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Why You’ll Absolutely Love This San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe
Oh, lasagna. Just the word itself conjures up images of cozy family dinners, the aroma of bubbling cheese and tomato sauce filling the kitchen, and that first, heavenly bite. For me, lasagna isn’t just food; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a taste of home, and a dish that’s been at the heart of countless cherished memories. Growing up, Sunday dinners at Nonna’s always meant lasagna, and it had to be made with San Giorgio pasta. There was just no other way! The texture, the way it held the sauce… perfection!
This San Giorgio lasagna recipe? It’s my tribute to those Sundays, to Nonna’s love, and to the simple magic of a truly great lasagna. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for the week, or just craving some serious comfort food, this recipe is your answer. It’s wonderfully flavorful, satisfyingly cheesy, and honestly, not as complicated as you might think. Ready to make this at home? Let’s dive in!
San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe Ingredients
Full Ingredient List
- Lasagna Noodles: 1 box (16 ounces) San Giorgio lasagna noodles, oven-ready (no-boil)
- Ground Meat: 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for flavor), or Italian sausage, or a mix
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Canned Tomatoes: 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- Tomato Paste: 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- Dried Oregano: 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Dried Basil: 2 teaspoons dried basil
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (balances acidity)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Ricotta Cheese: 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese, whole milk for creaminess
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, low-moisture part-skim
- Egg: 1 large egg
- Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Easy Ingredient Swaps & Simple Substitutions
- Vegan Lasagna: Swap ground meat for lentils or crumbled plant-based ground. Use vegan ricotta and mozzarella alternatives. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor to the ricotta mixture.
- Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles. Ensure all other ingredients (especially canned tomatoes and tomato paste) are certified gluten-free if you are highly sensitive.
- Dairy-Free Lasagna: Substitute dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella. Consider a cashew-based ricotta for richness.
Smart Shopping & Savvy Savings Tips
- Buy in Bulk: Ground meat and canned tomatoes are often cheaper when bought in larger quantities, especially if you plan to make lasagna regularly.
- Seasonal Sales: Check for sales on cheese, especially around holidays. Stock up when prices are good.
- Dried Herbs are Your Friend: Dried herbs like oregano and basil are much more economical than fresh and last for ages in your pantry.
- Storage Tip for Cheese: To keep mozzarella and Parmesan fresh longer, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. For ricotta, make sure the container is tightly sealed after opening.
The Essential Equipment for This Recipe
- Large Skillet or Pot: For browning the meat and making the sauce. A deep skillet is ideal for browning and simmering.
- 9×13 inch Baking Dish: The standard size for lasagna. Glass, ceramic, or metal all work well.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple – one for the ricotta mixture and another for combining ingredients if needed.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Cheese Grater: If you buy block cheese, grating it yourself is usually cheaper and fresher.
- Aluminum Foil: To cover the lasagna while baking and prevent over-browning. Reusable silicone lids are a great eco-friendly alternative.
How to Make San Giorgio Lasagna: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to build your perfect San Giorgio Lasagna!
- Get Started: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and onion; cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until meat is browned and onion is softened, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Garlic & Build Flavor: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and deepen the flavor.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let simmer, uncovered, for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be! Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles (you may need to break some to fit). Spread about half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Layer with more noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, another ⅓ of the mozzarella, and then another layer of noodles. Top with the remaining meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This resting time is crucial for the lasagna to set and slice neatly!
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Expert Insights: Tips, Tricks, and Culinary Hacks for Success
Unlock lasagna perfection with these pro tips!
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles (Even No-Boil!): While San Giorgio oven-ready noodles are convenient, avoid layering too many noodles directly on top of each other without sufficient sauce in between. This can lead to dry patches. Ensure each noodle layer is well-moistened by the sauce.
- Flavor Boost: For an even richer sauce, add a splash of red wine while sautéing the garlic, after the meat is browned. Let it reduce slightly before adding the tomato paste. It adds a wonderful depth!
- Cheese Distribution is Key: Don’t just dump all the cheese on top! Layering mozzarella throughout ensures every bite is cheesy, not just the top layer.
- Make Ahead Magic: Lasagna is a fantastic make-ahead dish! Assemble it a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Did You Know? Letting your lasagna rest after baking is not just for cooling! It allows the cheese to firm up and the layers to meld together, making it easier to slice and serve beautifully. Plus, the flavors continue to develop as it rests – insider hack for maximum deliciousness!
Recipe Swaps & Variations for San Giorgio Lasagna
- Vegetarian Lasagna: Sauté a mix of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach to replace the meat.
- Spicy Lasagna: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use hot Italian sausage for a kick.
- White Lasagna (Lasagna Bianca): Skip the tomato sauce and use a béchamel sauce instead. Combine ricotta with spinach and nutmeg for the filling.
- Chicken Lasagna: Substitute ground chicken or shredded cooked chicken for ground beef.
- Pesto Lasagna: Swirl pesto into the ricotta mixture for a vibrant, herbaceous flavor.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with San Giorgio Lasagna
Discover different ways to serve and enjoy our San Giorgio Lasagna!
- Salad: A simple Caesar salad or a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
- Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread or cheesy garlic knots are always a welcome side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers add a healthy and flavorful element.
- Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot pairs beautifully with lasagna. For white wine lovers, a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc can also work.
- Dessert: Keep it simple with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light fruit tart after such a hearty meal. For a truly Italian finish, try Tiramisu!
- Occasion Pairing: This lasagna is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or even meal prepping for busy weeks. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Storing Your San Giorgio Lasagna
- Refrigerating: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual slices or the whole lasagna (cooled completely) tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Frozen lasagna will last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through, about 20-30 minutes for a slice, longer for a whole lasagna. You can also microwave individual slices for quicker reheating. Food Safety Pointer: Ensure lasagna is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating.
- Leftover Hack: Transform leftover lasagna into a delicious lasagna soup! Crumble the lasagna, add it to a pot with some extra crushed tomatoes, broth (chicken or vegetable), and simmer until heated through. Add some fresh basil and Parmesan for garnish – it’s a comforting and creative way to enjoy leftovers!
Printable Recipe Card
San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe
This San Giorgio lasagna recipe is a tribute to classic comfort food, perfect for family dinners and gatherings. Made with San Giorgio oven-ready lasagna noodles, a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this lasagna is wonderfully flavorful and satisfying. It’s easier to make than you might think and is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy the taste of home with every delicious bite!
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet or Pot For browning meat and making sauce
- 1 9×13 inch Baking Dish Standard lasagna size
- 2 Mixing Bowls For ricotta mixture and ingredients
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate measurements
- 1 Cheese Grater For grating cheese
- 1 Aluminum Foil To cover lasagna while baking
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box (16 ounces) San Giorgio lasagna noodles oven-ready (no-boil)
- 1 pound Ground beef 80/20 blend or Italian sausage
- 1 medium Yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 (28 ounce) cans Crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 ounce) can Tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons Dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper plus more to taste
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 (15 ounce) container Ricotta cheese whole milk
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated, divided
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese shredded, low-moisture part-skim
- 1 large Egg
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and onion; cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until meat is browned and onion is softened, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and deepen the flavor.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let simmer, uncovered, for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be! Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles (you may need to break some to fit). Spread about half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with ⅓ of the mozzarella cheese.
- Layer with more noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, another ⅓ of the mozzarella, and then another layer of noodles. Top with the remaining meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This resting time is crucial for the lasagna to set and slice neatly!
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For an even richer sauce, add a splash of red wine while sautéing the garlic, after the meat is browned. Let it reduce slightly before adding the tomato paste. It adds a wonderful depth!
Make Ahead Magic: Lasagna is a fantastic make-ahead dish! Assemble it a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Nutrition Breakdown: Calories, Protein, Fats & More (per serving, estimated)
- Calories: 450-550 kcal
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Saturated Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Sugar: 8-10g
- Sodium: 700-900mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Recipe FAQ
Dive into the irresistible texture of our San Giorgio Lasagna!
- Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil? Yes, but you’ll need to cook them according to package directions until al dente before assembling the lasagna.
- Can I make this lasagna without ricotta cheese? While ricotta is traditional, you can substitute cottage cheese (drained well) or even a creamy béchamel sauce if you prefer.
- How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery? Ensure you drain excess grease from the browned meat and simmer the sauce sufficiently to reduce excess liquid. Also, don’t over-layer the sauce; a thin, even layer is best.
- Can I add vegetables to this lasagna? Absolutely! Sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be layered in for added flavor and nutrition.
- How many layers should my lasagna have? Typically, lasagna has 3-4 layers of noodles. The key is to have a good balance of sauce, cheese, and noodles in each layer.
- What if my lasagna is browning too quickly on top? If the top is browning too fast, loosely tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes cooking.
Happy Cooking & Share Your Results!
Your San Giorgio Lasagna is ready! Dig in and enjoy!
There you have it – my cherished San Giorgio lasagna recipe, ready for you to bring to life in your own kitchen! I truly hope this becomes a new family favorite for you, just like it is for mine. The aroma alone is enough to make any day feel special, and that first bite? Pure comfort and joy.
Now, I’d absolutely love to hear from you! What are your favorite lasagna memories? Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to snap a photo of your delicious creation and share it with me on Instagram and Pinterest – tag @FingerLickingRecipes so I can see your amazing work! What other family recipes are you eager to try next?
