Holiday Christmas Lasagna

The Holiday Christmas Lasagna is the quintessential festive dish, offering a comforting and delicious centerpiece for any winter gathering. This hearty lasagna, layered with rich flavors and festive cheer, is not only a fantastic way to feed a crowd but also a wonderful make-ahead option, simplifying your holiday meal prep.

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Prep Time 45

Cook Time 45

Resting Time 15

Total Time 1 30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage For a robust, savory base.
1 large onion chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes The heart of the sauce.
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste Concentrated tomato flavor.
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
2 teaspoons dried oregano Classic Italian herb.
1 teaspoon dried basil Another staple for Italian flavors.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese Creamy layer.
1 large egg Binds the ricotta mixture.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Freshness and color.
12-15 lasagna noodles oven-ready or pre-boiled
5-6 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Melted, gooey goodness.
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (if boiling noodles)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
Medium Bowl
9x13-inch baking dish

Method

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, 1 large onion, 3 cloves garlic
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine (if using). Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes, 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste, 1/2 cup red wine, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, Salt and freshly ground black pepper
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, Salt and freshly ground black pepper
If using oven-ready lasagna noodles, no pre-boiling is necessary. If using traditional noodles, boil them according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Lay them flat on a clean surface.
12-15 lasagna noodles
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange a single layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
12-15 lasagna noodles
Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with about 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover with another layer of noodles.
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese, 5-6 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 12-15 lasagna noodles
Spoon another generous layer of meat sauce over the noodles. Spread the remaining ricotta mixture, then another 1 ½ cups of mozzarella. Add a final layer of noodles.
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese, 5-6 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 12-15 lasagna noodles
Top the last noodle layer with the remaining meat sauce, ensuring the noodles are fully covered. Sprinkle generously with the remaining mozzarella cheese and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese.
5-6 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. If desired, you can broil for the last few minutes for extra browning, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Let the Holiday Christmas Lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and prevents it from falling apart. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Fresh basil or parsley

Notes

This Holiday Christmas Lasagna is an incredibly easy, delicious, and satisfying dish that brings warmth and flavor to your holiday table. Its simplicity lies in its make-ahead potential and the harmonious blend of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and molten mozzarella.