Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with garlic and olive oil, undrained
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 2 cups uncooked mafalda pasta (mini-lasagna noodles)
  • 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups italian style croutons
  • 1 1/2 - 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Method

  • Cook, beef, onion and garlic in dutch oven over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is tender.
  • Drain.
  • Stir in water, diced tomatoes and tomato paste until blended.
  • Stir in remaining ingredients except croutons and cheese.
  • Heat to boiling then reduce heat.
  • Cover and simmer about 10 minutes until pasta is tender.
  • Set oven to broil.
  • Pour hot soup into 6 oven-proof soup bowls or casseroles.
  • Top each with 1/4 cup croutons.
  • Sprinkle with cheese.
  • Broil soup with tops 3 to 4 inches from heat 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted.