Tastes Like Lasagna Soup

This soup is oh-so-yummy and filling.

Tastes Like Lasagna Soup

(by Paula Deen)

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chuck
• 1   onion, chopped
• 1   green bell pepper, chopped
• 3   cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar
• 1   (32 ounce) box chicken broth
• 2   (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1   (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cup broken lasagna noodles
• 1   (5 ounce) package grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• garlic crostini, recipe follows

Garlic Crostini:

• 1 thin French baguette
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves smashed garlic
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a large Dutch oven, combine ground chuck, onion, bell pepper and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until beef is browned and crumbles. Drain well. 
Stir in thyme, brown sugar, broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Add noodles, and simmer until noodles are tender. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
Preheat broiler. Ladle soup into 8 to 10 ovenproof bowls. Evenly sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Broil soups, 6-inches from heat, 3 to 4 minutes, until cheese is browned and bubbly. Add a garlic crostini slice on top. Serve immediately. 

For the garlic crostini: 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
Cut bread into 1/4-inch round slices. Place on baking sheet and brush each slice with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper; place in oven and bake until golden and crisp, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Rub each side with smashed garlic cloves. 

Yields 8-10 servings