Christmas Lasagna
Christmas Lasagna is a festive twist on the traditional Italian dish, perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of pasta, cheese, rich meat sauce, and creamy béchamel combine to create a deliciously comforting meal. Often, Christmas Lasagna includes holiday-themed ingredients or vibrant red and green layers to embrace the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This lasagna is ideal for feeding a crowd, making it perfect for Christmas dinners. Its hearty layers and comforting flavors create a cozy, festive dish that’s sure to impress.
Key Ingredients:
- Lasagna Noodles: Pre-cooked or fresh pasta sheets.
- Meat Sauce: Made with ground beef, Italian sausage, and a tomato-based sauce with hints of garlic and herbs.
- Cheese: A blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan gives the lasagna its creamy, melty texture.
- Béchamel Sauce: A smooth, creamy white sauce to balance the rich meat layer.
- Spinach or Pesto (optional): For a green layer that adds both flavor and color to fit the Christmas theme.
How to Make Christmas Lasagna:
- Prepare the Sauces: Cook the meat sauce until rich and flavorful, then make the béchamel for creaminess.
- Layer the Lasagna: Start with a thin layer of sauce, then alternate between pasta sheets, meat sauce, cheese, and béchamel.
- Bake: Cook in the oven until the top is golden and bubbly, usually about 45 minutes at 375°F.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest before cutting to help the layers set.
Tips & Tricks:
- Make Ahead: Lasagna can be prepared the day before and baked just before serving.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat sauce for a rich vegetable ragu or mushroom-based sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this lasagna with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete holiday meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze Christmas lasagna? Yes, lasagna freezes very well and can be baked directly from frozen.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze portions for later.
Christmas Lasagna is a warm, comforting dish that embodies the spirit of the holidays. Whether you make it with traditional meat or opt for a vegetarian version, it’s sure to be a hit at your holiday table!
looking for more christmas dinner ideas ?
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- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite
- Cheese and Herb Potato Gratin: A Decadent Comfort Dish
- Herb-Crusted Prime Rib
Christmas Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cans 15 oz each tomato sauce
- 1 can 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Other:
- 12 lasagna noodles cooked
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella for topping
Instructions
Prepare the meat sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Prepare the cheese mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Lay 3 cooked lasagna noodles on top. Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers twice more.
- For the final layer, top with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake the lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Rest and serve:
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
This Christmas Lasagna is a hearty, festive dish perfect for holiday gatherings, with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles!
