Hearty Cheesy Italian Lasagna Soup with Savory Herbs

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt
• pepper
• 8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish