As someone who loves getting stuck into the kitchen just as much as shouting orders in a bustling restaurant, I’ve come to appreciate the art of making a truly great lasagna. It’s not just about layering noodles and sauce; it’s a craft, an art form that, when done right, can bring the house down. Today, I’m going to share with you a San Giorgio lasagna recipe that is straightforward but will taste like you’ve been slaving away at the stove all day.
San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe Overview
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
- Total Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You don’t need fancy equipment to make a killer lasagna, but a few basics will get you there:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Large saucepan
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Cheese grater
- Aluminium foil
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| San Giorgio lasagna noodles | 12 noodles |
| Ricotta cheese | 15 oz |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 3 cups |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Crushed tomatoes | 28 oz can |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh basil, chopped | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
Fact: Did you know lasagna originated in Ancient Greece? The name comes from the Greek word ‘lasanon’ which means pot. The Romans took the recipe and ran with it, turning it into the delicious layers we know today.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Lasagna Noodles
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the San Giorgio lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a sheet of aluminum foil to prevent sticking.
Note: Always add a splash of olive oil to the boiling water to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Step 2 – Make the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and brown it.
- Stir in the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and herbs. Simmer the sauce for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Warning: Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers; a burnt sauce can ruin your lasagna!
Step 3 – Mix the Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and an egg.
- Stir well until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
Step 4 – Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer four cooked noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a third of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Repeat the layers twice, ending with a layer of noodles, and top with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Tip: Sprinkling some Parmesan on top adds a lovely crispy texture to the final product.
Additional Tips
- For the best flavor, let the meat sauce simmer for an extra 10 minutes if you have time.
- If the lasagna starts to look too brown on top while baking, cover it with foil.
Pairing Suggestions
A dish as hearty as lasagna pairs beautifully with something light. Here are a few suggestions:
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Garlic bread
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 580 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 90 mg |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
Approximation: These values are approximations and may vary depending on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Dietary Information
This San Giorgio lasagna recipe is hearty and filling. It’s perfect for meat-lovers but can be easily adapted for vegetarians by substituting the ground beef with a meat alternative like cooked lentils or a plant-based mince.
FAQs about San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe
What can I do if my lasagna comes out too dry?
Add more sauce! Ensuring there’s enough sauce to cover each layer prevents the lasagna from drying out. Make sure the top layer is generously sauced and covered with cheese to seal in moisture.
How long can I store leftover lasagna?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, leftover San Giorgio lasagna can last for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s tightly covered or stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
Absolutely! Lasagna freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep for about 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Is it necessary to boil the noodles before assembling the lasagna?
Yes, for this recipe, boiling the noodles first prevents them from absorbing too much sauce and becoming soggy.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. For a sharper taste, try adding some aged provolone or asiago.
Can I make this lasagna gluten-free?
Swap out the regular noodles for gluten-free lasagna noodles available at most grocery stores.
What’s the best way to layer the ingredients?
Always start with a base layer of sauce to prevent the noodles from sticking to the pan. Alternate between noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce for the best results.
Conclusion
Creating a delicious San Giorgio lasagna doesn’t have to be intimidating. With these steps, you’ll serve up a dish that’s bursting with flavors, perfectly layered with creamy cheese, rich sauce, and tender pasta. Whether for a family dinner or a comforting meal, this lasagna promises to satisfy.
Feel free to leave comments, questions, or feedback on this recipe below! Let’s get cooking and enjoy the process as much as the final dish!
Check out some more delicious main dish recipes:
- Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe
- Crispitos Recipe – A Delicious Journey
- Taro Burger Recipe: A Flavorful Delight
- Cry Baby Noodles Recipe
- Ukrops Chicken Salad Recipe
- Chicken Modiga Recipe
San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Large saucepan
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Cheese grater
- Aluminium foil
Ingredients
- 12 San Giorgio lasagna noodles
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese
- 3 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large Egg
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 medium Onion finely chopped
- 2 Garlic cloves minced
- 28 oz can Crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Fresh basil chopped
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Lasagna Noodles
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the San Giorgio lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a sheet of aluminum foil to prevent sticking.
- Note: Always add a splash of olive oil to the boiling water to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Step 2 – Make the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and brown it.
- Stir in the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and herbs. Simmer the sauce for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Warning: Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers; a burnt sauce can ruin your lasagna!
Step 3 – Mix the Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and an egg.
- Stir well until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
Step 4 – Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer four cooked noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a third of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Repeat the layers twice, ending with a layer of noodles, and top with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Tip: Sprinkling some Parmesan on top adds a lovely crispy texture to the final product.
Notes
- For the best flavor, let the meat sauce simmer for an extra 10 minutes if you have time.
- If the lasagna starts to look too brown on top while baking, cover it with foil.
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