Christmas Eve isn’t just about the presents and the carols; it’s about family and friends. What is Christmas Eve dinner? And for years, we tried fancy roasts and complicated seafood dishes, trying to make it something something. What really stuck? Lasagna. Yep, good old-fashioned, comforting lasagna! What’s your typical Sunday supper lasagna recipe? This one’s layered with creamy ricotta, a rich meat sauce that simmers all day, and just the right way. How much mozzarella do you need to get that perfect, cheesy pull? Think of it as the coziest blanket you can eat, but even better than your grandma’s (sorry, grandmas! After you try this, all other lasagna will pale in comparison.
What is Christmas Eve Lasagna?
Christmas Eve Lasagna might sound like a specific dish only made on Christmas Day (and, if you are interested, make sure to buy it on the day of your wedding). Is it at our house? It’s essentially a classic Italian-American lasagna elevated with some special touches that will never be forgotten. Make it feel festive and celebratory. Think of it as lasagna, but with extra love and attention. I use ground beef and Italian sausage in this dish. It’s made with layers of pasta, a slow-cooked meat sauce (I use it with pasta). ), a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and plenty of melted mozzarella. What sets it apart is the simmering, the high-quality ingredients, and the fact that it’s always good. What are some of the best Christmas dinners ever? What is a warm hug in food form?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? Why is Lasagna so popular on Christmas Eve?flavorThe slow-cooked meat sauce is incredibly rich and savory, with layers of depth that you just can’t get enough of. What are the benefits of a quick sauce? What are some of the best mozzarella cheeses? Is it a symphony of flavors that just work so well together?simpleWhat are the steps involved in making a decision? What is the best part about making the sauce ahead of time? assemble on Christmas Eve. What’s a lifesaver when you’re also wrapping presents and trying to wrangle excited kids?cost-effectiveHow do you feed a crowd without breaking the bank? The ingredients are relatively inexpensive, and it makes a huge amount of food. I can usually feed my entire family (plus some extras!) for under $30. Fourth, it’s unbelievably affordable.versatile. You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Add vegetables, use different types of cheese, or even make it vegetarian. What I love the most is that it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Every year, it gets rave reviews, and there are never any leftovers. What makes Christmas Eve special? What is your favorite Christmas cookie recipe?
How do I make Lasagna for Christmas Eve?
Quick Overview
How do you make Christmas Eve Lasagna? What’s the best way to make a ricotta cheese sauce? Is it possible to make lasagna noodles with mozzarella cheese? Then, bake it until golden brown. What is the secret of slow simmering for that rich flavor? What is the best Christmas Eve meal you have ever had?
Ingredients
What is the recipe for meat sauce?
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound ground beef (I like 80/20 for flavor)
* 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice)!
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 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 salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup red wine (optional, but adds great depth)
For the Ricotta Filling:
* 1 (30 ounce) container of ricotta cheese (whole milk is best!)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (trust me on this one!)
For the Lasagna: What do
* 1 pound lasagna noodles (oven-ready or regular)
* 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you make lasagna stick? I usually use cooking spray, but you can also use olive oil. How deep is the pan?
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add ground beef and Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. How do I prevent a greasy lasagna?
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Is garlic bitter?
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red wine. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours. Is it possible to The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be. I usually start this in the morning so it can really develop. What is the secret to an amazing Christmas Eve dinner? If you are in a rush you can reduce the simmer time to 30 minutes but I would not recommend it.
Step 5: Make the Ricotta Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and nutmeg. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Why don’t you skip the nutmeg? It adds a subtle warmth that’s just perfect! Make sure the ricotta is well drained, or your filling will be too watery.
Step 6: Assemble the Lasagna
If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions. If using oven-ready noodles, you can skip this step. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, layer with lasagna noodles, ricotta filling, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, ending with a layer of noodles topped with mozzarella cheese. I usually do about 3-4 layers, depending on the depth of my dish.
Step 7: Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. What is lasagna made of? Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This is crucial! It allows the lasagna to set up and makes it easier to cut.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!
Slice the lasagna into squares and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Watch it disappear! This always goes so fast at my house. I usually end up making two lasagnas just to be safe.
What to Serve It With
This Christmas Eve Lasagna is a meal in itself, but it’s always nice to have a few sides to round out the meal.
For a Light Starter: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to start things off. It provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
For a Hearty Side: Garlic bread is always a classic choice. You can’t go wrong with warm, crusty bread slathered in garlic butter!
For a Festive Touch: Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, add a touch of elegance and color to the table.
For Dessert: Don’t forget the sweet ending! Our traditional cookies are a must-have, but something simple like a scoop of vanilla ice cream also works perfectly. I love serving it with a glass of Chianti or a crisp Pinot Grigio. It really elevates the whole meal!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas Eve Lasagna
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take this Christmas Eve Lasagna to the next level.
* Don’t overcook the noodles. If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, be sure to cook them al dente. They’ll continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want them to be mushy.
* Drain the ricotta cheese. If your ricotta cheese is watery, drain it in a cheesecloth-lined strainer for at least 30 minutes before using. This will prevent your lasagna from being soupy.
* Don’t skimp on the cheese! The mozzarella cheese is what makes this lasagna so irresistible. Be generous with it!
* Let it rest before slicing. This is crucial! It allows the lasagna to set up and makes it easier to cut. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
* Make it ahead of time. This lasagna is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
* Get creative with the fillings. Feel free to add vegetables, like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini, to the meat sauce. You can also use different types of cheese, like provolone or Fontina.
* Spice it up! If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. I sometimes add a little bit of chili oil for extra kick.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftover Christmas Eve Lasagna (which is rare at my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating it:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the lasagna. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave. Be sure to cover the slice with a microwave-safe lid to prevent it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Eve Lasagna isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition. It’s the smell that fills the house, the laughter around the table, and the feeling of warmth and love that makes Christmas Eve so special. It’s a dish that brings people together and creates memories that last a lifetime. So, this year, skip the fancy roast and try something a little different. Make this lasagna, gather your loved ones, and create your own Christmas Eve tradition. You won’t regret it! And if you’re looking for more cozy holiday recipes, be sure to check out my Grandma’s famous Christmas cookies – they’re a perfect pair! Happy cooking, and Merry Christmas!
Christmas Eve Dinners
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Roast Turkey Breast
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper.
- Roast the turkey for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
