1-Step 1: Prepare the Noodles Start by breaking your lasagna noodles into fourths. You don’t need to be precise here; irregular pieces actually add nice texture variety to the soup. Set the broken noodles aside on a plate or in a bowl. This step takes just a minute but saves you from handling hot pasta later. Breaking the noodles before cooking ensures they cook evenly and are easy to eat with a spoon.

2-Step 2: Brown the Meats In a large dutch oven or deep pot over medium-high heat, add your ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often to break up the meat into small crumbles. The combination of lean ground beef and sausage creates a more complex flavor profile than using just one type of meat. You’ll know the meat is done when it’s no longer pink and has developed some browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Once browned, drain or soak up the excess grease using paper towels. Leaving a small amount of fat adds flavor, but too much makes the soup greasy. Transfer the cooked meat to a bowl and set it aside while you prepare the aromatics.

3-Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics Using the same pot (no need to wash it), add your chopped onions directly. If the pot seems dry, add the teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté the onions for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and slightly softened. The residual heat from the meat cooking helps them along, and any browned bits left behind add tremendous flavor. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it becomes bitter. The aroma at this stage is absolutely wonderful and signals that your soup base is developing nicely.

4-Step 4: Build the Flavor Base Add the tomato paste to the hot pot and cook it for one minute before mixing it with the onions and garlic. This brief cooking time caramelizes the tomato paste slightly, deepening its flavor from merely tomatoey to rich and complex. Stir it into the aromatic vegetables until well combined. Now add your seasonings: red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. Stir them into the mixture and let them bloom in the heat for about 30 seconds. This step releases the essential oils in the dried herbs and spices, making them more aromatic and flavorful.

5-Step 5: Add Liquids and Meat Pour in the entire jar of red pasta sauce or marinara, followed by the 7 cups of broth. Add the browned meat back into the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a low simmer. You’ll notice the soup starting to smell amazing as all the flavors meld together. Let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to begin marrying.

6-Step 6: Cook the Noodles Add your broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The noodles will absorb some of the liquid and release starch, which helps thicken the broth slightly. Test a noodle piece around the 15-minute mark to check doneness. They should be tender but still have a slight bite. Remember that the noodles will continue to soften slightly even after you turn off the heat.

7-Step 7: Add Spinach and Cheese Once the noodles are cooked, add the fresh baby spinach and stir it into the hot soup. The spinach will wilt within 1-2 minutes, adding vibrant color and nutrition. If you prefer a soupier consistency, add more broth at this stage. For a thicker consistency, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts into the broth, adding a savory, salty richness that ties everything together.

8-Step 8: Prepare the Cheese Topping and Serve In a small bowl, mix together the fresh ricotta and shredded mozzarella. This combination creates a creamy, cheesy topping that mimics the cheese layer in traditional lasagna. To serve, ladle hot soup into bowls and top each with a generous dollop of the ricotta-mozzarella mixture. The heat from the soup will slightly melt the cheese, creating irresistible creamy pockets throughout your bowl. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine in soup form.