Monday Meals - Lasagna Soup

This recipe comes from my good friend Virginia!

Lasagna Soup Makes 8-10 serving

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (32 ounce) box of chicken broth
2 (14.5 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tbsp firmly packed brown sugar
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups broken lasagna noodles
1 (5 ounce) package grated Parmesan cheese
1 (5.5 ounce) box Italian seasoned croutons (I've always left these out and it is still really good )
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

In a large stock pot, combine ground beef, onion, bell pepper and garlic; cook over medium high heat 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until beef is browned and crumbles. Drain well. Stir in broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium high heat and simmer 15 minutes. Add noodles, and simmer until noodles are tender. Stir in Parmesan cheese.

To serve: Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Serve as soon as the cheese melts.