Paula Deen's - Tastes Like Lasagna Soup

Not sure what to make for dinner? 

Let me help - and you can thank me (and Paula) later, 

for you will want to.

This is Paula Deen's Tastes Like Lasagna Soup, 

and it is deeeelish!!!

It is so simple, you could actually run to the store, get anything you need, and still have dinner on the table in an hour-ish.

Here are her instructions, or you can go to her link here:

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 oz) box chicken broth
• 2 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups broken lasagna noodles
• 1 (5 oz) package grated parmesan cheese and more for serving
• 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 thin French baguette
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves smashed garlic

Preparation

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.


The only things I do different from the recipe are:
          
          1.  I replace half of the ground beef with Italian 
               sausage
          2.  I skip the bread/cheese melting bit.  
               I like it better without that. 
         3.  I omit the green pepper

There!  Now you don't have to eat out tonight.

You're Welcome!