Rich layers of pasta, creamy cheese, and hearty, well-seasoned meat sauce—nothing says “comfort food” quite like The San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite. This beloved classic has all the warmth and coziness of a Sunday dinner at home, with every forkful delivering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking to make weeknight leftovers irresistible, this lasagna is destined to become a centerpiece at your family table for years to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of The San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite lies in how such simple ingredients come together to create something truly memorable. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to add depth, color, and that “just one more bite” appeal no one can resist.
- San Giorgio lasagna noodles: Classic, sturdy noodles that hold up beautifully to all those delicious layers.
- Ground beef: Brings heartiness and savory richness to the meat sauce base.
- Italian sausage (casings removed): Adds spice and complexity—try a mix of sweet and hot for even more depth.
- Onion (finely chopped): Sweetens and rounds out the flavor of the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Essential for that authentic Italian aroma and taste.
- Marinara or pasta sauce: Choose a high-quality jarred sauce for a robust tomato flavor.
- Tomato sauce: Lends moisture and ensures the lasagna stays luscious.
- Dried basil: Gives the sauce a vibrant, herby note.
- Dried oregano: Adds an earthy, aromatic background.
- Salt: Balances all the other flavors—just enough to enhance, never overpower.
- Black pepper: A touch for gentle warmth.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, perfect for layering.
- Large egg: Helps hold the ricotta mixture together—no runny layers here!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to golden, bubbly perfection on top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharpness and a nutty bite with every layer.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor—save some for garnish if you like.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps those glorious layers from sticking to the dish, so every slice comes out clean and whole.
How to Make The San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Give your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish a good coating of nonstick cooking spray—this helps ensure the lasagna lifts out cleanly and keeps cleanup a breeze. Cook the San Giorgio lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, then drain them gently. To prevent sticking, lay them flat on parchment paper. It’s a small prep step that makes assembly so much easier!
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage (with the casings removed), onion, and garlic. Sauté everything together, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until the mixture is browned and the onion is tender. Not only does this step build a foundation of rich flavor, but draining the excess fat keeps your lasagna from feeling greasy.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Stir the marinara or pasta sauce and tomato sauce into the skillet with your cooked meat mixture. Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Allow everything to simmer together for about 10 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to meld and develop. Don’t rush this part—the aroma will make it hard to wait, but patience is rewarded with a deeply flavorful sauce!
Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
While your sauce simmers, grab a medium bowl and stir together the ricotta cheese, large egg, and a tablespoon of chopped parsley if you’re using it. The egg helps bind it all, so every slice of your finished lasagna holds its beautiful layers intact.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
This is where The San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite comes together in all its scrapbook-worthy glory. Start by spreading about 1 cup of your savory meat sauce in the bottom of your greased baking dish. Layer 3–4 noodles over the sauce. Top with one-third of the ricotta mixture, then sprinkle with about 2/3 cup of mozzarella and 1/3 cup of Parmesan. Repeat for two more layers, ending with a layer of sauce and the remaining mozzarella on top. It’s a symphony of layers that bakes up as inviting as it looks.
Step 6: Bake and Rest
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and let it bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese bubbles and takes on a gorgeous golden hue. Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing—this allows the layers to set and makes serving neat slices a cinch.
How to Serve The San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite
Garnishes
A flourish of freshly chopped parsley or extra Parmesan scattered over the top brings color and a finishing touch. If you want to make your dining table pop, a few sprigs of basil look stunning and provide a burst of freshness with every bite.
Side Dishes
Pairing matters! A crisp green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness and brightens the meal. Garlic bread or simple buttered rolls are perfect for soaking up that amazing sauce, ensuring not a drop is left behind.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving The San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite at a special gathering, cut portions into squares and stack them slightly askew on each plate for a modern touch. For a family-style meal, slide the dish straight from oven to table and let everyone serve themselves. Mini lasagnas in ramekins are a fun, personal twist for dinner parties or potlucks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any remaining lasagna tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to four days and, some say, the flavors become even more developed with time! Simply reheat for future comfort food cravings.
Freezing
The San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite is a champion for meal prepping. Assemble the lasagna but stop short of baking. Wrap tightly and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat slices in a covered dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through. The microwave works well for single servings—just cover to prevent drying out. Add a spoonful of marinara on top if you want extra moisture.
FAQs
Can I use oven-ready noodles in this recipe?
Absolutely! Oven-ready noodles can save time—just be sure your sauce is slightly “saucier” to ensure the noodles hydrate fully and become tender during baking.
Is it possible to make this lasagna vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and sausage and substitute with a plant-based meat alternative, sautéed mushrooms, or a mix of roasted vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meatless version.
What cheese can I use instead of ricotta?
If ricotta isn’t your favorite or you’re looking for a change, try cottage cheese (drained well) or mascarpone for something extra creamy and rich.
Can I make The San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the layers a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to account for starting from cold.
How do I keep lasagna from becoming watery?
Drain your cooked noodles well and avoid excess liquid in your meat sauce. Letting the lasagna rest after baking gives the layers time to set and prevents that dreaded watery slice!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for that one meal everyone will request again and again, look no further than The San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite. It’s time-tested, satisfying, and sure to inspire smiles around your table—give it a try and watch it become your own family’s go-to classic!
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The San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting classic with The San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe. This family-favorite dish features layers of lasagna noodles, a flavorful meat sauce, and a cheesy ricotta mixture, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
San Giorgio Lasagna Noodles:
- 1 box
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Additional:
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Noodles: Cook lasagna noodles per package instructions and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Cook beef, sausage, onion, and garlic in a skillet. Add sauces and seasonings, simmer.
- Mix Cheese: Combine ricotta, egg, and parsley in a bowl.
- Layer: Start layering sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, and shredded cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil, bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of sweet and hot Italian sausage.
- You can prepare the lasagna up to a day ahead and bake it just before serving. Letting it rest helps the layers set for cleaner slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
