The first time I baked a San Giorgio lasagna for my family, it was gone before I even had a chance to put leftovers away. The bubbling cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta layers came together into something so comforting that everyone went back for seconds. My kids loved pulling stretchy strings of mozzarella off their plates, and my husband declared it “better than the box version.”
San Giorgio has been a trusted pasta brand for generations, and their lasagna recipe is as classic as it gets. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, a holiday, or just a weeknight when you’re craving comfort food, this lasagna always delivers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This San Giorgio lasagna is rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. You’ll love how easy it is to follow — no fancy techniques required, just classic layering and baking. The recipe uses familiar, affordable ingredients and makes a large dish that’s perfect for sharing. It’s also versatile: swap in veggies, change up the meat, or use different cheeses to suit your family’s tastes. With its comforting flavor and hearty texture, it’s a dish you’ll turn to again and again.
What You’ll Need
- 1 box (16 oz) San Giorgio lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Pro Tips
- Cook noodles until just al dente — they’ll soften further in the oven.
- Drain excess fat from the meat for a cleaner sauce.
- Mix egg into ricotta for a creamier, richer texture.
- Let lasagna rest 10–15 minutes after baking for easier slicing.
- Make extra — lasagna reheats beautifully and makes great leftovers.
Tools Required
- Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- Large skillet or saucepan (for sauce)
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Foil
- Sharp knife or spatula for serving
Substitutions & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a classic budget-friendly twist.
- Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for more veggies.
- Make it spicier with hot Italian sausage or red pepper flakes.
- Try a blend of cheeses like provolone or fontina along with mozzarella.
Make-Ahead Tips
Lasagna is a perfect make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 10–15 minutes to the cooking time. You can also freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Instructions
1. Cook the noodles
Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare meat sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add ground beef and sausage, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Mix ricotta filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
4. Assemble lasagna
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, followed by ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and more sauce. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and a final sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
5. Bake
Cover with foil (tent slightly so it doesn’t stick to cheese). Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Rest and serve
Let lasagna rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve lasagna with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete Italian-style meal. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed spinach. For special occasions, serve with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in foil and plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Benefits
Lasagna is indulgent, but it’s also balanced. It provides protein from beef, sausage, and cheese, carbs from pasta, and fiber from tomato sauce and optional vegetables. By making it at home, you control the ingredients, portion sizes, and can add more veggies for extra nutrients.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use no-boil noodles instead?
Yes, just follow the box directions — they save time and work well.
2. Do I have to use both beef and sausage?
No, you can use all beef or all sausage, but the combo gives great flavor.
3. How do I keep lasagna from being watery?
Drain meat well, simmer sauce until thick, and let lasagna rest before slicing.
4. Can I make lasagna vegetarian?
Yes, swap meat for mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
5. How do I get a golden cheese top?
Remove foil during the last 20 minutes of baking and broil briefly if needed.
A Family Classic to Share
This San Giorgio lasagna is hearty, cheesy, and packed with classic Italian flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, whether it’s for a Sunday family dinner or a special celebration. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a recipe that always feels special.
