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San Giorgio Lasagna: The Ultimate Recipe for a Classic Italian Dish


  • Author: Dottie
  • Total Time: 90 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy a comforting classic with this lasagna, featuring layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
  • 2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  3. Next, add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks (about 8-10 minutes).
  4. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce.
  5. Add the sugar, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
  6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. While the meat sauce is simmering, in a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until fully incorporated. Set aside.
  8. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
  9. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
  12. Place 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.
  13. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella cheese and a quarter of the meat sauce.
  14. Repeat the layering process: add another layer of 4 noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the mozzarella, and another quarter of the meat sauce.
  15. For the final layer, place the last 4 noodles on top, spread the remaining meat sauce over them, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  16. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese.
  17. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  18. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  19. Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it sit for about 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • For added flavor, consider adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
  • This lasagna can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes