Minestrone In Minutes

• 2 tablespoons Land O Lakes Butter
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 medium (1/2 cup) onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh garlic
• 2 (16-ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed, drained
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans beef broth
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes in juice
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning*
• 4 ounces (1 cup) uncooked dried elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup croutons
• 4 ounces (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Stir in beans, beef broth, tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
2. Continue cooking until mixture comes to a full boil (10 to 12 minutes).
3. Reduce heat to low.
4. Add macaroni; cook uncovered until macaroni is tender and soup is heated through (6 to 8 minutes).
5. Heat oven to 400F.
6. To serve, place soup in individual ovenproof bowls.
7. Top each with croutons and shredded cheese.
8. Bake for 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

butter, water, green bell pepper, onion, fresh garlic, pinto beans, beef broth, tomatoes, italian seasoning, macaroni, croutons, mozzarella cheese

Taken from www.landolakes.com/recipe/2627/minestrone-in-minutes (may not work)