/4 c. cheese to each bread slice. Place pan under the broiler, just until cheese has melted and is browned in spots, 1-3 minutes.
Stir the mushroom mixture into the soup.
Serve soup topped with some remaining cheese and with the cheesy toast.
4 servings.