If you’ve ever needed a reason to gather the family around the table, the San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe is it. This dish has been a beloved staple in my kitchen for years, and it never fails to impress. With its rich meat sauce, creamy layers of cheese, and perfectly tender noodles, it hits that sweet spot between comfort food and showstopper. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday dinner, a weeknight meal with leftovers to love, or the centerpiece of a special celebration, lasagna just has a way of making everything feel a little more homey, and a lot more delicious.
This version brings together everything we adore about classic Italian-American cooking, while staying simple and totally achievable at home. Let’s dig in!
Table of contents
Why This Lasagna Is Always a Hit (And How You Can Make It Your Own)
The beauty of this San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe is how it checks all the boxes: comforting, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable. I’ve made it for everything from weeknight dinners to potlucks to last-minute guests, and I swear, it disappears every single time. Here’s why it works so well and how you can tweak it to make it your own masterpiece:
- The noodles never disappoint: San Giorgio® Lasagna noodles are sturdy and reliable, which means no mushy mess in your baking dish. They hold up beautifully to layering and stay tender without falling apart.
- That slow-simmered sauce flavor (without the wait): You can totally use your favorite jarred marinara to keep things easy, but adding sautéed onions, garlic, and a touch of seasoning gives it that homemade depth without hours over the stove.
- Creamy, cheesy bliss: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan come together for the perfect balance of meltiness and flavor. And if you like it extra gooey, a little more cheese on top never hurt anyone.
- Meal-prep friendly: Assemble it ahead, freeze it for later, or stash some leftovers for easy lunches—this lasagna holds up wonderfully.
- Endlessly customizable:
- Vegetarian? Swap in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted eggplant.
- Gluten-free? Use gluten-free lasagna noodles, there are some great options out there that bake up just as well.
- Dairy-free? Try plant-based ricotta and mozzarella. There are some surprisingly good ones available these days!
- Low-carb? Consider using thin zucchini or eggplant slices in place of pasta for a veggie-forward twist.
So whether you’re sticking to the classic or getting a little adventurous, this recipe is your playground.
Recipe Card
San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium8
servings30
minutes50
minutes490
kcalA comforting, cheesy, and hearty lasagna layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and perfectly cooked San Giorgio® noodles. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or when you just want a taste of classic Italian-American goodness.
Ingredients
1 package (16 oz) San Giorgio® Lasagna noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 large eggs
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil lasagna noodles until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté onion in olive oil over medium heat for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix ricotta, eggs, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan in a bowl for the cheese filling.
- Assemble lasagna in a 9×13-inch baking dish:
– Spread thin layer of sauce
– Layer noodles
– Half of cheese mixture
– More sauce
– Repeat layers
– Top with noodles, sauce, and remaining mozzarella - Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake another 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Spray the underside of the foil with nonstick spray to prevent cheese from sticking.
- Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for more depth.
- Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze unbaked or baked lasagna for up to 2 months.
Pro Tips to Make Your Lasagna Even More Legendary
Even though this recipe is super approachable, there are a few tricks I’ve picked up over the years that make all the difference. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, these tips can help ensure your lasagna turns out perfect every single time:
- Layer smart, not hard: Always start and end with sauce. It prevents the noodles from sticking to the pan or drying out on top. Think of the sauce like a cozy blanket for your pasta.
- Don’t overboil the noodles: Cook them just until al dente. They’ll continue cooking in the oven, so you don’t want them too soft before baking or they’ll get mushy.
- Let it rest: I know it’s so tempting to dive in right away, but letting it sit for at least 10 minutes helps everything set. You’ll get clean slices and all those layers will stay intact.
- Grate your own cheese if possible: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and adds a creamier texture.
- Double it and freeze one: Lasagna is the ultimate make-ahead meal. Assemble a second one in a disposable foil pan, wrap tightly, and freeze it. You’ll thank yourself on a busy night.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta filling: This might sound odd, but a tiny pinch adds depth and warmth that plays beautifully with the cheese and tomato sauce.
These little touches can make your homemade lasagna taste like it came straight out of an Italian grandma’s kitchen.
FAQs
Yep, if you’re using the classic San Giorgio noodles, you’ll want to cook them until al dente before layering. Unless you’ve got the oven-ready kind, then you can skip the boiling!
Totally! Assemble it up to a day ahead, pop it in the fridge, and just add 10 extra minutes when baking.
Usually it’s too much sauce or not draining noodles well. Also, cooked veggies need a quick sauté to get rid of extra moisture. Letting it rest after baking helps too!
Give it 10–15 minutes after baking so the layers can set. It’s hard, but worth it!
Absolutely! Freeze it baked or unbaked, just wrap it tightly. Thaw in the fridge before reheating or baking.
Cottage cheese (blended), mascarpone, or even silken tofu if you’re going dairy-free all work great!
Let’s Wrap It Up!
And that’s a wrap on this cozy, cheesy classic! The San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe is one of those dishes that just feels like home, whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week. I hope this guide gave you the confidence to layer it up like a pro and maybe even put your own spin on it.
If you’re hungry for more comforting classics, you’ll love these too:
- Try the gooey and easy Chicken Gloria Recipe
- Looking for a veggie-packed starter? Don’t miss this Crock Pot Celery and Carrot Soup Recipe
- Craving more pasta? This Chicken Riggies Recipe is creamy, spicy, and totally addictive
Give this lasagna a try and let me know how it turns out, tag me on socials or drop a comment. I love seeing your creations!
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