If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort food that never fails to bring smiles around the dinner table, look no further than the San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: Classic Family Favorite Recipe. This dish is all about layers of rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and perfectly tender noodles that come together in a warm embrace of cheesy goodness. It’s a beloved recipe passed down through generations, capturing the heart of family meals with every bite. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weekday treat, this lasagna fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with wholesome satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: Classic Family Favorite Recipe lies in its simple, approachable ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so memorable.
- San Giorgio Lasagna noodles: These tend to be sturdy yet tender, holding the layers together flawlessly without slipping apart.
- Ground beef: Adds savory richness and makes the lasagna hearty and satisfying.
- Medium onion, chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the meat sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with its classic Italian aroma and depth.
- Ricotta cheese: Creates a luscious, creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the meat sauce.
- Large eggs: Blend into the ricotta to provide structure and silkiness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of herbal freshness and color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create that stretchy, golden cheesy layer everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nutty, savory finish that bakes beautifully.
- Marinara pasta sauce: The tomato base that ties the entire lasagna together with tangy richness.
How to Make San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: Classic Family Favorite Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get ready for baking. Meanwhile, cook the San Giorgio lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This ensures they hold their shape without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and make them easier to layer later.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir occasionally as the meat browns and the onion softens, forming a fragrant and flavorful base. Drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy, then mix in the marinara sauce. Let everything simmer briefly so the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with beaten eggs, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will provide a creamy, smooth contrast to the hearty meat sauce, adding richness and a lovely texture to every layer.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread one-third of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom. Layer four noodles over the sauce, arrange half of the ricotta mixture on top, and sprinkle with one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process once more with another third of the sauce, the remaining noodles, the rest of the ricotta, and another cup of mozzarella. For the final layer, place the last noodles, cover with the remaining meat sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Place the assembled lasagna in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling sauce and a beautifully golden cheese crust. Once out, allow it to sit for 15 minutes. This resting period helps the layers settle and makes slicing easier without losing any of its glorious layers.
How to Serve San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: Classic Family Favorite Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top of the lasagna right before serving brightens the dish with a burst of color and fresh flavor. A drizzle of good quality olive oil can enhance the richness, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes brings a subtle kick for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
Side Dishes
This lasagna pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, such as a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia are perfect choices if you want to embrace the full Italian comfort food experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive dinner, serve individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins to keep the layers intact and make a charming presentation. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan and broil briefly for a crispy top crust that delights every cheese lover at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: Classic Family Favorite Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Kept properly in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to four days, making it a perfect next-day meal or lunch option.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes beautifully. To freeze, assemble it fully in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then store for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
For the best texture and flavor, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving is convenient too, but may yield a softer noodle texture and less crisp topping.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat in the San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can substitute or combine it with ground pork, Italian sausage, or even ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
Do I have to boil the San Giorgio lasagna noodles before assembling?
Yes, boiling them until al dente is key for this recipe as it ensures tender noodles that layer neatly. Just be careful not to overcook since they will bake further in the oven.
Can I prepare the San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the lasagna a day before baking. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve for a hassle-free meal day.
What can I do if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or even a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream, although the texture and flavor will vary slightly from the traditional version.
Is the San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe suitable for a large gathering?
Yes, this recipe generously serves eight, making it perfect for family dinners or small parties. You can easily double the recipe for larger groups and bake in bigger pans.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: Classic Family Favorite Recipe because it brings warmth, tradition, and togetherness in every slice. I warmly encourage you to try this dish and create your own memories around the table. It’s not just a meal—it’s a celebration of family and home-cooked love.
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San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: Classic Family Favorite Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This San Giorgio Lasagna recipe is a beloved family favorite featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, flavorful ground beef in marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixed with eggs and fresh parsley, and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this classic Italian dish is perfect for comforting dinners and special gatherings.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles
- 12 San Giorgio Lasagna noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 26 ounces pasta sauce (preferably marinara)
Cheese Mixture
- 32 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna later.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the San Giorgio lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking; set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully browned and crumbled, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add Sauce to Meat: Stir the pasta sauce into the cooked meat mixture to combine flavors thoroughly.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend ricotta cheese with beaten eggs, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- First Layer Assembly: Spread one-third of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 4 noodles over the sauce, then half the ricotta mixture, followed by 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Second Layer Assembly: Add another one-third of the meat sauce over the cheese, layer the remaining noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and another cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Final Layer Assembly: Place the last set of noodles on top, cover with the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle with the leftover mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the dish is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to cool and set for 15 minutes before slicing and serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use San Giorgio brand noodles for authentic taste and texture.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked meat to prevent the lasagna from being greasy.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest before slicing helps it hold its shape better.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for variation.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness but can be substituted with dried parsley if needed.
- Check noodle packaging for specific cooking times as they may vary slightly.
