San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna is a beloved dish that has graced family tables for generations. With its layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and perfectly cooked noodles, it is a meal that brings people together. San Giorgio Lasagna, known for its high-quality pasta, adds a special touch to this classic dish. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious, hearty lasagna that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (6-ounce) cans tomato paste
• 2 (6.5-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 16 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Lasagna Assembly:

• 12 San Giorgio lasagna noodles
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is tender.
2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water.
3. Add sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley.
4. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Preparing the Cheese Mixture:

1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Mix until well blended.

Cooking the Lasagna Noodles:

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the San Giorgio lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Assembling the Lasagna:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Place 6 noodles over the sauce.
4. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
5. Top with a third of the mozzarella cheese slices.
6. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
7. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Baking the Lasagna:

1. Cover with foil to prevent sticking (spray foil with cooking spray to prevent it from sticking to the cheese).
2. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
3. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes.
4. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

San Giorgio Lasagna pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple dessert like tiramisu or cannoli. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, complements the rich flavors of the lasagna.

Tips and Variations

• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini into the layers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with a mix of roasted vegetables or a plant-based meat alternative.
• Make-Ahead and Freezing: Prepare the lasagna ahead of time and freeze it before baking. When ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
• Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version or opt for low-fat cheese to reduce the calorie content.

Conclusion

Making San Giorgio Lasagna is a rewarding culinary experience that results in a delicious, comforting meal. This recipe combines the quality of San Giorgio pasta with a rich meat sauce and creamy cheese layers to create a dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the process of making and sharing this lasagna, and explore other recipes using San Giorgio products to enhance your cooking repertoire.