Name: Christmas Eve Lasagna: 5 Layers of Holiday Comfort
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor); 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste; 1 cup tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained; 16 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 egg, beaten; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Christmas Eve Lasagna is the perfect holiday comfort dish. Layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, this classic lasagna will be the star of your Italian Christmas dinner. Whether you’re hosting family or friends, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy and impress.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Eve Lasagna

This holiday lasagna recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Here are six reasons why you will adore this dish:

It’s a one-dish wonder that feeds a crowd.
The combination of flavors is irresistible, making it a festive lasagna dish.
It can be made ahead of time, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Layer upon layer of cheese creates a gooey, comforting experience.
This dish is versatile, allowing for lasagna variations for the holidays.
It’s a traditional Christmas lasagna that brings families together.

Ingredients for Christmas Eve Lasagna

Gather these items:

1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg, beaten
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make Christmas Eve Lasagna Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 20–30 minutes.
Step 2: While the sauce simmers, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Preheat 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 lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of ricotta cheese mixture and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
Step 5: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Christmas Eve Lasagna

Keep these in mind:

Allow the lasagna to sit for a bit before slicing; this helps the layers set.
Feel free to use vegetarian Christmas lasagna ingredients like spinach or mushrooms for a different flavor.
Experiment with different cheeses for a unique taste.

Best Ways to Serve Christmas Eve Lasagna

This lasagna for Christmas dinner pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables for a festive touch. Adding a glass of red wine will elevate your meal, making it even more special.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Eve Lasagna

To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This makes for an excellent meal prep option, allowing you to enjoy this dish even after the holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Eve Lasagna

What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Eve Lasagna?

The secret lies in the layers. Make sure to use a rich sauce and quality cheeses. This balance is crucial for achieving that dreamy, gooey texture everyone loves.

Can I make Christmas Eve Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to bake it before serving for the best results.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Eve Lasagna?

Avoid overcooking the noodles; they should be al dente. Also, don’t skip the resting time after baking—this helps everything set nicely.

Variations of Christmas Eve Lasagna You Can Try

For a twist on the classic, consider making a homemade lasagna for Christmas with a white sauce or a vegetarian Christmas lasagna using seasonal vegetables. You can also experiment with different meats or add holiday flavors like nutmeg or sage for a festive touch.

Christmas Eve Lasagna: 5 Layers of Holiday Comfort - Christmas Eve Lasagna - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out our Small Batch Apple Pumpkin Muffins or Crumbl Caramel Apple Cookies.

Christmas Eve Lasagna: 5 Layers of Holiday Comfort - Christmas Eve Lasagna - additional detail

For more information on the benefits of homemade pasta, you can visit Serious Eats.

To explore more about the history of lasagna, check out History.com.