Cook the ground beef and onions: In a sizable pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes tender. Then, add the ground beef, cooking it until browned while breaking it apart. If necessary, drain any excess fat.
Add garlic and tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, stirring well to combine.
Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, water (adjusting to your preferred consistency), Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Cook the pasta: Once the soup is simmering, add the uncooked bowtie pasta to the pot. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to taste.
Prepare the toppings: While the soup is cooking, prepare the lasagna-style toppings. In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for serving.
Serve and garnish: Scoop the soup into individual bowls and finish each serving with a spoonful of ricotta cheese. Garnish with a dusting of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a handful of freshly chopped parsley.
Enjoy: Serve hot, and enjoy your comforting and hearty Lasagna Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad!