Christmas Eve Lasagna

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Every Christmas Eve, I find myself returning to the same comforting tradition: a bubbling dish of homemade lasagna, rich with layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. It’s the kind of meal that brings the whole family together, wrapped in the warmth of nostalgia and the delicious scent of something truly special baking in the oven.

This Christmas Eve Lasagna isn’t just a recipe — it’s a ritual. A centerpiece that fills the table and the heart. It has the perfect balance of flavor and texture, with each layer carefully assembled to create something unforgettable. If you’ve never made lasagna from scratch for the holidays, this is the one to try. It’s hearty, festive, and so worth the effort.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Eve Lasagna

This lasagna is a labor of love, but every step leads to a melt-in-your-mouth payoff. You’ll love how the layers meld together — the richness of the meat sauce, the creaminess of the cheese blend, and the tender bite of perfectly cooked noodles. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s ideal for prepping ahead, which makes holiday hosting just a little easier.

What Kind of Noodles Should I Use?

While traditional lasagna noodles are the classic choice (boiled to al dente), you can also use oven-ready noodles if you’re looking to save time. I’ve tried both, and while I prefer the slightly firmer texture of boiled noodles, the oven-ready variety works great in a pinch. Just be sure to use enough sauce to keep the layers moist.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re catering to different diets, this lasagna can be easily adapted. Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or go meatless with a hearty vegetable ragu using mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. You can also use cottage cheese in place of ricotta if that’s what you have on hand. For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free lasagna noodles, and for a lighter dish, try part-skim mozzarella and ricotta.

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Ingredients for this Christmas Eve Lasagna

Ground Beef – A hearty base for the meat sauce that gives the lasagna its rich, savory flavor.

Onion – Finely chopped and sautéed with the beef to build a flavorful foundation.

Garlic – Adds a bold, aromatic depth that ties the meat sauce together.

Crushed Tomatoes – The backbone of the sauce, providing body and acidity.

Tomato Paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.

Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that infuse the sauce with classic Italian notes.

Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning each component to perfection.

Ricotta Cheese – Creamy and smooth, it forms one of the key layers in the lasagna.

Egg – Mixed with the ricotta to help it set and maintain structure.

Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded for melt-in-your-mouth texture across each cheesy layer.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds a sharp, salty contrast that enhances all the flavors.

Lasagna Noodles – The structural layers that hold everything together, cooked until al dente.

Fresh Basil or Parsley – Chopped and sprinkled on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

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Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 7–10 minutes. Drain excess fat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese with one beaten egg, a pinch of salt, and a handful of grated Parmesan. Stir until fully combined. This mixture will help bind the layers and add creamy richness.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Layer the Lasagna

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of noodles, then spoon over some of the ricotta mixture, sprinkle with mozzarella, and spoon more meat sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

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