Hearty Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe)

water or meat broth

Yukon Gold Potatoes (medium size, sliced 1/8 inches thick (peeling potatoes is optional))

medium onion (peeled, diced)

shredded carrots (optional)

bell pepper (diced)

thin or 5 thick strips bacon (chopped)

lbs Italian Sausage or ground meat of choice (chicken thigh, turkey or pork + 1 tsp of Italian seasoning)

heavy cream

kale (rinsed, stems removed, chopped)

– 1 1/2 tbsp Salt

black peppercorns (freshly ground (to taste))

garlic (pressed/chopped)

Olive Oil - for sauteing

chopped green scallions