Description
This Christmas Eve Lasagna recipe features a rich, hearty meat sauce combined with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, layered between tender lasagna noodles and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly baked to golden bubbly perfection, this classic Italian dish makes a festive centerpiece for your holiday dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness. Then, stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, large egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy cheese filling.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer lasagna noodles over the sauce, covering the bottom evenly. Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce, and then a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers – noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella – until all ingredients are used up. Finish with a top layer of meat sauce, sprinkled with mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil; to prevent sticking, spray the underside of foil with cooking spray if desired. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish optionally with fresh basil leaves. Serve the lasagna hot for a comforting and festive meal.
Notes
- Using no-boil noodles can save prep time but regular noodles work just as well if pre-cooked.
- For a spicier sauce, increase the red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- To prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese, spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray before covering.
- Letting the lasagna rest before serving helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Christmas lasagna, holiday lasagna, meat lasagna, baked pasta, Italian lasagna, ricotta cheese lasagna, festive dinner recipe
