Classic San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe You’ll Make Forever

There’s something deeply comforting about a bubbling tray of lasagna emerging from the oven. This san giorgio lasagna recipe brings that comfort straight to your table, with tender noodles, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and golden, gooey cheese. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a make-ahead crowd-pleaser, this timeless baked pasta is about to become a staple in your home.

A Warm Welcome to This San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe

Few dishes say “home” quite like a pan of san giorgio lasagna recipe—aromatic, hearty, and steeped in tradition. It’s more than dinner; it’s a ritual. The scent of garlic and tomato sauce wafting through the kitchen, the bubbling edges of cheese, and the satisfied hush that falls over the table after that first bite—these are the moments that make this dish unforgettable.

What Makes This San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe So Special?

Layers of Flavor and History

Lasagna has long been a cherished staple of Italian-American kitchens, but there’s a reason this san giorgio lasagna recipe has endured across generations. With the trusted quality of San Giorgio® pasta as its backbone, this version honors the classic method: slow-cooked meat sauce, seasoned ricotta, tender noodles, and perfectly melted mozzarella. It’s a blend of authenticity and reliability that works every time.

San Giorgio® has been a pantry icon since 1914, known for its firm, consistent pasta that cooks up beautifully every time. Using their lasagna noodles ensures a smooth layering process, essential for that signature structure and satisfying bite.

Texture, Aroma, and Comfort

This lasagna hits every note: the tomato sauce simmers with aromatic herbs, the ricotta mixture is lightly seasoned for balance, and the mozzarella stretches with every slice. There’s a crisp edge on the corners for texture lovers and a rich, cheesy center for everyone else. One bite, and you’re transported—no passport required.

Ingredients for the Best San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe

Cheese, Sauce, and Pasta Harmony

• 1 box San Giorgio® Lasagna noodles (16 oz)
• 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Fresh Herbs and Pantry Staples

• Olive oil – for sautéing aromatics and giving richness to the sauce
• Tomato paste – adds deep umami flavor and thickness
• Fresh parsley – balances the richness with herbaceous freshness
• Red pepper flakes – optional kick for those who like a little heat
• Egg – helps bind the ricotta mixture for a firmer texture when sliced

Every item is purpose-driven. From the depth of the tomato paste to the melt of mozzarella, this lasagna’s flavor builds with every layer.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Lasagna Success

Bakeware, Spoons, and Prep Gear

• Large pot – for boiling noodles evenly without sticking
• Deep 9×13-inch baking dish – essential for tall layers and bubbling cheese
• Large skillet or sauté pan – to brown beef and develop flavor in the sauce
• Wooden spoon – gentle on cookware, perfect for stirring sauces
• Mixing bowls – for ricotta and layering prep
• Slotted spoon – to drain meat if needed without losing flavor
• Aluminum foil – to cover lasagna during initial baking and prevent over-browning
• Sharp knife or bench scraper – to get clean slices once cooled

Having the right tools ensures both ease and precision—from even noodle cooking to clean slices on your dinner plate. The deep pan, in particular, gives you room to build true layers, not just flattened layers of sauce and noodles.

Smart Ingredient Swaps for Dietary Needs

Vegetarian? Gluten-Free? We’ve Got You

This san giorgio lasagna recipe is beautifully adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs or just making the most of what’s in your kitchen, here are some seamless swaps:

• Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and sauté a medley of finely diced mushrooms (cremini, portobello, shiitake) with onion and garlic. Add lentils or plant-based crumbles for extra texture and protein.
• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure your tomato products are gluten-safe (some jarred sauces can contain thickeners with gluten).
• Dairy-Free: Substitute ricotta with almond- or tofu-based alternatives, and use vegan mozzarella-style shreds.
• Lower Sodium: Use no-salt-added tomatoes and low-sodium chicken broth; season gradually with salt so you stay in control.

These swaps don’t compromise flavor—they simply meet you where you are in your kitchen or lifestyle.

Budget-Friendly Substitutions

High-quality ingredients don’t have to break the bank. Consider:

• Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
• Store-brand cheeses (as long as they melt well)
• A quick DIY ricotta: strain plain whole-milk cottage cheese for a similar texture
• Use dried parsley if fresh isn’t available (just halve the amount)

Remember, the soul of this san giorgio lasagna recipe lies in its layers—not any one premium ingredient.

How to Make This San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe Step-by-Step

Time to bring it all together. The secret to this lasagna is not just layering, but layering with intention—each step builds flavor and structure.

❶ Sauce Prep & Noodle Boil

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook San Giorgio® lasagna noodles according to the box, then drain and lay them flat on parchment to avoid sticking.

In a deep skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Drain excess fat, if needed. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute—it intensifies flavor.

Now add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Season with basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and fragrant.

The result? A robust, velvety sauce with deep flavor and balanced acidity.

❷ Cheese Mixture & Layering

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, one beaten egg, and chopped parsley. Stir gently until smooth—this creamy mix adds richness between layers.

Now assemble the lasagna in a greased 9×13″ baking dish:

1. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce across the bottom.
2. Add a single layer of noodles (usually 3–4 strips).
3. Spread a third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
4. Sprinkle a generous handful of mozzarella.
5. Repeat layers—sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella—two more times.
6. End with noodles, a final layer of sauce, remaining mozzarella, and all the grated Parmesan on top.

The layering is more than repetition—it’s balance. Each noodle acts as a structural support; each cheese layer binds flavors and holds moisture; the sauce carries everything in a rich, tomatoey embrace.

❸ Baking & Resting

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil (to prevent over-browning) and bake for 30 minutes.

Then, uncover and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. You’ll know it’s perfect when the corners are crispy and the aroma fills the room.

Resist the urge to cut right in! Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes. This gives the layers time to set, making for cleaner slices and a better texture overall.

Once set, slice with a sharp knife or bench scraper and lift each square out with a wide spatula. That first bite? A perfect union of savory meat, creamy cheese, and tender pasta—comfort layered by hand.

How to Serve Your San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe

Family-Style or Individual Portions?

Once your san giorgio lasagna recipe has rested and settled into its signature layered form, it’s time to serve. For family dinners or casual gatherings, go for generous, family-style squares—big, hearty portions that showcase the lasagna’s vertical layers. A wide spatula works best to lift each slice cleanly, preserving the stacked beauty.

Hosting something more elegant? Let the lasagna cool slightly longer, then trim the edges and cut uniform squares or rectangles. Use a drizzle of warmed tomato sauce and a touch of grated Parmesan for plating finesse. Add a sprig of parsley or fresh basil for color contrast.

This recipe yields 12 servings, making it ideal for holidays, potlucks, or Sunday dinners with leftovers to spare.

Best Side Dishes & Drinks

Lasagna is a star, but its supporting cast makes the meal sing. Try these pairing ideas:

• Garlic bread or crusty Italian rolls – perfect for mopping up sauce
• Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad – to cut the richness with brightness
• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli – for something warm and wholesome
• Sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or a non-alcoholic sangria – bright, palate-cleansing options

Serving lasagna is more than plating—it’s crafting a full experience. You want every bite to land just right, balanced and memorable.

Pro Tips for Lasagna That Wows Every Time

Avoid Soggy Layers

There are three key things that can make a lasagna watery—and we’re going to dodge all of them:

1. Drain the beef well before adding tomato sauce. Excess grease equals a greasy base.
2. Simmer the sauce until thickened—don’t rush this. Watery sauce leads to slippery layers.
3. Let it rest. Cutting lasagna too soon causes it to slide apart. The 15-minute rest is your secret weapon for structure.

Bonus tip: If using frozen spinach or mushrooms in vegetarian versions, squeeze out all moisture before layering.

Flavor Boosters That Matter

Want to level up without changing the recipe? Here are five subtle ways to amplify flavor:

• Add a spoonful of balsamic vinegar to your sauce for deeper umami
• Stir in a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta for warmth
• Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for brightness at the end
• Toast your tomato paste for a minute before adding liquids—it makes all the difference
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan between layers, not just on top

These tweaks make your san giorgio lasagna recipe go from delicious to unforgettable—without complicating the process.

Storing and Reheating This Lasagna Like a Pro

Fridge, Freezer, and Reheat Guide

Lasagna stores exceptionally well, making it ideal for batch cooking. Here’s how to handle leftovers:

In the fridge

• Let lasagna cool completely
• Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer to an airtight container
• Store up to 5 days
• Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes or until heated through

In the freezer

• Portion into squares or freeze whole
• Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, or use a freezer-safe container
• Label with the date
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheat from frozen at 375°F covered for 45–60 minutes, then uncover for 10 to crisp the top

Pro move: Use parchment between slices before freezing to keep them from sticking together. It’s the small steps that save big time later.

How Long It Lasts & Best Containers

• Fridge: 4–5 days in sealed glass or BPA-free plastic
• Freezer: Up to 3 months
• Best containers: Stackable glass dishes with lids or disposable aluminum pans (for freezing whole lasagna)

And don’t forget: this san giorgio lasagna recipe tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Some would say the leftovers are the reward for your effort.

FAQ: San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe Answers

Can I use no-boil noodles instead of traditional ones?

Yes, but proceed with care. No-boil noodles can be used in this san giorgio lasagna recipe, but they require more sauce and even layering to ensure proper cooking. You’ll want the sauce to be a bit looser, as it needs to hydrate the noodles while baking. Covering the lasagna tightly with foil during the first 30 minutes is also critical—it traps steam to help soften the pasta.

For best results, allow the assembled lasagna to rest for 30 minutes before baking, giving the noodles time to absorb moisture evenly.

How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Three simple steps:

1. Drain the beef thoroughly after browning.
2. Simmer the sauce until it’s thick and rich—don’t rush this.
3. Let the lasagna rest after baking. This isn’t optional. A 15-minute rest firms everything up and prevents the dreaded sloppy slice.

Also, if you’re using vegetables like spinach or zucchini, squeeze out as much liquid as possible before layering.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This san giorgio lasagna recipe is a meal-prepper’s dream. Assemble it fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to knock the chill off before placing it in the oven.

To freeze unbaked lasagna, wrap it in multiple layers of plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, remove plastic, keep the foil, and bake from frozen—just add 20–30 minutes to your bake time. The flavor and structure hold up beautifully.

Final Thoughts on the San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe

A Dish That Feels Like Home

There’s a reason this san giorgio lasagna recipe keeps showing up at Sunday dinners, holiday tables, and weeknight leftovers. It’s dependable, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying. It doesn’t ask for trendy ingredients or complicated techniques—just time, care, and the joy of feeding people you love.

Whether you’re learning to layer for the first time or refining a decades-old method, this version has your back. The richness of the sauce, the warmth of the cheese, the chew of perfectly cooked pasta—it all comes together in a pan that says: this is what home tastes like.

Make it once, and you’ll make it forever.

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More Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved this Classic San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe, try one of these next for more hearty, home-style inspiration:

• Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe from Longhorn – Juicy chicken with a golden, cheesy crust that’s pure comfort food.
• Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole – Creamy, cozy, and straight from the Southern kitchen.
• Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole – A cheesy, bacon-packed bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Cheesecake Factory Louisiana Chicken Pasta Recipe – Spicy and creamy, this pasta brings bold flavor to your table.

These dishes offer the same heartwarming satisfaction and are sure to become new family favorites alongside your classic lasagna.