Name: Holiday Christmas Lasagna Recipe: Your Festive Comfort Food
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound Italian sausage; casings removed; 1 medium onion; diced; 3 cloves garlic; minced; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper; to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; Salt and pepper; to taste; 12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or cooked); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup fresh parsley; chopped (for garnish)

When the holiday season arrives, families gather to celebrate, creating cherished memories around the dinner table. One dish that never fails to impress during these festive gatherings is the Holiday Christmas Lasagna Recipe. This hearty yet delightful meal combines layers of pasta, rich cheese, and luscious sauce, making it a true crowd-pleaser for any holiday feast.

Additionally, the beauty of this lasagna lies not only in its scrumptious taste but also in its versatility. Whether you prefer a classic meat-filled version or a vegetarian alternative, the Holiday Christmas Lasagna Recipe can be easily adapted to suit everyone’s palate. So, let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to craft this festive favorite for your holiday celebrations!

Why Choose a Festive Lasagna?

When holiday gatherings roll around, nothing brings people together quite like a Holiday Christmas Lasagna Recipe. This dish is the perfect canvas for creative flavors and festive ingredients that celebrate the season. Imagine layers of savory meat, creamy béchamel, and rich cheese, all harmonizing to create a comforting meal that brightens your table.

Additionally, lasagna can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on spending quality moments with family and friends. The flexibility in this delicious dish means you can easily adapt it to fit specific tastes or dietary restrictions. Consider a vegetarian version packed with holiday vegetables for those who prefer plant-based meals.

For a delightful dessert that perfectly complements your meal, you might want to try an easy tiramisu recipe. This creamy treat adds a festive ending to your gathering, ensuring everyone leaves with satisfied taste buds. The combination of a hearty lasagna and a light dessert captures the spirit of celebration, making your holiday dinner truly memorable.

Ingredients for Holiday Christmas Lasagna Recipe:

Creating a festive lasagna is a joyful experience, especially during the holiday season. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Béchamel Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated, if possible)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or cooked)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This Holiday Christmas Lasagna Recipe is perfect for gatherings. Pair it with a delicious side like the Easy Artichoke Salad for a balanced meal. Enjoy the warmth and flavors of this festive dish!

How to Prepare Holiday Christmas Lasagna Recipe:

To create this delightful Holiday Christmas Lasagna, start by making the meat sauce. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Then, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes to develop the flavors.

Next, prepare the béchamel sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper, cooking until thickened.

For assembly, spread a layer of meat sauce in a baking dish. Place 4 lasagna noodles on top, followed by ⅓ of the béchamel, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat these layers, finishing with béchamel and remaining mozzarella.

Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy your festive creation!

For more holiday recipes, check out this Holiday Christmas Lasagna Recipe that’s sure to make your dinner unforgettable. For a different treat, consider trying my Easy Tiramisu Recipe – Delight in Every Bite.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Lasagna:

To create an irresistible holiday Christmas lasagna, start by selecting high-quality ingredients. Use fresh pasta if possible, as it cooks more evenly compared to dried varieties. Layering is crucial; alternate your ingredients in a consistent pattern—no more than three layers are recommended to keep it manageable. Additionally, allow your meat sauce to simmer for a longer time to develop rich flavors.

Don’t forget to let the lasagna rest after baking; this helps it set and makes serving easier. For a delightful side, pair your lasagna with a refreshing easy artichoke salad to balance the richness of the dish. Lastly, if you want to be creative, experiment with different cheeses. Adding a layer of ricotta mixed with herbs can elevate your holiday Christmas lasagna even further. Enjoy the cooking process and let the flavors shine!

Serving Suggestions for Holiday Christmas Lasagna Recipe:

For an unforgettable dining experience, pair your Holiday Christmas Lasagna with a fresh salad. An easy artichoke salad offers a delightful contrast to the rich layers of cheese and meat in the lasagna. The crispness of the artichokes adds a refreshing crunch that balances the dish’s creamy texture. You can enhance your meal with garlic bread, which soaks up the delicious sauce and ensures no bite goes to waste.

To complete the festive spread, consider serving a light dessert like the easy tiramisu. Its sweet coffee notes provide a perfect end to the meal without overwhelming your palate. Don’t forget to pour a glass of red wine or a festive mocktail, as both pair wonderfully with this hearty dish. With the right accompaniments, your Holiday Christmas Lasagna will surely be the star of the table, leaving guests raving about the delicious feast!

Storage Tips for Holiday Christmas Lasagna Recipe:

To keep your Holiday Christmas Lasagna fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Alternatively, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions. Simply thaw overnight before reheating. For more festive recipes, check out the delightful Caramel Ritz Cracker Christmas Cookies. Enjoy your holiday feast!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What makes this Holiday Christmas Lasagna Recipe special?

This delicious lasagna stands out during the festive season due to its rich layers of cheese and traditional Italian flavors, combined with seasonal ingredients that enhance the dish. The incorporation of holiday favorites, such as spinach and ricotta, makes it a memorable meal.

Can I prepare the Holiday Christmas Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! This festive lasagna can be assembled a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just remember to bake it when you’re ready to serve, which saves you time during busy holiday gatherings.

What side dishes pair well with this lasagna?

To complement your holiday meal, consider serving a fresh Caesar salad or an easy artichoke salad recipe. These lighter sides balance the richness of the lasagna, creating a delightful dining experience.

Is there a vegetarian version of this lasagna?

Yes! You can easily modify the Holiday Christmas Lasagna Recipe by substituting meat with hearty vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. This will maintain the dish’s texture while catering to vegetarian diets.

How can I make the lasagna gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, simply replace traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives. There are various brands available that ensure you won’t miss out on this festive dish’s delightful flavors.

Can I freeze leftovers from this lasagna?

Certainly! Leftover holiday lasagna can be frozen for later enjoyment. Just slice it into portions and store them in airtight containers. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat for a delicious meal that tastes just as wonderful!

Holiday Christmas Lasagna Recipe: Your Festive Comfort Food

Total Time: 50
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Holiday Christmas Lasagna Recipe combines rich layers of savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese to create a festive dish perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef

1 pound Italian sausage

casings removed

1 medium onion

diced

3 cloves garlic

minced

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper

to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Salt and pepper

to taste

12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or cooked)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup fresh parsley

chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
Add ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
For béchamel sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add whole milk while whisking. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and cook until thickened.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, layer meat sauce, béchamel, and lasagna noodles. Repeat layers, finishing with béchamel and mozzarella on top.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing for easier serving.

Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 30
Category: Dinner
Method: baking
Cuisine: Italian