Holiday Christmas Lasagna is a festive and hearty dish that combines layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese. Perfect for family gatherings and holiday celebrations, this lasagna is sure to impress your guests and become a cherished tradition!

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated, if possible)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or cooked)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Timing

Making Holiday Christmas Lasagna takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 45-60 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
2. Add Meats: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Layer Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
2. Add Noodles: Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by a layer of béchamel sauce, then a layer of meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
3. Repeat Layers: Continue layering in this order (noodles, béchamel, meat sauce, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel sauce and topping with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let it Rest: Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information

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

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	30g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	35g
Sugar	5g

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini into the meat sauce for added nutrition.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or provolone for varied flavors.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with a mix of roasted vegetables or lentils for a vegetarian version.

Storage Instructions

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

Conclusion

Holiday Christmas Lasagna is a comforting and festive dish that brings warmth and joy to your holiday table. Rich in flavor and easy to prepare, this lasagna will surely become a beloved tradition during the holiday season!