📖 Instructions

1. Gather your ingredients: Before you start, make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go. This includes chopping your vegetables, browning the meat (if using), and having your spices measured out. This will make the cooking process much smoother and more efficient.
2. Brown the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground Italian sausage (or ground beef) over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor base for the soup.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Don't rush this step – allowing the vegetables to soften and release their flavors is key to a delicious soup.
4. Add the tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Cooking the tomato paste briefly helps to caramelize it and deepen its flavor.
5. Pour in the liquids: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – those are packed with flavor!
6. Season the soup: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if desired). Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but it's harder to take it away!
7. Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for even more flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
8. Cook the pasta: Stir in the lasagna noodles (broken into smaller pieces) and cook until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
9. Add the cheese: Stir in the ricotta cheese until it's fully incorporated and the soup is creamy. If you want an extra cheesy kick, you can also add some grated Parmesan cheese at this stage.
10. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy! This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop. Oh, and dont forget some crusty bread for dipping!