GMA Recipe for Lasagna Soup
Introduction
Lasagna soup is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of lasagna with the warmth of a hearty soup. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed recipe for making lasagna soup, as featured on Good Morning America. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, our step-by-step instructions and ingredient lists will help you recreate this mouthwatering dish in the comfort of your own home.
So, let's dive in and discover how to make the perfect GMA recipe for lasagna soup that will impress even the most discerning palates!
Ingredients
To make GMA's Lasagna Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup broken lasagna noodles
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
It's important to have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking this delicious soup. The combination of ground beef, herbs, tomatoes, and cheese creates a flavorful and comforting dish that will satisfy your cravings. Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions for making the GMA Lasagna Soup.
Instructions
To make the delicious GMA recipe for lasagna soup, follow these simple step-by-step instructions:
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in diced onion and cook until softened. Then, add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil. Mix well.
- Once the soup has simmered, add the cooked pasta and stir to combine. Allow it to cook for another 5 minutes to heat the pasta through.
- To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top each portion with a dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Enjoy your homemade lasagna soup while it's warm and comforting!
This recipe is perfect for a cozy night at home or for entertaining guests. It's a unique twist on traditional lasagna that will impress anyone who tries it. Give it a try and savor the flavors of lasagna in a comforting soup.
Step 1: Preparing the Soup Base
To start making the delicious lasagna soup, you'll need to prepare the soup base. This is the foundation of the dish and sets the stage for all the flavors to come together in perfect harmony.
First, heat a large pot over medium heat and add some olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot. Stir them around and sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Next, it's time to add the star ingredient - ground Italian sausage. The sausage adds a rich and savory flavor to the soup. Break up the sausage into small pieces and add it to the pot. Cook the sausage until it is browned and cooked through.
Once the sausage is cooked, it's time to add the tomato sauce. Pour in a can of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Stir everything together to combine the flavors. The tomato sauce will give the soup its signature red color and tangy taste.
To balance out the acidity of the tomatoes, add some chicken broth to the pot. The broth will also add depth and richness to the soup. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Now, it's time to add some seasoning. Sprinkle in dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. These herbs and spices will give the soup a wonderful Italian flavor profile. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
While the soup is simmering, you can start preparing the lasagna noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
After the soup has simmered and the flavors have developed, it's time to assemble the soup. Break the cooked lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the pot. Stir them gently to incorporate them into the soup.
At this point, you can also add some spinach or kale to the soup for added nutrition and color. Just toss in a handful of the greens and let them wilt in the hot soup.
Finally, it's time to serve the lasagna soup. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. The cheese will melt into the soup, adding a creamy and salty element, while the basil will provide a fresh and aromatic touch.
Now that you've completed the first step of preparing the soup base, you're well on your way to enjoying a comforting bowl of lasagna soup. Stay tuned for the next step, where we'll be adding the delicious cheese mixture to the soup.
Step 2: Cooking the Ground Beef
To begin making the delicious lasagna soup, you will need to cook the ground beef. This step is crucial as it adds a rich and savory flavor to the soup. Here's how you can do it:
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot and allow it to heat up.
- Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook until it is browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- As the ground beef cooks, season it with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. This will further enhance the flavor of the soup.
- Once the ground beef is cooked through, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help drain off any excess grease.
- You can discard the grease from the pot or leave a small amount to enhance the flavor. It's up to your preference.
- Set the cooked ground beef aside for now. It will be added back to the pot later in the recipe.
Now that the ground beef is cooked and seasoned to perfection, you are one step closer to enjoying a hearty bowl of lasagna soup. Continue following the next step to bring all the flavorful ingredients together.
Step 3: Adding the Vegetables
After browning the ground beef and onions, it's time to add the vegetables to our delicious lasagna soup. This step will not only add flavor but also provide a healthy dose of nutrients. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Begin by adding the diced zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the pot. Stir everything together and let the vegetables cook for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften.
Next, add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. The aroma of the garlic and herbs will fill your kitchen, making it even more enticing.
Continue to cook the vegetables and spices for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to meld together and infuse the soup with their delicious flavors. The vegetables should be tender but still have a slight crunch.
Once the vegetables are cooked to your desired doneness, you can move on to the next step of our lasagna soup recipe. But before that, take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors and enticing aroma of the soup. It's a feast for the senses!
Stay tuned for step 4, where we will add the broth, tomatoes, and pasta to complete our hearty lasagna soup. Trust me, this is a recipe you won't want to miss!
Step 4: Incorporating the Sauce
Once the meat and onions are cooked through and tender, it's time to add the sauce to the soup. The sauce is what gives the lasagna soup its rich and flavorful base.
To make the sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, and salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Once the sauce is ready, carefully pour it into the pot with the cooked meat and onions. Give it a good stir to ensure that the sauce is evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Now, let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. The longer the soup simmers, the more flavorful it will become.
During this time, you can prepare any additional ingredients you want to add to the soup. This could include cooked pasta, such as rotini or penne, or even some fresh spinach for added nutrition.
Once the soup has simmered to perfection and all the ingredients have melded together, it's ready to be served. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil for that extra touch of flavor.
Enjoy this delicious and comforting lasagna soup with crusty bread on the side for a complete and satisfying meal. It's the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day or to impress your friends and family at your next gathering.
Step 5: Simmering the Soup
Once you have added all the ingredients to the pot, it's time to let the flavors meld together by simmering the soup. Simmering allows the soup to develop a rich and robust taste that is characteristic of lasagna.
To simmer the soup, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This gentle cooking process ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
As the soup simmers, the aromas of the garlic, onions, tomatoes, and Italian seasonings will fill your kitchen, creating an inviting and comforting atmosphere. The longer the soup simmers, the more the flavors will intensify, so you can adjust the cooking time according to your preference.
Keep an eye on the soup while it simmers to ensure it doesn't boil. Simmering should maintain a gentle bubbling, with occasional wisps of steam escaping from the pot. This slow cooking process allows the ingredients to soften and meld together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Once the soup has simmered to your desired taste, it is ready to be served. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. The lasagna soup is best enjoyed piping hot, and it pairs well with crusty garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Now that you've mastered the art of simmering the lasagna soup, you can impress your family and friends with this delicious and comforting dish. The simmering process infuses the soup with deep flavors and makes it the perfect comfort food on a cold winter night. So grab a ladle and savor the flavors of this hearty and satisfying soup.
Step 6: Cooking the Pasta
To cook the pasta for the lasagna soup, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water. This will help to season the pasta as it cooks.
Once the water is boiling and the salt has dissolved, carefully add the lasagna noodles to the pot. Gently stir the noodles to prevent them from sticking together.
Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. You want them to be al dente, or cooked until they are still slightly firm to the bite.
While the pasta is cooking, you can start preparing the soup base and adding the other ingredients. Make sure to keep an eye on the noodles and stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also help to remove any excess starch from the noodles.
Now that the pasta is cooked and drained, it's time to add it to the soup. Carefully transfer the cooked noodles to the pot of simmering soup. Stir gently to combine the pasta with the flavorful broth and other ingredients.
Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through. This will help the flavors to meld together and ensure that the noodles are fully cooked.
Once the pasta is heated and the flavors have had a chance to develop, your lasagna soup is ready to be served. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Enjoy this delicious twist on traditional lasagna in the form of a comforting and flavorful soup. It's the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day or to enjoy with family and friends.
Step 7: Assembling the Soup
Now that all the components of the lasagna soup are prepared, it's time to assemble the dish. Follow these simple steps to bring everything together:
- Take a large soup pot and place it on the stove over medium heat. Add olive oil to the pot and let it heat up for a minute or two.
- Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions and garlic to the pot. Sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- While the soup is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to slightly undercook the pasta since it will continue to cook in the soup.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
- Now it's time to add the cooked pasta to the soup. Gently stir it in, making sure that all the noodles are coated with the flavorful broth.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the soup. Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for a couple of minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become gooey.
- Remove the lid and garnish the soup with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
And there you have it - a warm and comforting bowl of lasagna soup ready to be enjoyed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it alongside crusty bread or a simple side salad. This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its unique twist on a classic Italian dish.
Remember, the beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize it to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables or experimenting with different types of cheese. Get creative and make it your own!
So, go ahead and give this GMA recipe for lasagna soup a try. Bon appétit!
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to enhance your lasagna soup experience:
- Vegetarian Option: If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground beef and substitute it with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the soup for added flavor.
- Cheese Lover's Twist: For an extra cheesy delight, add a dollop of ricotta or cottage cheese to each bowl of soup just before serving. The creamy cheese will melt into the soup, creating a rich and indulgent texture.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your soup. This will give it a subtle kick and add an extra layer of flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish your lasagna soup with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. The vibrant green herbs will not only add a pop of color but also a burst of freshness to each spoonful.
- Add Some Veggies: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in your lasagna soup. Bell peppers, carrots, and celery are great options that will add a delightful crunch and extra nutrients to your meal.
- Make it Creamy: If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking. This will give the soup a luscious texture and a touch of richness.
- Extra Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl of soup, and you can even add some crunchy croutons for added texture.
- Leftover Lasagna: If you have leftover lasagna from a previous meal, you can transform it into a delicious lasagna soup. Simply cut the lasagna into bite-sized pieces and add them to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make it Ahead: Lasagna soup is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more scrumptious when reheated.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: Complete your lasagna soup experience by serving it with a side of garlic bread. The warm, garlicky slices will complement the flavors of the soup perfectly.
Get creative and make this lasagna soup your own with these tips and variations. Enjoy the comforting flavors and hearty goodness of a classic lasagna in a cozy bowl of soup.
Conclusion
By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you can easily recreate this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen. The ingredient list is simple and easily accessible, making it a convenient option for a quick and satisfying meal.
Whether you're a fan of lasagna or simply looking for a new twist on a classic recipe, the lasagna soup featured on Good Morning America is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy the delightful flavors of this comforting soup.
Remember to adjust the seasoning and add any additional toppings or garnishes according to your personal preference. And don't forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, as they too can savor the deliciousness of lasagna in a whole new way.
So go ahead and give the GMA recipe for lasagna soup a try. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy!
