Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (shaped in tiny meatballs)
  • 1 1/2 cups spicy pepperoni, chopped or 1 1/2 cups turkey pepperoni
  • 2 -4 tablespoons oil
  • 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon dried chili pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • 1 -2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 -2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (10 ounce) can condensed tomato soup, undiluted
  • 3 -5 cups chicken broth (use less amount of broth for a thicker soup)
  • 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
  • seasoning salt (or use white salt to taste)
  • black pepper (lots!)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional or to taste)
  • cooked spaghetti (broken into small pieces or use other pasta)
  • grated parmesan cheese

Method

  • Shape the ground beef into tiny meatballs using you favorite recipe.
  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat; brown the meatballs with pepperoni until browned (the meatballs do not have to cook completely) remove to a bowl.
  • Add in sliced mushrooms, onion, garlic, green bell pepper, chili flakes, basil and oregano; saute for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add in the tomato paste and cook, stirring for 1 minute.
  • Add in the undiluted soup, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth and chopped spinach, then add in the meatballs and pepperoni back to the pot; bring to a boil, season with seasoned salt, lots black pepper and sugar (if using).
  • Reduce heat and simmer covered for about 2 hours or less (uncover and simmer the last 30 minutes of cooking, the soup will thicken more if simmer uncovered for a longer time!).
  • Add in the cooked spaghetti.
  • Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese, serve with garlic bread or crostini on the side.
  • DELICIOUS!