Tastes Like Lasagna Soup

• Tastes Like Lasagna Soup
• (from Paula Deen)
• 
  
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (I skipped)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (threw in a little garlic powder instead)
• 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 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups broken lasagna noodles (I used those cute little Ditalinis)
• 1 (5-ounce) package grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

In a large pot, combine ground beef, 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.  Serve with optional cheese, croutons, and/or french bread.

This was a fun take on lasagna!  It was pretty quick to throw together and we found it really good.      Of course, my kids will prefer regular old spaghetti over this soup, but I imagine most kids would find it rather appealing with all the optional add-ins and the fun little pasta.