Cook the Meat:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot with the meat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning:
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Add the crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Add the Broth:
Pour in the beef broth (or vegetable broth if using) and stir everything together. Add the bay leaf for added flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook the Noodles:
Once boiling, break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the soup uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Add the Cheese:
Stir in the ricotta cheese, and allow it to melt into the soup for a creamy texture. Then, add half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
Simmer and Adjust Seasoning:
Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or crushed red pepper if needed.
Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy:
Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful, spicy lasagna soup!
These steps guide you through creating a comforting and spicy lasagna soup, perfect for dinner!