There are few meals that bring a family to the table faster than lasagna. I can still smell the rich aroma of simmering tomato sauce and bubbling cheese filling my childhood kitchen. It was the ultimate comfort food, a sign of a special occasion, even if that occasion was just a simple Sunday dinner. This classic san Giorgio lasagna recipe is my go-to for recreating that feeling. It’s hearty, satisfying, and built on a foundation of simple, quality ingredients that never fail to deliver.
This isn’t about reinventing the wheel. It’s about perfecting a classic. Using San Giorgio pasta gives us that familiar, tender-yet-firm bite that holds up beautifully to the rich layers of sauce and cheese. It’s the kind of meal that fills the soul as much as it fills the stomach, and it’s surprisingly simple to assemble.
Why This is the Best San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The rich meat sauce and creamy cheese filling are a timeless combination everyone adores.
- Perfectly Layered: Our method ensures every slice holds together beautifully, with distinct, delicious layers.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it a day in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or stress-free entertaining.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: No fancy shopping trips needed! Just pantry staples and fresh ingredients you can find anywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need for San Giorgio Lasagna
The magic of lasagna is in the harmony of its layers. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the final, delicious masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need.
San Giorgio Lasagna Noodles (Classic or Oven-Ready)
The star of the show! These classic, wavy-edged noodles are sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without becoming mushy. You can use either the classic version that requires boiling or the oven-ready kind to save a step. You can learn more about their pasta products on the official San Giorgio website.
Meat Sauce for San Giorgio Lasagna
We use a simple but flavorful combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. The beef provides a rich base, while the sausage adds a wonderful depth of flavor and spice. A simple jar of your favorite marinara sauce ties it all together beautifully.
Ricotta Cheese Filling
This is the creamy heart of the lasagna. Whole milk ricotta cheese provides the best texture and flavor. We mix it with a fresh egg to bind it, Parmesan for a nutty, salty kick, and fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.
Mozzarella & Parmesan Topping
A generous amount of shredded, low-moisture mozzarella cheese is essential. It melts into that iconic golden-brown, bubbly topping that everyone fights over. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan adds a final savory touch.
Step-by-Step: How to Make San Giorgio Lasagna at Home
Ready to create some magic? Let’s walk through the process together. It’s easier than you think!
Quick Recipe Summary (At a Glance):
- Cook San Giorgio lasagna noodles until al dente.
- Brown beef + sausage, simmer with marinara.
- Mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley.
- Layer noodles, ricotta, sauce, mozzarella.
- Bake at 375°F for 45–50 mins until bubbly.
Step 1 – Cook the Lasagna Noodles & Prepare Meat Sauce
First, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente. Drain them and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking. While the noodles cook, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Step 2 – Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is smooth and well-combined. Pro-Tip: Using whole milk ricotta will give you the creamiest, most luxurious texture.
Step 3 – Layer the Lasagna Ingredients
Now for the fun part! Start by spreading a thin layer (about 1 cup) of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then top with one-third of the remaining meat sauce and one-third of the mozzarella. Repeat the layers: another layer of noodles, the rest of the ricotta, half of the remaining meat sauce, and half of the remaining mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and the last of the cheese.
Step 4 – Bake San Giorgio Lasagna to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and the cheese is lightly browned. Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting. This is the hardest part, but it’s crucial for letting the layers set!
Expert Tips for the Perfect San Giorgio Lasagna
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles. Cook them until they are just al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven, and this prevents them from turning to mush.
- Use Whole Milk Cheeses. For the creamiest, richest flavor and best melt, opt for whole milk ricotta and low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella.
- Season Every Layer. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to your ricotta mixture and your sauce. Well-seasoned layers make for a more flavorful final product.
- Grease Your Foil. Lightly spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray before covering the lasagna. This prevents the cheese from sticking to it!
- Let It Rest! I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes is non-negotiable. It allows the layers to set, so you get clean, beautiful slices.
- Grate Your Own Cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. Grating a block of mozzarella yourself makes a huge difference.
- Ensure Your Meat is Cooked Safely. Always cook your ground beef and sausage until there is no pink remaining. The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Delicious Variations of San Giorgio Lasagna
One of the best things about this classic recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Think of it as a delicious canvas!
Spicy Italian Sausage Lasagna
For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce.
Vegetarian San Giorgio Lasagna
Skip the meat entirely! Create a delicious vegetable filling with sautéed spinach (be sure to squeeze out all the water), mushrooms, and zucchini.
White Sauce Lasagna with Alfredo
Swap the tomato-based sauce for a creamy Alfredo or béchamel sauce. This “lasagna bianca” is incredibly rich and pairs wonderfully with chicken or mushrooms.
How to Store & Reheat San Giorgio Lasagna
Lasagna leftovers are one of life’s simple pleasures! To store, let it cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions or the entire lasagna. Wrap it well in both plastic wrap and foil, and it will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave. For a larger portion, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through, usually about 20-30 minutes.
What to Serve with San Giorgio Lasagna
This hearty lasagna is a meal in itself, but it loves company. You can never go wrong with a side of Cheesy Garlic Bread to pair with San Giorgio lasagna. A simple, crisp fresh green salad to balance the rich San Giorgio lasagna is also the perfect fresh counterpoint. For a cozy night in, a glass of Chianti is a classic and wonderful choice.
San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe FAQs
What is the secret to a good lasagna?
The secret is balance! It’s about having a flavorful (not watery) sauce, a creamy (not dry) ricotta filling, and perfectly cooked noodles. Also, letting your San Giorgio lasagna rest after baking is key to getting clean slices.
Should I cook my lasagna noodles before baking?
It depends on the type you buy. This recipe calls for classic San Giorgio noodles that need to be boiled first. However, you can use “no-boil” sheets to save time. Just be sure to add a little extra sauce, as they absorb more liquid.
Why is my lasagna watery?
A watery San Giorgio lasagna is often caused by watery ricotta or a thin sauce. To prevent this, use whole milk ricotta and let your meat sauce simmer and thicken before assembling. Also, ensure any vegetables are drained of excess moisture.
What is the correct order to layer lasagna?
The classic order is: a thin layer of sauce on the bottom, noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat until you run out of ingredients, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.
Do you put egg in ricotta for lasagna?
Yes! Adding an egg to the ricotta acts as a binder. It helps the cheese layer in your San Giorgio lasagna set during baking, so it doesn’t ooze out when you cut into it.
How long should lasagna sit before cutting?
You should let your lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes, but 20-30 minutes is even better. This allows the layers to set and firm up, ensuring you get perfect, beautiful slices.
Can I assemble lasagna and bake it the next day?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire lasagna, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since you’re starting from cold.
Should I cover my lasagna with foil when baking?
Yes, covering with foil for the first half of baking is crucial. It steams the lasagna and cooks it through without burning the cheese. You’ll remove the foil for the last 20-25 minutes to get that golden, bubbly top.
What temperature should I bake lasagna at?
A moderate oven temperature of 375°F (190°C) is perfect. It’s hot enough to melt the cheese and heat everything through without burning the edges.
How many layers should a lasagna have?
Most 9×13 inch lasagnas have 3 to 4 layers of pasta. This recipe creates a generous 3-layer lasagna, which is the perfect ratio of pasta to filling.
San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe – Foolproof Classic Comfort Food
Equipment
- 9×13 inch Baking Dish
- Large Skillet
- Large Pot
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) box San Giorgio Lasagna noodles
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage casings removed
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups (16 ounces) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, the egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce and 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining ricotta, half of the remaining meat sauce, and half of the remaining mozzarella.
- Top with the final layer of noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil (sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Final Thoughts on the San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe
This San Giorgio lasagna recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring warmth and comfort to your dinner table. With its rich flavors and simple steps, it’s bound to become a treasured favorite in your home, just as it is in mine.
Ready for your next kitchen adventure? Explore more delicious recipes here at SpoonnSpice!