Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8 lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cheesy Garlic Bread:

• 1 small baguette or Italian loaf (sliced)
• 3 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese