What is the secret ingredient in lasagne?

While the original San Giorgio lasagna recipe on box sticks to classic ingredients, many home cooks like to include one “secret” addition. A pinch of nutmeg in the ricotta, a splash of red wine in the sauce, or a Parmesan rind simmered with the marinara can all deepen the flavor. These subtle enhancements are optional but can make a big difference in overall taste.

Do you add eggs to ricotta when making lasagna?

Yes, and it’s a smart step. Adding one egg to the ricotta cheese helps bind the mixture, giving the cheese layer structure and keeping it from becoming runny during baking. This method is common in the San Giorgio lasagna recipe , especially when you want clean, firm slices that hold their shape.

What is the secret to a great lasagne?

Three things can take your lasagna from average to exceptional: 1-Season every layer individually 2-Ensure proper sauce-to-noodle ratios 3-Let the lasagna rest before cutting Whether you use boiled or no-boil noodles, letting the dish cool for 10–15 minutes helps it firm up and improves the presentation. These techniques align perfectly with the structure and simplicity of the San Giorgio lasagna recipe .

Is lasagna better with ricotta or cottage cheese?

Both have their fans. Ricotta gives a creamy, traditional texture and is the default for the original San Giorgio lasagna recipe . Cottage cheese offers a lighter, slightly tangier alternative that’s often used in health-conscious or high-protein versions. For best results, blend cottage cheese to smooth out the texture or combine it with ricotta for a balanced mix.

San Giorgio Lasagna Recipe: 7 Easy Steps to the Best Classic Bake

Description

A beloved American classic with layers of pasta, meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella, inspired by the original San Giorgio lasagna recipe on the box.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box San Giorgio lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
1 lb ground beef
2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg (optional, for cheese mix)
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg (if using), Parmesan, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
If using regular noodles: boil until al dente, drain, and set aside. If using oven-ready noodles, skip boiling.
Assemble lasagna in a baking dish: spread sauce, layer noodles, spread ricotta mixture, add meat sauce, sprinkle mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with sauce and mozzarella on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use oven-ready noodles for a faster version. Add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta for extra depth. To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate or freeze before baking. For best results, let lasagna rest before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pan)
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: san giorgio lasagna recipe, classic lasagna, oven ready lasagna, ricotta cheese lasagna