Zippy Beef Alphabet Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Ground Beef (95% lean)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (14 to 14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
• 1 can (15-1/2 ounces) Great Northern beans, undrained
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup uncooked alphabet pasta
• 2 cups small broccoli florets
• Salt and pepper
• Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

• 3 slices whole wheat bread
• Olive oil for brushing
• 2 tablespoons grated or shredded Parmesan cheese

Cooking:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add Ground Beef; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Ground Beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of Ground Beef doneness.
2. Add water, broth, beans, tomatoes and pasta; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in broccoli; return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 3 to 5 minutes or until broccoli is crisp-tender and pasta is tender. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.
3. Meanwhile, prepare Parmesan Toasts. Cut out shapes from bread slices with cookie cutters. Place on baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Brush cutouts lightly with oil and sprinkle evenly with cheese. Bake in 350°F oven 6 to 8 minutes or until lightly toasted.
4. Serve soup with toasts; sprinkle with additional cheese, if desired.