Hearty Lasagna Soup

Ingredients

• 8 oz ricotta cheese, about 1 cup
• 1 lb hot sausage
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 2 oz freshly shredded Mozzarella, about 1/2 cup
• 2 small onions, chopped into 1/2" pieces, about 2 cups worth
• 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes, with garlic
• 1/2 - 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 oz Parmesan cheese, about 1/2 cup
• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 6-8 oz mafalda pasta, or an alternate curly pasta
• 4 cloves garlic, minced