Christmas Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a festive and impressive centerpiece for your holiday table? This Ultimate Christmas Lasagna is the perfect solution. With an easy 30-minute prep time, it delivers all the comforting, cheesy layers you crave without the stress. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that combines classic lasagna elements with a special holiday twist. For another creative pasta bake, try this 4-Ingredient Crock Pot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe.

Ingredients

This festive Christmas Lasagna Recipe layers rich, savory meats with creamy cheeses, all wrapped in a vibrant, holiday-colored topping for a show-stopping centerpiece.

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 jars (about 26 oz each) spaghetti or pasta sauce
• 4-5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 32 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 package no-boil lasagna noodles
• Green, red, and yellow bell peppers for decoration

Timing

Prep Time	45 minutes
Cook Time	1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time	2 hours

Context: This Christmas Lasagna Recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to streamlined steps that maximize flavor without sacrificing the festive experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Once browned, drain any excess fat. Add one diced onion and 3-4 minced garlic cloves, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in two 24-ounce jars of your favorite marinara sauce, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and let the Christmas lasagna recipe sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to deepen the flavors, stirring occasionally.

Step 2 — Make the Ricotta Filling

While the sauce simmers, combine 32 ounces of whole-milk ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley, and ½ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until just combined. For the best texture, let this mixture sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before assembling.

Step 3 — Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook 12 lasagna noodles according to package directions for “al dente,” usually 8-10 minutes. To prevent sticking, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the water.

Drain the noodles and lay them flat in a single layer on parchment paper or clean kitchen towels. Do not let them overlap, or they will stick together.

Step 4 — Assemble the Layers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 4 noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by ⅓ of the remaining meat sauce and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.

Repeat the layers: noodles, the remaining ricotta, another ⅓ of the sauce, and another cup of mozzarella. For the final layer, top with the last 4 noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the final 2 cups of mozzarella. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan.

Step 5 — Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, tenting it slightly so the cheese doesn’t stick. Bake on the center rack for 25 minutes. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges.

Remove the foil and continue baking, uncovered, for another 20-25 minutes. The Christmas lasagna is done when the cheese is golden brown and spotty, and the center is hot (an instant-read thermometer should read 165°F in the middle).

Step 6 — Rest and Serve

This is the most crucial step for clean slices. Let the baked lasagna rest on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes before cutting. This allows the layers to set firmly.

Use a sharp knife to cut portions. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. This resting time ensures your holiday lasagna holds its beautiful layered structure on the plate.

Nutritional Information

Calories	520 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbohydrates	45 g
Fat	24 g
Fiber	4 g
Sodium	980 mg

Note: Nutritional values for this Christmas Lasagna Recipe are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

This Christmas Lasagna Recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing the festive spirit.

• Protein Alternative — Swap ground beef for ground turkey or lentils for a leaner, lighter version with a subtly milder flavor.
• Lower-Carb Option — Use thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant in place of pasta sheets for a vegetable-forward, nutrient-dense lasagna.
• Dairy-Free Version — Substitute ricotta and mozzarella with cashew-based cheeses or a blend of firm tofu and nutritional yeast for a creamy, savory result.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation — Opt for certified gluten-free lasagna noodles or corn tortillas cut into strips to build the layers.
• Low-Sodium Twist — Use no-salt-added canned tomatoes and a homemade herb blend (oregano, basil, garlic powder) instead of seasoned salt.
• Extra Veggies — Add layers of sautéed spinach or mushrooms to boost fiber and add an earthy depth to the Christmas Lasagna.
• Lighter Cheese — Choose part-skim ricotta and mozzarella to reduce fat while maintaining the classic creamy, melty texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this rich Christmas Lasagna Recipe with a bright, crisp side salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to cut through the decadence.
• For a festive holiday spread, serve alongside roasted garlic green beans, honey-glazed carrots, or a warm loaf of crusty bread.
• This lasagna makes a perfect centerpiece for Christmas Eve dinner or a comforting post-holiday gathering with family.
• Elevate your plating by garnishing each portion with a fresh basil leaf or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color.
• For individual servings, consider baking the Christmas Lasagna in a muffin tin for adorable, portion-controlled “lasagna cups.”
• Allow the baked lasagna to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing; this ensures clean, beautiful layers that hold their shape.

Leftovers of this Christmas Lasagna Recipe taste even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for the busy holiday season.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using no-boil noodles without extra sauce. Fix: They absorb more liquid, so add 1-1.5 cups extra sauce to prevent a dry Christmas lasagna.
• Mistake: Skipping the salt in your ricotta mixture. Fix: Season each layer generously; bland cheese is the top complaint in holiday lasagnas.
• Mistake: Assembling with hot meat sauce. Fix: Let it cool completely to avoid curdling the dairy and making the noodles mushy.
• Mistake: Not draining fat from cooked sausage. Fix: Pour off excess grease to keep your Christmas lasagna recipe from being overly heavy and greasy.
• Mistake: Using pre-shredded, bagged mozzarella. Fix: Shred a block yourself; the anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese prevent proper melting.
• Mistake: Cutting and serving immediately after baking. Fix: Let it rest for 20-25 minutes; this allows the layers to set for clean slices.
• Mistake: Overloading with too many types of cheese. Fix: Stick to a classic trio (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan) for balanced flavor and texture.
• Mistake: Baking straight from the fridge. Fix: Take the assembled dish out 30 minutes before baking to ensure even, thorough cooking.
• Mistake: Not tasting your sauce before assembly. Fix: Always do a final seasoning check; a perfect Christmas lasagna recipe starts with a perfectly seasoned sauce.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool the baked Christmas Lasagna Recipe completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze either the whole pan (wrapped tightly in plastic and foil) or individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Properly stored, your Christmas Lasagna will maintain best quality for 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat portions in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which is the safe temperature for reheated leftovers. You can also microwave single servings, stirring halfway through, until piping hot throughout.

Always use shallow containers for storage to promote rapid, even cooling and prevent bacterial growth.

Conclusion

This Christmas Lasagna Recipe is the ultimate festive comfort food, perfect for feeding a crowd. For another easy, cheesy pasta dish, try our Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe. We hope you love this holiday classic! Please leave a comment with your review and subscribe for more delicious recipes.

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FAQs

Can I make this Christmas Lasagna Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire Christmas Lasagna Recipe a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate it overnight. Just add about 15-20 extra minutes to the baking time when you cook it from cold.

What are some festive ingredient substitutions for this lasagna?

To make it more festive, try using a blend of Italian sausage and ground beef for the sauce. You can also add layers of roasted red peppers or spinach. For the cheese, a mix of mozzarella, ricotta, and a touch of Parmesan works perfectly in this Christmas Lasagna Recipe.

How do I prevent my lasagna from being too watery?

Ensure your meat sauce is thick and simmered down before assembling. Also, use no-boil lasagna noodles or thoroughly drain any boiled noodles. Let the finished Christmas Lasagna rest for 15 minutes after baking; this allows the layers to set and absorb any excess liquid.