Lasagna night was always something special growing up. The kitchen would fill with the aroma of bubbling tomato sauce and layers of pasta, and I knew something comforting was coming to the table. One of my earliest memories is watching my mom gently lay down each noodle, spreading the cheese like she was painting a masterpiece. That’s exactly the feeling this San Giorgio lasagna recipe brings back. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner or feeding a crowd, this dish is all about hearty flavor and family love — and it all starts with the classic San Giorgio lasagna noodles.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe Brings Back Memories
A Sunday Dinner Tradition Reimagined
There’s just something about lasagna that says home. In our house, the San Giorgio lasagna recipe wasn’t just food — it was a tradition. Every layer had its moment. The noodles, perfectly firm but never mushy. The sauce, slow-simmered with ground beef and rich tomato paste. And the cheese? Oh, that golden, bubbly finish was everyone’s favorite part. This dish brought us together, no matter how busy the week had been. It was a guarantee that Sunday dinner would mean second helpings and plenty of laughter.
And while I’ve experimented with dishes like penne pomodoro and jammy eggs for quick meals, nothing beats the old-school comfort of a hot tray of San Giorgio lasagna on the table.
What Makes the San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe So Classic
San Giorgio lasagna noodles are known for their reliable texture and ability to hold up under layers of sauce and cheese. What makes this recipe stand out is how simple ingredients come together for something truly satisfying. You start with quality ground beef or Italian sausage, your favorite marinara or homemade tomato sauce, and a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, egg, and herbs.
The magic is in the layering. Start with sauce, then pasta, then cheese — and repeat. The final sprinkle of mozzarella turns golden in the oven and seals in the rich, comforting flavor you expect from a lasagna done right.
This isn’t the time to cut corners. Use full-fat ricotta, a well-seasoned meat sauce, and make sure your noodles are slightly al dente before baking. If you love cheesy comfort food as much as I do, check out my cottage cheese pizza bowl or even my fluffy cottage cheese cloud bread for another creamy bite.
How to Make San Giorgio Lasagna Step-by-Step
Essential Ingredients and Best Pasta Tips
A great San Giorgio lasagna recipe starts with choosing quality ingredients. You’ll need one box of San Giorgio lasagna noodles, ground beef or sweet Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes or your go-to pasta sauce, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a couple of eggs to help bind the cheese mixture.
Boil the noodles according to the box directions, but shave off one minute of cook time so they stay firm in the oven. Drain and lay them flat on parchment or a lightly oiled baking sheet to prevent sticking. The pasta is the backbone of this dish, so make sure it holds up during baking and slicing. Using San Giorgio noodles guarantees sturdy, wide pasta that handles layers beautifully.
If you’re cooking with kids or new to homemade lasagna, prep all ingredients before assembly. A clean counter and ready bowls of meat, cheese, and sauce make this process stress-free. I like pairing it with a side of baked boneless chicken thighs or tossing together a quick salad.
Building the Layers: Meat, Cheese, and Sauce Harmony
Now, onto the layering. This is where the San Giorgio lasagna recipe really shines. Start with a generous scoop of meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish — it keeps the noodles from sticking. Next, lay down a row of noodles, slightly overlapping. Then add a layer of ricotta mixture (ricotta, egg, parsley, salt, pepper), followed by mozzarella and Parmesan.
Repeat: sauce, noodles, cheese. You should end with sauce and a thick blanket of shredded mozzarella on top. Don’t skimp here — that bubbly, golden crust is what gets people racing to the dinner table.
Bake the lasagna uncovered at 375°F for about 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set and makes serving easier.
And yes, it reheats like a dream. Make two trays and freeze one — your future self will thank you. I often serve mine with air fryer sweet potato cubes or a slice of fresh garlic bread.
By following this San Giorgio lasagna recipe, you’ll get consistent results every time. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or any night when you’re craving a real meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Lasagna Every Time
Ricotta or Cottage Cheese: Which One to Choose?
When making a traditional San Giorgio lasagna recipe, one of the most debated questions is whether to use ricotta or cottage cheese. Growing up, my family always used ricotta — its creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor made every bite feel indulgent. But over the years, I’ve tested both, and there’s no shame in choosing cottage cheese, especially if you’re after a lighter, tangier finish.
Ricotta gives you that authentic Italian feel — rich and smooth with a mild profile that blends beautifully with meat and sauce. It’s the classic choice for a reason. But if you’re looking to cut calories or want a fluffier texture, cottage cheese works too. Just make sure to drain it well or blend it slightly for a smoother consistency.
In fact, my fluffy cottage cheese cloud bread and cottage cheese pizza bowl are great examples of how versatile cottage cheese can be. So if you’re in a pinch or prefer its flavor, go for it — this San Giorgio lasagna recipe is flexible enough to welcome either option.
What’s the Best Temperature to Bake Lasagna?
You’ve layered your noodles, meat, and cheese — now it’s time to bake. A common question is whether to bake lasagna at 350°F or 375°F. The best answer for this San Giorgio lasagna recipe? Go with 375°F for that golden, bubbling top without overcooking the inside.
At 375°F, the lasagna bakes evenly, giving the noodles just the right texture while allowing the cheese to melt and brown perfectly. Bake it uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly browned. If your oven runs hot, you can loosely tent foil over the top during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning.
Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This makes a big difference in how the lasagna holds together. Cutting too soon causes everything to slide, making it look messy — though still delicious.
Trust this method and your San Giorgio lasagna recipe will deliver every time. Pair it with something simple like air fryer chicken breast or a side of steamed green beans for a complete, satisfying meal.
FAQ
What are the ingredients in San Giorgio lasagna?
The essential ingredients for a traditional San Giorgio lasagna recipe include San Giorgio lasagna noodles, ground beef or sausage, marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes, ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, and a few herbs like parsley, basil, and oregano. The quality of each ingredient matters. If you want a creamier base, swap ricotta for cottage cheese — it’s what I do in my fluffy banana cottage cheese pancakes for that smooth bite.
What is the secret to a great lasagne?
The real secret? Balance and patience. Don’t rush the layering. Make sure each layer of your San Giorgio lasagna recipe has enough sauce, cheese, and noodles. Undercook the noodles slightly so they hold their shape. Always let the lasagna rest before cutting. And use full-fat cheese — it melts better and gives that rich flavor we all crave. I apply the same slow-and-steady approach when making marry me chickpeas, letting flavors develop.
Is lasagna better with ricotta or cottage cheese?
Both work well, but ricotta is the traditional choice for a creamy, smooth layer that binds everything together. Cottage cheese is lighter, tangier, and often preferred by those watching fat or calories. Some even mix the two for a middle ground. The good news? The San Giorgio lasagna recipe works beautifully with either.
Should you bake lasagna at 350 or 375?
Bake at 375°F for the best results. This temperature allows the cheese to melt perfectly and gives a bubbly, golden finish without drying the dish out. Just be sure to rest the lasagna after baking so everything sets — this step makes your San Giorgio lasagna recipe sliceable and satisfying.
Conclusion
Lasagna is more than just dinner — it’s a dish full of memories. With this San Giorgio lasagna recipe, you get a classic, reliable meal that’s loved by kids, comfort food seekers, and anyone who needs a taste of home. Whether you use ricotta or cottage cheese, go with meat or keep it vegetarian, the key is layering with love.
Need something to serve on the side? I love pairing it with air fryer sweet potato cubes or keeping it light with a simple salad.
Try this recipe once and it may just become your go-to for holidays, potlucks, or any night you want something truly satisfying.
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Easy San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: Classic, Cheesy, Family Favorite
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and easy San Giorgio lasagna recipe with layers of cheese, meat, and classic tomato sauce — a family favorite!
Ingredients
1 box San Giorgio lasagna noodles
1 lb ground beef or sausage
2 cups marinara or crushed tomatoes
15 oz ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Boil San Giorgio noodles until al dente, then drain.
3. In a skillet, brown the meat and drain excess fat.
4. Add marinara sauce to meat and simmer.
5. In a bowl, mix ricotta, eggs, basil, salt, and pepper.
6. In a 9×13 dish, spread meat sauce on the bottom.
7. Layer noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella, and sauce. Repeat layers.
8. Finish with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
9. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes.
10. Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Letting the lasagna rest is key for clean slices.
You can freeze an entire tray before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
