san giorgio lasagna recipe

Lasagna, with its layers of pasta, rich sauces, and melted cheese, is a timeless classic that has delighted taste buds for generations. Among the myriad variations of this beloved dish, the San Giorgio Lasagna stands out for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner, a festive gathering, or simply indulging in a comfort food craving, this San Giorgio Lasagna recipe will surely impress. This article will guide you through every step of making this delicious lasagna, ensuring your culinary success.

 

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Ingredients for San Giorgio Lasagna

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 pound of Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 ounces each) of crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans (6 ounces each) of tomato paste
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) of tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup of water
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of dried basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley

For the Cheese Filling:

• 16 ounces of ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

For Assembling the Lasagna:

• 1 package (16 ounces) of San Giorgio lasagna noodles
• 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound of mozzarella cheese, shredded

Preparing the Meat Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Meat

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onions over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onions are tender. This should take about 10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the pot. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Next, add the sugar, dried basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Final Touches

In the last 30 minutes of simmering, add the chopped fresh parsley to the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. The meat sauce should be thick and flavorful, perfect for layering in your lasagna.

Preparing the Cheese Filling

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped fresh parsley, and salt. Use a spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients until they are well combined. This cheese filling will add a creamy, rich layer to your lasagna.

Assembling the Lasagna

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the San Giorgio lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel to dry.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping the edges.

Step 3: Add Cheese Filling and Meat Sauce

Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Then, sprinkle with one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Next, spoon a generous amount of the meat sauce over the cheese layer. Repeat these layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce until you have used all the ingredients, ending with a final layer of meat sauce.

Step 4: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the top layer with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. You can spray the underside of the foil with a little cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to the cheese.

Baking the Lasagna

Step 1: Bake Covered

Place the covered lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This initial baking time allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt perfectly.

Step 2: Bake Uncovered

After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges. If you prefer a more browned top, you can broil the lasagna for a few minutes at the end, but be careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Rest and Serve

Once the lasagna is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut and serve. Use a sharp knife to slice the lasagna into squares and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect San Giorgio Lasagna

Tip 1: Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality ingredients is key to a delicious lasagna. Opt for fresh herbs, good-quality meat, and authentic San Giorgio lasagna noodles to ensure the best flavor and texture.

Tip 2: Make Ahead

Lasagna can be time-consuming to prepare, so consider making it ahead of time. You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Tip 3: Freezing Lasagna

San Giorgio Lasagna freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. To freeze, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Tip 4: Serving Suggestions

Lasagna pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tip 5: Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and warm it in the oven until heated through.