If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a comforting, hearty Italian classic that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table with smiles, then the San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe is your new best friend. This dish layers tender noodles, rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta perfection into a bubbling, golden masterpiece. San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe captures the essence of authentic Italian home cooking with simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to offer a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this dish is a joyful step because each one plays a crucial role in making this lasagna so memorable. From the pasta noodles that provide the structure to the flavorful cheese blend that adds luscious creaminess, every element is essential to the final taste and texture.
- San Giorgio® lasagna noodles (uncooked): The perfect noodles that cook tenderly in the sauce for a seamless lasagna experience.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Offers rich, savory depth to the meat sauce base.
- Italian sausage (1/2 pound, optional): Adds a spicy, herby kick if you want a extra flavor.
- Small onion (finely chopped): Gives a mild sweetness and builds flavor upfront.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): The essential aromatic that elevates the whole sauce.
- Pasta sauce (24-ounce jar or 3 cups homemade marinara): The tomatoey heart of the dish that brings it all together.
- Ricotta cheese (15-ounce container): Creamy and smooth, balancing the meat’s richness beautifully.
- Egg (1): Helps bind the ricotta mixture for a silky texture.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons chopped) or dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances and ties all flavors with just the right seasoning.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (3 cups): Melts to gooey, bubbly perfection that kids and adults adore alike.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Sprinkles a sharp, nutty finish on every layer.
How to Make San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat Sauce
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef along with the optional Italian sausage, if you choose to use it. Adding the finely chopped onion at this stage infuses the sauce with sweetness while cooking until the meat is nicely browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat carefully so the sauce remains rich but not greasy. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for a minute until fragrant. Pour in the pasta sauce or homemade marinara and allow it to gently simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully together.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
While the meat sauce simmers, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg, parsley, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir this mixture until it’s smooth and well-incorporated. This ricotta blend lends a creamy contrast to the robust meat sauce, providing richness and a fluffy texture in every bite of your lasagna.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Time to build your masterpiece! Spread about one cup of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep the noodles from sticking and to anchor your lasagna’s base. Next, carefully layer 3 to 4 San Giorgio lasagna noodles over the sauce. Dollop and spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Then sprinkle with one cup of shredded mozzarella and two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers two more times, layering the sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Finish with a generous layer of meat sauce, topped off with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for that irresistible golden crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your lasagna with foil to keep moisture locked in and bake in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the top is delectably bubbly and brushed with golden brown patches. Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting so it can set, making each slice hold together beautifully.
How to Serve San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top bring a vibrant pop of color and a fresh aroma that perfectly rounds out the rich flavors. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle sheen and sophistication. For an extra touch, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a pleasant warmth if your crowd likes a little heat.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty lasagna with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. Garlic bread or toasted focaccia, with their comforting crunch and buttery garlic flavors, also make perfect companions that soak up every bit of sauce leftover on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the lasagna in individual ramekins for a personal touch. You can also layer this recipe in muffin tins for fun, single-serve lasagna “cups” perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Another idea is to top each serving with a dollop of fresh ricotta or mascarpone cheese for an indulgent finish your guests will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, your San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe will stay delicious for 3 to 4 days, making perfect next-day meals or unexpected dinner savers.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes wonderfully! Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its incredible flavors or textures, allowing you to enjoy your favorite San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe anytime you need a comforting meal.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the lasagna covered with foil in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, a microwave can be used for faster reheating, but to keep the top from drying out, cover it loosely with a damp paper towel.
FAQs
Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of San Giorgio® noodles?
Absolutely! If you don’t have San Giorgio noodles on hand, regular lasagna noodles will work just fine. Just be sure to boil them for about 8 minutes until al dente before layering to ensure they cook properly inside the lasagna.
Is it necessary to use the Italian sausage in the recipe?
The Italian sausage adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a bit of spice but is optional. You can make the San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe perfectly delicious with just ground beef or swap in ground turkey for a lighter version.
Can I make the San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meats for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a mouthwatering vegetarian twist. Just adjust the seasoning and perhaps use vegetable broth in place of meat drippings to keep the flavors rich and satisfying.
How long does the baked lasagna need to rest before serving?
Allowing the lasagna to stand for 10 to 15 minutes after baking helps it set and makes slicing neater. This simple rest also develops the flavors further, giving you a tender, well-composed dish.
Can I prepare the lasagna ahead of time before baking?
Yes, assembling the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerating it covered is a great time saver. Just add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge to ensure it heats evenly through.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug from Italy, the San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe is it. It’s an inviting, satisfying meal that brings people together and fills your home with joy. Give it a try—you’ll find that this recipe quickly becomes a cherished staple in your kitchen, perfect for celebrations or cozy weeknight dinners alike.
Print
San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This classic San Giorgio Lasagna recipe layers savory ground beef and Italian sausage with a rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a comforting Italian-American main course ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar pasta sauce or 3 cups homemade marinara
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Assembly
- 1 box San Giorgio® lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and Italian sausage (if using) along with the finely chopped onion until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain off excess fat, add minced garlic, and cook for an additional minute. Stir in pasta sauce and allow to simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Assemble Lasagna Layers: Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 3 to 4 uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers two more times: sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Finish by topping with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with the last mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake Lasagna: Cover the assembled dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna stand for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing to allow it to set for easier serving and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- You can use no-boil lasagna noodles according to package directions, or boil regular noodles for about 8 minutes prior to layering.
- For extra flavor, consider using a blend of Italian cheeses or adding spinach to the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Make sure to let the lasagna rest after baking to achieve clean slices and to let the flavors meld perfectly.
