Christmas Eve Lasagna is a festive and hearty dish that layers rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and flavorful herbs. This classic Italian comfort food is perfect for holiday gatherings and will delight your family and friends!

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 9-12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan cheese for topping
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Timing

Making Christmas Eve Lasagna takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 45 minutes to bake.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or sausage) with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. Mix Cheese Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
2. Add Noodles: Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
3. Spread Cheese Mixture: Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce, and then a layer of mozzarella cheese.
4. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce topped with mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray) and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and Enjoy: Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Christmas Eve Lasagna (per serving, based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	30g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	35g
Sugar	6g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian lasagna.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as ricotta, cottage cheese, or goat cheese for a unique flavor.
• Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Christmas Eve Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Conclusion

Christmas Eve Lasagna is a delightful dish that brings warmth and joy to your holiday table. Its layers of flavor and comforting ingredients make it a perfect centerpiece for your Christmas Eve celebration!

FAQs

Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What can I serve with this lasagna?

This lasagna pairs well with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.