Lasagna Soup

INGREDIENTS

1/2 lb

lean ground beef

1/2 lb

ground Italian sausage

salt and freshly ground black pepper (, to taste)

1 tbsp

olive oil

yellow onion (diced)

3 cloves

garlic (, minced)

4 cups

low-sodium chicken broth

14 1/2 oz

can diced tomatoes ((2-14.5oz cans))

2 1/2 tbsp

tomato paste

1 1/2 tsp

dried basil

3/4 tsp

dried oregano leaves

1/2 tsp

dried rosemary (, crushed)

1/2 tsp

fennel seeds (, crushed)

1/2 tsp

dried thyme

1 tsp

granulated sugar

1 1/2 tbsp

fresh parsley leaves (, chopped (or 2 tsp dried))

lasagna noodles (, broken into bite size pieces)

2 cups

fresh spinach leaves ((optional))

1 cup

shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup

freshly grated parmesan cheese

8 oz

ricotta cheese ((or cottage cheese))