Cook the Meat:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Build the Base:
Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, then add the crushed tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the Pasta:
Reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a dollop of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and garnish with fresh basil leaves or extra Parmesan if desired.