If you have ever dreamed of the perfect comfort food that brings family and friends together, this San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe will be your new go-to. Each layer of tender San Giorgio lasagna noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and melty mozzarella creates an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures that feels like a warm embrace. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish brings smiles, full bellies, and lasting memories with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Although the ingredients for this San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe are simple, each one plays an essential role in building the dish’s rich flavors and luscious texture. From creamy cheeses to hearty beef and fresh herbs, these ingredients come together to create that authentic homemade taste you’ll love.
- 12 San Giorgio Lasagna noodles: The foundation that holds everything together with a perfect al dente bite.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds savory depth and richness to the meat sauce.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and aromatic complexity when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the meat sauce with a fragrant punch of flavor.
- 32 ounces ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, luscious layer that balances the acidity of the sauce.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ricotta filling to keep it silky smooth and firm once baked.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and a pleasant herbaceous note to the ricotta mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides gentle heat and depth to both sauce and cheese.
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give gooey, cheesy layers you crave.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nutty, savory crust that finishes the dish wonderfully.
- 26 ounces pasta sauce (preferably marinara): The heart of the lasagna, rich with tomatoes and herbs, uniting every bite.
How to Make San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Noodles
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, cook the San Giorgio lasagna noodles following the package instructions until they are al dente—firm with a slight bite. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking, then set aside. This prep ensures your noodles are ready to soak up all the delicious layers.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the beef is fully browned and broken into small crumbles, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Remember to drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy. Then, stir in your pasta sauce, allowing all those savory flavors to mingle beautifully.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the beaten eggs, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until you get a smooth, creamy filling. This cheesy layer adds creaminess and a touch of herbaceous brightness, balancing out the tangy tomato sauce perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Using a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, spread a third of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom. Layer four noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta mixture on top and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the process once more with another third of the meat sauce, the remaining noodles, the other half of the ricotta filling, and another cup of mozzarella cheese. Finally, place the last noodles in the dish, cover with the remaining meat sauce, and generously top with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your masterpiece into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese bubbles joyfully, and the top is golden brown with a slightly crispy edge. Then, let your lasagna sit for 15 minutes before slicing—it helps everything set and makes serving much easier.
How to Serve San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh freshly chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and a burst of herbal freshness that brightens the entire dish. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a lovely finishing touch for those who love a bit of heat or richness.
Side Dishes
This San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the lasagna. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is another fantastic accompaniment, perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual lasagna portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for personal, elegant presentations. You can also layer the lasagna in colorful glass dishes that show off the beautiful layers, creating an inviting centerpiece on your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, place leftover lasagna in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it a perfect second or third meal that tastes just as good as the first.
Freezing
San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly or cover the entire dish with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. You can keep it frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through and bubbly—about 25 minutes. You can also microwave slices on medium power, but be mindful to heat evenly to keep the creamy layers intact.
FAQs
Can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and substitute with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You could also add lentils or plant-based crumbles for a protein boost without losing the hearty feel.
Is it necessary to boil the noodles first?
Yes, cooking the San Giorgio lasagna noodles until al dente ensures they are tender in the finished dish and can absorb the delicious sauce without becoming mushy. It also helps prevent sticking during assembly.
Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. You can assemble the entire lasagna and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just take it out 20-30 minutes before baking to come to room temperature for even cooking.
What’s the best cheese to use for a gooey top layer?
Shredded mozzarella is your best friend here. It melts beautifully and browns to a golden, bubbly perfection. Pair it with a sprinkling of Parmesan for that extra savory and crispy crust.
How do I reheat lasagna without drying it out?
Reheat slowly in the oven covered with foil to trap moisture. Adding a splash of pasta sauce or water before reheating can help keep the noodles and cheese from drying out. Microwaving on medium power with a cover also works well.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about gathering around the table and sharing a dish as heartwarming as this San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe. Its layers of rich flavors and comforting textures invite everyone to slow down, savor, and connect. I can’t wait for you to try it at home and make it a joyful staple on your family’s menu—it’s love served by the slice!
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San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This San Giorgio Lasagna is a classic, hearty Italian dish featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe offers comforting flavors baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Lasagna Components
- 12 San Giorgio Lasagna noodles
- 26 ounces pasta sauce (preferably marinara)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Ricotta Mixture
- 32 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the lasagna.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the San Giorgio lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them well, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring frequently until the meat is well browned and crumbled, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Sauce: Pour the pasta sauce into the cooked meat mixture in the skillet and stir well to combine all the flavors thoroughly.
- Mix Ricotta Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until smooth and evenly blended.
- First Layer: Spread one-third of the meat sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay 4 noodles over the sauce evenly, then spread half of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
- Second Layer: Repeat the layering by spreading another third of the meat sauce over the mozzarella layer. Add the remaining noodles evenly, followed by the rest of the ricotta mixture, and then another cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Final Layer: Place the last 4 noodles on top, cover with the remaining meat sauce, and evenly sprinkle the leftover mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the surface.
- Bake: Place the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese on top is golden brown and melted.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set properly, making it easier to serve.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh San Giorgio Lasagna noodles, but any good quality lasagna noodles can be substituted.
- Rinsing the noodles after boiling prevents them from sticking and helps with easier layering.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage if preferred.
- Letting the cooked lasagna rest before cutting is essential to maintain its structure and prevent it from falling apart.
- If you like a spicier sauce, consider adding red pepper flakes to the meat sauce when cooking.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the cooked meat to avoid a greasy lasagna.
