Christmas Eve Lasagna (Festive Lasagna Bolognese!)

If you’re looking for a dish that truly embodies the warmth and joy of the holiday season, then you’ve come to the right place! This Christmas Eve Lasagna (Festive Lasagna Bolognese!) is not just another recipe; it’s a delightful experience that brings everyone together. Imagine layers of rich bolognese sauce paired with creamy basil pesto ricotta, all nestled between sheets of pasta—it’s comfort food at its very best.

This lasagna is perfect for those bustling days leading up to Christmas or as a centerpiece for your holiday gathering. Each bite is filled with love and nostalgia, making it a favorite in my family. I can already picture smiles around the table as we dig into this festive delight. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Most steps are straightforward, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the hearty flavors and cheesy goodness!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld overnight. Simply bake when you’re ready to serve.
• Stunning Presentation: The vibrant red and green layers make this lasagna a showstopper at any holiday table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this scrumptious Christmas Eve Lasagna, we’ll be using simple, wholesome ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Gather these goodies to get started on your culinary adventure!

For the Bolognese Sauce

• nonstick cooking spray
• one 13.2-ounce box DeLallo No-Boil Lasagna
• 24 ounces shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 6 cups)
• 12 ounces Italian cheese blend, such as asiago or parmesan (about 3 cups)
• 2 large carrots, roughly chopped
• 1 stalk celery, roughly chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
• 4 ounces turkey strips, roughly chopped (see Recipe Notes)
• 6 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• one 6-ounce can tomato paste
• 1 cup medium-bodied apple vinegar (such as Chianti)
• 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 10-12 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• optional: 1 parmesan rind
• one 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season

For the Basil Pesto Ricotta

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim as desired)
• one 6.3-ounce jar DeLallo Simply Basil Pesto
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Swap the Protein: Try using ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes for a lighter option.
• Add More Veggies: Layer in some spinach or zucchini slices for extra nutrients and color.
• Go Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan cheeses and ricotta made from nuts or tofu for a dairy-free version.
• Experiment with Sauces: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers into your bolognese for an added kick.

How to Make Christmas Eve Lasagna (Festive Lasagna Bolognese!)

Step 1: Prepare the Bolognese Sauce

Start by adding the roughly chopped carrot, celery, and onion into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but not puréed. This mixture creates a flavorful base called soffritto that adds depth to your sauce. Transfer it to a bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Blend Turkey Strips and Garlic

Next, add the turkey strips and garlic into the same food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. This will infuse your sauce with delicious flavor while keeping it hearty.

Step 3: Cook the Pestata Mixture

In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, drizzle in some olive oil. Once hot, add your pestata mixture from Step 1. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until fragrant—that’s how you know it’s working its magic!

Step 4: Combine Soffritto with Pestata

Now add your soffritto mixture back into the pot. Season generously with kosher salt. Stir well and let everything cook together until deeply browned—this step enhances all those wonderful flavors we’re building.

Step 5: Brown the Meat

Season your ground beef with kosher salt before adding it into the center of the pot. Allow it to brown without stirring for a few minutes; this creates nice caramelization which adds richness to our bolognese!

Step 6: Scrape Up Flavorful Bits

Increase the heat slightly and pour in apple vinegar—this will deglaze your pot! Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom; those bits are packed with flavor.

Step 7: Add Herbs and Tomatoes

Tie together rosemary and thyme using kitchen twine (or chop if needed), then toss them into the pot along with bay leaves and optional parmesan rind. Add crushed tomatoes and broth/water next—this is where your sauce starts coming together beautifully!

Step 8: Simmer Away

Reduce heat to low and let your bolognese simmer for about 90 minutes. This slow cooking allows all those flavors to meld perfectly! If it gets too thick too fast, feel free to add more broth or water.

Step 9: Finish Off Your Sauce

Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan just before taking off heat—it adds creaminess that makes every bite luxurious! Taste test here; adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 10: Prepare Basil Pesto Ricotta

While your sauce simmers away happily, mix together ricotta cheese, basil pesto, eggs, and grated parmesan in another bowl. Season lightly with salt & pepper before setting aside.

Step 11: Assemble Your Lasagna

Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray before placing aside. In a greased baking pan, ladle about one cup of bolognese sauce on the bottom—this prevents sticking! Layer pasta sheets followed by half of basil pesto ricotta spread evenly on top.

Step 12: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle some mozzarella and Italian cheeses over each layer—let’s build up that cheesy goodness! Repeat layering until you’ve used all ingredients finishing off with remaining cheeses on top.

Step 13: Rest Before Baking

Cover tightly with foil then refrigerate for at least twelve hours (overnight is even better!). This rest period lets all those flavors meld beautifully together.

Step 14: Bake Until Golden

Preheat oven to375°F! Place your lasagna on a rimmed baking sheet just in case things bubble over during baking—no one wants spills in their oven!

Step 15: Enjoy Your Creation

After an hour of baking time has passed carefully remove foil for last ten minutes so top can brown nicely! Let rest after removing from oven before slicing into squares—this makes serving easier!

I can’t wait for you to try out this Christmas Eve Lasagna—it’s bound to become one of those recipes you treasure forever! Enjoy every moment spent creating delicious memories around your holiday table!

Pro Tips for Making Christmas Eve Lasagna (Festive Lasagna Bolognese!)

Creating the perfect Christmas Eve Lasagna is all about layering flavors and textures, so here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out spectacular!

• Prep Ahead: Make the bolognese sauce and basil pesto ricotta a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves you time on busy holiday cooking days.
• Use No-Boil Noodles: Choosing no-boil lasagna noodles not only simplifies the process but also helps retain moisture during baking, resulting in a perfectly tender pasta.
• Let It Rest: After baking, allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve without falling apart.
• Experiment with Cheeses: While mozzarella and Italian cheese blends are classic choices, feel free to add in some provolone or fontina for extra flavor! Mixing cheeses can elevate your lasagna experience.
• Customize Your Layers: Don’t hesitate to add veggies like spinach or zucchini between layers if you want to sneak in more nutrition. They’ll complement the flavors wonderfully!

How to Serve Christmas Eve Lasagna (Festive Lasagna Bolognese!)

When it comes time to present your Christmas Eve Lasagna, consider how you can turn this dish into a festive centerpiece. A beautiful presentation can make your holiday meal even more special!

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Sprinkling a few fresh basil leaves on top adds a touch of color and enhances the herbaceous notes of your lasagna.
• Parmesan Shavings: A light dusting of freshly shaved parmesan adds elegance and a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy layers.
• Cracked Black Pepper: A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper not only enhances taste but also adds visual appeal with its contrasting color.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Nothing beats warm, crusty garlic bread alongside lasagna. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce!
• Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the lasagna and provides a crisp texture contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, bring warmth and sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the dish.
• Italian Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted red peppers offers a delightful variety of flavors that sets a festive tone for your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Christmas Eve Lasagna will not only taste incredible but also look stunning on your holiday table. Enjoy making memories around this delicious dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Eve Lasagna is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade dinner without the last-minute rush. With a bit of planning, you can prepare this festive dish ahead of time and savor it whenever you’re ready.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the lasagna to cool completely at room temperature.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For best results, slice the lasagna into individual portions before storing.

Freezing

• Prepare the lasagna as directed but do not bake it.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• If frozen, allow it to thaw completely in the fridge first.
• Remove any plastic wrap and cover with foil (to retain moisture).
• Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until heated through. Uncover for the last 10 minutes for a golden top.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come up as you prepare your Christmas Eve Lasagna!

Can I make Christmas Eve Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this festive lasagna a day or two in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

How long does Christmas Eve Lasagna last in the fridge?

Your delicious Christmas Eve Lasagna will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored properly. Just be sure to cover it tightly!

Can I freeze leftover Christmas Eve Lasagna?

Yes! This lasagna freezes beautifully. You can store it unbaked or baked. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge if it’s frozen before baking or reheating.

What can I serve with Christmas Eve Lasagna?

This festive dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Is there a vegetarian option for this lasagna?

Certainly! You can easily substitute the meat with roasted vegetables or extra mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version of this Christmas Eve Lasagna.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Christmas Eve Lasagna becomes as beloved in your home as it is in mine. The layers of rich bolognese and creamy ricotta pesto create an unforgettable flavor experience that truly captures the spirit of togetherness during the holidays. Enjoy every bite while creating beautiful memories around your table. Happy cooking, and may your holiday season be filled with warmth and cheer! ♡