Slow Cooker Pizza Soup

Ingredients

1 lb ground hot Italian sausage
1 C yellow onion, chopped
1 1/2 C green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 oz sliced mushrooms
5 oz mini pepperoni
4 oz sliced olives, drained
15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed well
15 oz petite diced tomatoes
15 oz tomato sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried thyme
1 – 1 1/2 tsp chili powder, optional
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
5 c chicken broth, *Use vegetable broth if creating a vegetarian soup
Green onions, topping
Shredded mozzarella, topping

Directions

Prepare vegetables and beans. Add all ingredients to the bowl of a 5-6 quart slow cooker, minus the sausage. Begin cooking on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.

Meanwhile, cook sausage in skillet over medium heat, draining of any fat. Carefully add to the slow cooker. Return lid and continue cooking.

When cook time is up, serve warm and top off with optional green onions and freshly shredded mozzarella.