Add the ground beef, sausage and onion to a large pot, and saute until the onion has softened and the meat has browned. Drain any excess grease.

Mix in the garlic and saute for a minute. Pour in the pasta sauce.

Add in the tomato paste, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, sugar, basil, balsamic vinegar, bay leaf, oregano and salt and pepper to taste.

Bring the soup to a boil, and stir in the pasta pieces.

Cook covered until the pasta is softened.

Serve topped with ricotta, parmesan or mozzarella cheeses.