Lasagna is one of the most iconic Italian dishes, and Lasagna San Giorgio is a rich, cheesy, and savory variation that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. This lasagna recipe features layers of tender San Giorgio pasta, flavorful meats, creamy ricotta, and a delicious combination of cheeses, all baked to perfection. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or even as a make-ahead meal to enjoy throughout the week.
With its origins in Italian-American cuisine, Lasagna San Giorgio embodies the heart of a classic lasagna recipe while incorporating the signature San Giorgio pasta that cooks up tender every time. The result is a delicious, hearty meal that your family will request time and time again.
For those who enjoy creamy and cheesy dishes, this Baked Pasta with Cream Cheese is another crowd-pleaser that pairs well with Lasagna San Giorgio.
Let’s explore how you can make this delectable dish at home, complete with tips, variations, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to make Lasagna San Giorgio:
- San Giorgio lasagna noodles – These traditional lasagna noodles provide the perfect base for the layers.
- Ground beef and Italian sausage – This combination of meats adds depth and richness to the sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Onion and garlic – Aromatics that enhance the flavor of the meat sauce.
- Tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes – These create the robust, savory tomato base for the lasagna.
- Ricotta cheese – Adds creaminess to the dish and provides a smooth layer between the pasta and meat.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses – These cheeses melt beautifully and give the lasagna its cheesy, gooey goodness.
- Eggs – Help bind the ricotta mixture and add a bit of structure to the layers.
- Fresh herbs (parsley and basil) – Add freshness and elevate the flavor profile of the dish.
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper – Essential seasonings for flavor.
Step-by-Step Lasagna San Giorgio Recipe
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on preference)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up the meat with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add the aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion softens.
- Add the tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Optional – Add fresh basil: For a fresher flavor, stir in the chopped fresh basil at the end of cooking.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
- Mix the ricotta filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Set aside: Keep the mixture at room temperature while preparing the rest of the dish.
3. Cook the San Giorgio Lasagna Noodles
Ingredients:
- 12 San Giorgio lasagna noodles
- Water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Cook the noodles: In a large pot, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the San Giorgio lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions (typically 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Drain and cool: Once the noodles are al dente, drain them and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
Ingredients:
- Prepared meat sauce
- Ricotta cheese mixture
- Cooked San Giorgio lasagna noodles
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer the lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Place 3-4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce, and then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers: Continue layering with noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and cheeses until all ingredients are used. The final layer should be noodles topped with a generous amount of sauce and cheese.
- Bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut.
Tips for Making the Perfect Lasagna San Giorgio
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
- Fresh basil, parsley, and high-quality San Giorgio lasagna noodles elevate this dish’s flavors and texture. Opt for fresh mozzarella if possible for the best cheesy finish.
2. Prevent Sticking
- After cooking the noodles, lay them flat on a baking sheet or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. You can also toss them lightly with olive oil to avoid clumping.
3. Let It Rest
- Allowing the lasagna to rest before serving is crucial for clean, even slices. This helps the cheese and sauce set properly, making the dish easier to serve and more visually appealing.
4. Make Ahead for Convenience
- Lasagna is an ideal make-ahead dish. You can assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance, refrigerate it, and then bake it just before serving. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious.(Discover make-ahead lasagna tips)
5. Try Using No-Boil Noodles
- To save time, you can opt for no-boil lasagna noodles. These noodles soften as they bake in the sauce, absorbing the flavors and moisture. This eliminates the need to cook them separately, streamlining the preparation process.
For more creamy and satisfying pasta dishes, try this Baked Pasta with Sour Cream for a tangy twist on traditional baked pasta.
Variations of Lasagna San Giorgio
While this traditional recipe is classic and satisfying, there are numerous ways to customize your Lasagna San Giorgio to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
1. Vegetarian Lasagna San Giorgio
- Replace the meat sauce with a hearty vegetable sauce made from zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. Layer the veggies between the noodles with marinara sauce for a lighter but still satisfying meal.
2. Gluten-Free Lasagna San Giorgio
- Substitute the San Giorgio noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles. Be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times, as gluten-free noodles can cook differently than traditional wheat noodles.
3. Cheesy White Lasagna
- Instead of a tomato-based sauce, use a creamy béchamel or Alfredo sauce. Layer the noodles with sautéed chicken or turkey, ricotta, and plenty of mozzarella for a rich, white lasagna variation.
4. Lasagna Roll-Ups
- For a fun twist, prepare the ingredients as instructed, but instead of layering the lasagna, spread the ricotta mixture onto each noodle, roll them up, and place them in the baking dish. Cover with meat sauce and cheese before baking.
5. Spicy Lasagna San Giorgio
- Add a kick to your lasagna by incorporating spicy Italian sausage and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the meat sauce. Top with hot pepper jack cheese for an extra layer of heat.
6. Lasagna with Spinach and Artichokes
- For a healthier twist, incorporate fresh spinach and artichokes into the layers. This adds extra nutrients while balancing the richness of the cheese and sauce. You can also substitute half the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
Nutritional Benefits of Lasagna San Giorgio
Although lasagna is known for being a rich and indulgent dish, it also offers several nutritional benefits, especially when prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients:
1. Protein from Meat and Cheese
- Ground beef, sausage, ricotta, and mozzarella all contribute a significant amount of protein to the dish, which is essential for building and repairing muscles.
2. Calcium from Cheese
- Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses are excellent sources of calcium, which is crucial for bone health. The ricotta cheese also provides additional calcium.
3. Nutrients from Tomatoes
- Tomatoes, used in the sauce, are packed with vitamins C and K, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene. These nutrients support heart health and boost immunity.
4. Whole Grains (if using whole wheat noodles)
- Using whole wheat San Giorgio noodles increases the fiber content of the dish, promoting better digestion and helping to keep you full for longer.
History and Popularity of Lasagna San Giorgio
Lasagna has a long history, dating back to Ancient Greece and Rome, where early versions of layered pasta dishes were prepared. The modern lasagna we know today evolved in Italy during the Renaissance, particularly in the regions of Emilia-Romagna. It was typically made with layers of pasta, béchamel sauce, meat, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
San Giorgio, a brand known for its superior pasta products, has been a trusted name in many American kitchens since the late 19th century. Their lasagna noodles have become synonymous with quality and consistency, making Lasagna San Giorgio a popular choice for home cooks. The brand’s pasta has a smooth texture and hearty flavor that holds up well to the layers of sauce and cheese in lasagna.
Today, Lasagna San Giorgio has become a staple in many American households, cherished for its comforting taste and family-friendly appeal. It’s a dish that not only brings people together but also stands the test of time as a classic Italian-American favorite.
How to Serve and Store Lasagna San Giorgio
1. Serving Suggestions
- Lasagna San Giorgio pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve with antipasto or a light vegetable soup to balance the richness of the lasagna.
- Consider pairing the lasagna with a refreshing Italian salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or serve it with roasted garlic broccoli for a healthy contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
2. Storing and Reheating
- Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.(Learn how to properly store lasagna).
- Freezing: Lasagna freezes beautifully. To freeze, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding an extra 15 minutes to the baking time.
For another comforting dish to serve alongside your lasagna, check out this recipe for Creamy Spaghetti Bake, which offers a creamy, cheesy option to round out your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Lasagna San Giorgio ahead of time?
- Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
2. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
- If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or even a mixture of mascarpone and cream cheese for a creamier texture.
3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Simply omit the meat and replace it with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and spinach, or use a plant-based ground meat alternative.
4. How can I prevent the lasagna from being too watery?
- Be sure to drain any excess grease from the meat and use full-fat ricotta cheese to help prevent excess moisture in the layers.
5. Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?
- While traditional lasagna noodles are ideal, you can experiment with no-boil lasagna noodles or even layer the sauce with large pasta shells for a unique variation.
6. Can I add other cheeses to the recipe?
- Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheeses such as gouda, fontina, or even sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. Just be mindful of the cheese ratios to keep the texture balanced.
Conclusion
Lasagna San Giorgio is a classic dish that brings together the best elements of Italian-American cuisine. With its tender layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress with comfort food.
For more delicious pasta and Italian-inspired recipes, check out this Tomato Asparagus Pasta Recipe, or try something different like the Venison Pasta Recipe.