Name: Christmas Eve Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 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; 9–12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular); 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Extra Parmesan cheese for topping; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Ingredients

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

15 ounces ricotta cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)

9–12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or regular)

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Extra Parmesan cheese for topping

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: 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.

Step 2: 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 3: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.

Step 5: Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, then a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: 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 7: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.

Step 8: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 9: Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Use no-boil noodles to save time and skip the pre-cooking step.

For a richer sauce, add a splash of red wine while simmering.

Try substituting ground turkey or a plant-based meat for a lighter version.

Mix in chopped spinach or mushrooms into the cheese mixture for extra nutrients.

Let the lasagna rest after baking to help it set and make slicing easier.

Storage

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot. You can also freeze lasagna for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna the day before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake as directed when ready to serve.

Do I need to precook regular lasagna noodles?

If using regular dried noodles, cook them according to the package instructions before assembling the lasagna. No-boil noodles can be used directly without pre-cooking.