Lasagna Soup

Recipe adapted from Paul Dean

***Note: This soup is best served right after it’s prepared. The lasagna noodles will start to soak up the broth the longer it sits. If it gets thicker than you like, you can always add a bit more water or broth. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge (of course!) and then add a bit of water to your container before you heat it up and serve. ***

1 pound ground sausage, or ground beef (I used sausage)
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped (I used some mini red and yellow bell peppers)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 t thyme
1 T brown sugar
4 C chicken broth
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced stewed tomatoes
2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 t italian seasoning
1/2 t salt
7 lasagna noodles, broken up
1 C parmesan cheese, grated
1-2 C mozzarella cheese, grated

1. Into a large soup pot place 1 pound ground sausage, 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, and 3 cloves minced garlic. Cook the mixture over medium high heat until the sausage is browned and the onions are translucent.

2. Add 1 teaspoon of thyme, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 2 cans stewed tomatoes, 2 cans tomato sauce, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring the soup to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce the heat and let the old girl simmer for about 20 minutes.

3. Find yourself 7 lasagna noodles. Break them up into large chunks and add them to the soup pot. Let the noodles simmer in the pot until they are tender. Should take about 10 minutes.