The San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe is a heartwarming, classic Italian dish that never fails to bring comfort and joy to the table. This lasagna brings together layers of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and a golden blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. What’s truly special about this recipe is how each component complements the others perfectly, resulting in a dish full of flavor, color, and satisfying textures. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy family meal, this San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe will quickly become one of your beloved go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients sets the stage for that perfect balance of taste and texture in your lasagna. Each element plays a crucial role, from the savory meat sauce to the creamy ricotta, and the melty cheesy topping that colors the final dish beautifully.
- 12 San Giorgio lasagna noodles: These sturdy noodles hold up wonderfully through layers without falling apart.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds rich, hearty flavor and a satisfying protein component to the sauce.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a mild sweetness and a depth of flavor when cooked with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a subtle kick to the meat sauce.
- 32 oz ricotta cheese: Creates the creamy, luscious layer that contrasts the meat so well.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Help bind the ricotta mixture so it stays perfectly layered in the bake.
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley: A fresh herb note brightening up the ricotta filling.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle spiciness that lifts the dish.
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, golden finish.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a sharp, savory punch on top.
- 26 oz pasta sauce (preferably marinara): The tomato base that ties all the layers together with bright acidity and herbs.
How to Make San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready for a perfect, even bake once your lasagna is assembled. Having the oven at the right temperature helps the cheese melt nicely and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Cook the 12 San Giorgio lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Be sure not to overcook them to avoid mushy layers. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set them aside on a flat surface, ready for layering.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until the meat is cooked through and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce rich but not greasy. Then stir in the marinara pasta sauce and let the mixture simmer briefly so all the flavors can blend together wonderfully.
Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. This creamy mixture will add a velvety texture and a burst of mellow flavor between the layers of noodles and meat sauce. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
Step 5: Assemble the San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread one-third of your meat sauce evenly on the bottom to prevent sticking. Lay down about 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread half of your ricotta mixture across those noodles. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over this layer for that gooey cheese factor everyone loves. Repeat these layers once more, using another third of the meat sauce, 4 noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and another cup of mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Add the Final Layers and Bake
For the last layer, place the remaining noodles on top and pour all of the remaining meat sauce over them. Finish with the remaining shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese sprinkling. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in during baking. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the lasagna is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted into a golden crust.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the lasagna sit for about 15 minutes to allow the layers to set. This resting period makes it easier to cut perfect slices without falling apart, so every forkful is just as lovely as it looks on the plate.
How to Serve San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few basil leaves add a burst of green and fresh flavor, balancing the richness of the lasagna beautifully. You might also consider a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper to elevate each serving.
Side Dishes
Serve San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe alongside crisp green salads, like arugula or mixed baby greens with a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf also pairs wonderfully to sop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli contribute color and a nice textural contrast to the creamy dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, consider serving individual portions in mini cast iron skillets, beautifully layered and sizzling hot. Alternatively, a rustic family-style serving dish can invite everyone to dig in together, enhancing the warmth and joy the San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe naturally brings. A side of tossed herbs or edible flowers also adds an unexpected flourish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, cool any leftovers to room temperature and cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers. Properly stored in the refrigerator, your lasagna will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap the cooled, unbaked assembly tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Frozen lasagna can keep in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing its great taste and texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover or frozen lasagna, thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 25 to 30 minutes for refrigerated leftovers and 45 to 60 minutes from frozen. Removing the foil in the last 10 minutes helps refresh the top layer’s bubbly golden goodiness.
FAQs
Can I make the San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and substitute with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite meat alternative. The ricotta and cheese layers will still provide plenty of flavor and richness.
Is it necessary to pre-cook the lasagna noodles?
For this recipe, yes; cooking the San Giorgio lasagna noodles until al dente helps ensure they are tender and separate easily, without becoming mushy during baking. However, you can try no-boil noodles for a shortcut if preferred.
Can I prepare this lasagna in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe the day before, keep it covered in the fridge, and then bake right before mealtime. This actually helps the flavors meld even more.
What type of sauce works best?
A good-quality marinara sauce that balances sweetness and acidity works wonderfully in this recipe. You can also use homemade sauce if you have it on hand for an extra fresh flavor.
How do I get a browned cheesy top without drying the lasagna out?
Covering the lasagna with foil during most of the baking time traps moisture, creating tender layers. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and bubble to a perfect golden finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings a taste of Italy to your kitchen, the San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe is your answer. Its layers of flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese make every bite feel like a warm hug. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s truly a timeless classic that fills your home with love and deliciousness.
Print
San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This classic San Giorgio Lasagna recipe combines layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly baked to a bubbly golden finish, it’s a hearty and satisfying Italian comfort dish serving 8.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles
- 12 San Giorgio lasagna noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 26 oz pasta sauce (preferably marinara)
Cheese Mixture
- 32 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Toppings
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna layers.
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the pasta sauce and mix until well combined.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread one-third of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer about 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Second Layer: Add another one-third of the meat sauce, a second layer of noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and another cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Final Layer: Place the last noodles on top, spread the remaining meat sauce over them, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the lasagna is hot and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the lasagna sit, covered, for about 15 minutes. Slice into portions and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious homemade San Giorgio Lasagna!
Notes
- To prevent noodles from sticking when cooking, rinse them in cold water immediately after boiling.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef to reduce greasiness.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor in the ricotta mixture.
- Covering the lasagna with foil while baking keeps the cheese from burning and helps cook the layers evenly.
- Letting the lasagna rest before cutting helps it set and makes slicing easier.
