San Giorgio Lasagna is a timeless Italian-American classic, featuring layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, holidays, or any occasion that calls for comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic, comforting flavors loved by all ages
- Easy to prepare with simple, accessible ingredients
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience
- Customizable with your favorite meats or vegetables
- Delicious leftovers that taste even better the next day
- Ideal for potlucks, gatherings, and special occasions
- Balanced layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese
- Satisfying and filling main course
- A beloved recipe passed down through generations
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 box (16 oz) San Giorgio® Lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in pasta sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Layer with cooked noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and meat sauce. Repeat layers, ending with noodles topped with sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
- Yield: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Substitute meat with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a kick.
- Cheese Lovers: Incorporate provolone or fontina for extra cheesiness.
- Herbaceous: Mix fresh basil or oregano into the ricotta mixture.
- Seafood: Replace meat with cooked shrimp or crab for a seafood twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I freeze the lasagna?
Absolutely. Freeze assembled but unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese is a common substitute for ricotta in lasagna recipes.
How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Ensure the meat sauce is thick and well-simmered. Also, drain cooked noodles thoroughly before assembling.
Can I use no-boil noodles?
Yes, adjust the amount of sauce to ensure noodles cook properly during baking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Certainly. Layer in cooked spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
How do I get a crispy top layer?
Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown.
Is it necessary to let the lasagna rest before serving?
Yes, resting for 10 minutes helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Can I use homemade sauce?
Definitely. Homemade marinara or meat sauce can enhance the flavor of the lasagna.
Conclusion
San Giorgio Lasagna is a beloved classic that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. With its rich layers and customizable ingredients, it’s a versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving a crowd or preparing meals for the week, this lasagna delivers hearty flavor and timeless appeal.
Description
This classic San Giorgio Lasagna is a comforting, layered pasta dish featuring ground beef, tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and tender lasagna noodles. It’s a timeless, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings hearty flavor and cheesy goodness to every bite.
1. Preheat Oven:
2. Cook the Noodles:
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
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In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until fully browned.
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Drain excess fat and stir in pasta sauce. Simmer for 510 minutes.
4. Make the Cheese Mixture:
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In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. Assemble the Lasagna:
In a 13×9-inch baking dish, layer as follows:
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Spread 1 cup meat sauce on the bottom.
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Add 34 lasagna noodles.
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Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture.
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Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella.
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Repeat layers two more times.
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Top with remaining meat sauce and mozzarella.
6. Bake:
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake an additional 2025 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Let rest for 1015 minutes before slicing.
Notes
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For added flavor, mix in Italian sausage with the ground beef or use a meatless sauce for a vegetarian version.
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This dish freezes well—assemble, cover, and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.
