ONE MEAT LASAGNE SOUP

1. Place beef, onion and sausage in a large soup pot over medium heat. Cook until meat is browned and cooked through.
2. Pour off excess fat from the soup pot.
3. Return the oven to the heat and add the chopped garlic, sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
4. Then add the diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, bay leaves, chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.
5. Cover the soup pot with the lid and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue simmering for 10 to 12 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.
8. Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
9. When the soup is ready, remove it from the heat and ladle the soup into bowls.
10. Garnish with your choice of ricotta, mozzarella or parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot.