Irresistible Christmas Eve Lasagna That Steals the Show

Irresistible Christmas Eve Lasagna That Steals the Show

Gather around the table this Christmas Eve for a spectacular feast, featuring a lasagna that will wow your family and friends. This Irresistible Christmas Eve Lasagna manages to combine rich, layered flavors with comforting textures that are perfect for the holidays. With a savory Bolognese, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, it’s a dish that truly steals the show.

Why Make This Irresistible Christmas Eve Lasagna That Steals the Show

This lasagna is not just any ordinary pasta dish; it is a delightful centerpiece for your holiday meal. Perfect for cozy family gatherings, the combination of hearty meat, aromatic herbs, and creamy cheeses makes every bite a celebration of flavor. Plus, it is surprisingly simple to put together with time-saving ingredients like no-boil lasagna sheets. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe invites everyone to savor the holiday spirit with comfort food at its best.

How to Make Irresistible Christmas Eve Lasagna That Steals the Show

Crafting this extravagant Christmas Eve lasagna is easier than you think! Begin with your best-ever Bolognese sauce, which serves as the heart and soul of this dish. Layering it with fresh ricotta mixed with basil pesto creates a creamy, aromatic delight. Following the build-up with gooey mozzarella and a sprinkle of Italian cheese blend, you’ll achieve a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Get ready to impress!

Ingredients:

• 1 spray nonstick cooking spray (Helps prevent sticking.)
• 13.2 ounces DeLallo No-Boil Lasagna (Saves time on preparation.)
• 1 batch Best-Ever Bolognese (Heart and soul of the lasagna.)
• 1 batch basil pesto ricotta (Creamy aromatic layer.)
• 24 ounces shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (Gooey texture.)
• 12 ounces Italian cheese blend (Extra depth of flavor.)
• 2 large carrots, finely chopped (Adds sweetness and texture.)
• 1 stalk celery (Adds crunch and freshness.)
• 1 large yellow onion (Aromatic base for flavor.)
• 4 ounces pancetta (Savory depth to the sauce.)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (Essential flavor punch.)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (For sautéing the vegetables.)
• 1 pound ground beef (Rich and hearty flavor.)
• 1 pound ground pork (Blend of textures.)
• 1 6-ounce can tomato paste (Intensifies tomato flavor.)
• 1 cup medium-bodied red wine (Enhances flavor complexity.)
• 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary (Earthy aroma and taste.)
• 10-12 sprigs fresh thyme (Brightens up the dish.)
• 2 bay leaves (Deep savory notes.)
• 1 optional parmesan rind (For added umami.)
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes (Base of the sauce.)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water (Perfect sauce consistency.)
• ½ cup heavy cream (For a luxuriously creamy texture.)
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (Classic flavor burst.)
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste (Enhance flavors.)
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (Creamy layer to balance richness.)
• 1 6.3-ounce jar DeLallo Simply Basil Pesto (Fresh basil flavor.)
• 2 large eggs (To bind the ricotta mixture.)
• ½ cup grated parmesan (Cheesy kick.)
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste (Enhance flavor.)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Bolognese Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in pancetta and garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground beef and pork; cook until well browned. Mix in red wine, allowing it to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, broth or water, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and the optional parmesan rind. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to fully develop the flavor.
2. Make the Basil Pesto Ricotta: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, basil pesto, and grated parmesan. Add salt and pepper to taste; mix until smooth.
3. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Start layering the lasagna: place a layer of Bolognese sauce on the bottom, followed by a layer of no-boil lasagna sheets. Spread on a layer of the basil pesto ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and half of the Italian cheese blend. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of Bolognese, mozzarella, and Italian cheese blend on top.
4. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy the rich aroma wafting through your home!

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 682
• Total Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 159mg
• Sodium: 635mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 49g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 40g

How to Serve Irresistible Christmas Eve Lasagna That Steals the Show

Serve your glorious lasagna directly from the baking dish, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. Pair it with a crisp green salad and warm, crusty bread to round out this festive meal. Don’t forget a bottle of medium-bodied red wine to enhance the flavors further!

How to Store Irresistible Christmas Eve Lasagna That Steals the Show

Let any leftover lasagna cool completely before storing. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap it well in plastic and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Expert Tips for Perfect Irresistible Christmas Eve Lasagna That Steals the Show

• Make Ahead: Prepare the lasagna a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the lasagna sit after baking helps it set, making for easier slicing.
• Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses or add more layers to truly make it your own!

Delicious Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meat for roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets and adjust the pasta sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to your Bolognese for a little kick or use spicy Italian sausage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil?

Yes, but you’ll need to pre-cook them according to the package instructions to avoid a soggy lasagna.

2. How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

Be sure to let the Bolognese sauce simmer adequately, allowing it to thicken. Also, avoid using too much liquid when layering.

3. Can I freeze lasagna before baking?

Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna in your dish, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding additional time to ensure it’s heated through.

Conclusion

This Irresistible Christmas Eve Lasagna is the perfect dish to celebrate with friends and family during the holiday season. With its rich flavors and comforting ingredients, it not only fills your stomach but warms your heart. Try making this show-stopping recipe, and let us know how it turns out! Share your experiences, variations, and any questions in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Irresistible Christmas Eve Lasagna

A rich and layered lasagna featuring a savory Bolognese, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, perfect for holiday feasts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 682

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Bolognese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing the vegetables.
• 1 large yellow onion Aromatic base for flavor.
• 2 large carrots, finely chopped Adds sweetness and texture.
• 1 stalk celery Adds crunch and freshness.
• 4 ounces pancetta Savory depth to the sauce.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced Essential flavor punch.
• 1 pound ground beef Rich and hearty flavor.
• 1 pound ground pork Blend of textures.
• 1 cup medium-bodied red wine Enhances flavor complexity.
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes Base of the sauce.
• 1 6-ounce can tomato paste Intensifies tomato flavor.
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water Perfect sauce consistency.
• 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary Earthy aroma and taste.
• 10-12 sprigs fresh thyme Brightens up the dish.
• 1 optional parmesan rind For added umami.
• Kosher to taste salt Enhance flavors.
• Kosher to taste ground black pepper Enhance flavors.

For the Ricotta Layer

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese Creamy layer to balance richness.
• 2 large eggs To bind the ricotta mixture.
• 1 6.3-ounce jar DeLallo Simply Basil Pesto Fresh basil flavor.
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese Classic flavor burst.
• Kosher to taste salt Enhance flavor.
• Kosher to taste ground black pepper Enhance flavor.

For the Lasagna Assembly

• 1 spray nonstick cooking spray Helps prevent sticking.
• 13.2 ounces DeLallo No-Boil Lasagna Saves time on preparation.
• 24 ounces shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese Gooey texture.
• 12 ounces Italian cheese blend Extra depth of flavor.
• ½ cup heavy cream For a luxuriously creamy texture.

Method

 

Prepare the Bolognese Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in pancetta and garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and pork; cook until well browned.
5. Mix in red wine, allowing it to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes.
6. Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, broth or water, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and the optional parmesan rind.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to fully develop the flavor.

Make the Basil Pesto Ricotta

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, basil pesto, and grated parmesan.
2. Add salt and pepper to taste; mix until smooth.

Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Start layering the lasagna: place a layer of Bolognese sauce on the bottom, followed by a layer of no-boil lasagna sheets.
3. Spread on a layer of the basil pesto ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and half of the Italian cheese blend.
4. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of Bolognese, mozzarella, and Italian cheese blend on top.

Bake

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Rest and Serve

1. Allow the lasagna to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.
2. Enjoy the rich aroma wafting through your home!

Notes

Make Ahead: Prepare the lasagna a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the lasagna sit after baking helps it set, making for easier slicing. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses or add more layers to truly make it your own!