Italian-Style Beef-and-Pepperoni Soup

Prep Time: 25 Minutes

Cook Time: 45 Minutes

Ready In: 70 Minutes

Servings: 10

Ingredients:

1 pound extra-lean ground beef

1 cup sliced turkey pepperoni (3 ounces)

vegetable cooking spray

1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 bunch green onions, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon olive oil

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

4 cups low-sodium fat-free chicken broth

1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried basil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

garnishes: sliced fresh basil, shredded parmesan cheese

parmesan toast points (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook ground beef and pepperoni in a Dutch oven coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat 8 minutes or until beef crumbles and is no longer pink. Rinse and drain beef mixture.
2. Sauté mushrooms and next 3 ingredients in hot oil in Dutch oven 5 minutes. Stir in beef mixture, tomato paste, and next 5 ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes. If desired, garnish and serve with Parmesan Toast Points.

By RecipeOfHealth.com