Christmas Eve Lasagna Recipe

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There is something truly magical about sharing a hearty, comforting meal with loved ones on a special night, and nothing captures that festive spirit quite like this Christmas Eve Lasagna. Layers of rich, slow-simmered Bolognese, creamy basil pesto ricotta, and a melty blend of Italian cheeses come together in a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This Christmas Eve Lasagna isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of tradition, flavor, and the joy of gathering around the table, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Christmas Eve Lasagna lies in its lovingly selected ingredients, each playing an essential role in delivering that soulful taste and perfect texture. From the savory ground meats and fresh herbs to the creamy ricotta and mozzarella, every component brings something special to the table.

• Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps your pan ready for a flawless lasagna release and easy cleanup.
• One 13.2-ounce box DeLallo No-Boil Lasagna: No boiling required, saving time without sacrificing texture.
• Best-Ever Bolognese: The heart of this dish, rich with layered flavors of beef, pork, pancetta, and aromatic herbs.
• Basil pesto ricotta: Adds a fresh, herbal creaminess that brightens each bite.
• 24 ounces shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 6 cups): For that irresistible melty, gooey cheese pull.
• 12 ounces Italian cheese blend, such as asiago and parmesan (about 3 cups): Sharp and nutty flavors to complement the richness.
• 2 large carrots, roughly chopped: Contributes a gentle sweetness and texture in the Bolognese soffritto.
• 1 stalk celery, roughly chopped: Essential aromatic, balancing savory depth in the sauce.
• 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped: Builds a rich, caramelized base for the sauce.
• 4 ounces pancetta, roughly chopped: Adds a smoky, salty punch.
• 6 cloves garlic: Infuses warmth and depth throughout the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a glossy start and gentle sautéing.
• 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty, robust flavor and texture.
• 1 pound ground pork: Adds subtle sweetness and richness.
• One 6-ounce can tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
• 1 cup medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti: Brings acidity and complexity to balance richness.
• 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary: Earthy herbal notes that deepen the sauce’s aroma.
• 10-12 sprigs fresh thyme: Adds a subtle citrusy-herbal touch.
• 2 bay leaves: Infuses savory warmth during simmering.
• Optional: 1 parmesan rind: For a luxurious umami boost.
• One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes: The fresh base of your sauce, bringing vibrant color and flavor.
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water: Keeps the sauce luscious and simmered to perfection.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess and tempers acidity.
• ½ cup grated parmesan: Sharp, nutty finish that enriches the Bolognese.
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout each step.
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese, whole milk or part-skim: Creates that velvety layer of richness.
• One 6.3-ounce jar DeLallo Simply Basil Pesto: Invigorates the ricotta with fresh, bright basil flavor.
• 2 large eggs: Binds the ricotta mixture for silky texture.
• ½ cup grated parmesan: Layers even more cheesy goodness into the ricotta.

How to Make Christmas Eve Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Soffritto

The foundation of flavor in your Christmas Eve Lasagna begins with the soffritto, a medley of finely chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Pulse these veggies just enough in the food processor to create small, distinct pieces that will gently caramelize and deepen the sauce’s savory backbone without turning mushy.

Step 2: Make the Pestata

Next, toss the pancetta and garlic into the food processor and pulse until finely chopped. This mixture, called the pestata, will bring that irresistible smoky and aromatic element that makes the Bolognese so luxurious. There’s no need to wash the processor between these steps, making prep easier.

Step 3: Cook the Pestata

Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot and gently cook the pestata until the pancetta fat renders and the garlic scent fills your kitchen—about 4 to 5 minutes. This fragrant start is crucial, laying the groundwork for a deeply flavored sauce.

Step 4: Brown the Soffritto

Add the finely chopped soffritto to the pot and season with kosher salt. Patience is key here—stir occasionally over medium to medium-low heat until the vegetables turn a rich golden brown and fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma; this step takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 5: Brown the Meat

Season the ground beef and pork with salt, then add to the pot’s center without stirring for a few minutes to ensure a gorgeous brown crust. Flip and brown the other side, then break the meat up and stir it with the soffritto mixture. Incorporate tomato paste and cook a few more minutes to layer on savory depth.

Step 6: Deglaze with Wine and Add Aromatics

Pour in red wine, scraping any delicious browned bits from the pot’s bottom. Let the wine reduce until almost gone, then add tied fresh herbs, bay leaves, tomato crush, broth, and the optional parmesan rind—each essential for that deeply developed sauce flavor that makes Christmas Eve Lasagna so memorable.

Step 7: Simmer the Bolognese

Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for a long, slow 90 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken to a perfect, rich consistency—just what you want to nestle between those layers of pasta and cheese.

Step 8: Finish the Bolognese

Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan, which soften the acidity and add a silky, rich finish. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then set this spectacular sauce aside while you prepare the basil pesto ricotta.

Step 9: Mix the Basil Pesto Ricotta

Combine ricotta, basil pesto, eggs, parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This bright, creamy mixture will bring a fresh, herbal lift to the lasagna, balancing the meaty richness perfectly.

Step 10: Assemble the Lasagna

Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and spread about 1 cup of Bolognese on the bottom to prevent sticking. Layer no-boil noodles, half the pesto ricotta, some mozzarella and Italian cheese blend, then repeat, building four layers total. End with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Italian cheeses on top.

Step 11: Refrigerate Overnight

Cover the dish with foil sprayed with cooking spray and let your Christmas Eve Lasagna rest in the fridge for at least 12 hours. This resting time allows the layers to meld, enhancing flavor and texture—trust me, it makes a world of difference.

Step 12: Bake the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the lasagna on a baking sheet and bake covered for 50 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. For extra indulgence, broil for the last 5 minutes to develop a beautifully browned, crispy cheese top that tastes like the holidays themselves.

Step 13: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Allow your creation to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting into generous squares. This step helps everything set perfectly and makes serving a breeze. Then, dig into the warmth and comfort of your Christmas Eve Lasagna—pure holiday bliss!

How to Serve Christmas Eve Lasagna

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan or a few torn basil leaves adds a pop of color and extra flavor to your Christmas Eve Lasagna. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil can also elevate the richness in the final presentation.

Side Dishes

Complement this hearty lasagna with a crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the plate or roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or butternut squash for a cozy, festive pairing. Crunchy garlic bread or a warm ciabatta loaf also make for perfect companions, soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the lasagna family-style on a large platter, allowing guests to choose their portion size—this adds a warm, communal feeling to the meal. You can also top individual portions with fresh microgreens or a light dusting of smoked paprika for a modern touch that still honors tradition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap leftover Christmas Eve Lasagna tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors continue to meld, making next-day servings even tastier.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes exceptionally well. For best results, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking for a stress-free holiday meal anytime you want.

Reheating

Reheat portions gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices, but oven reheating preserves that wonderful baked texture and melts the cheese back to perfection.

FAQs

Can I make the bolognese sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The bolognese actually tastes better when made in advance as it allows the flavors to deepen. You can refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for later use.

Do I have to use no-boil noodles?

No-boil noodles save time and simplify assembly, but you can use traditional lasagna noodles. Just be sure to boil and drain them before layering to achieve the right texture.

Is pancetta essential in this recipe?

Pancetta adds to the authentic depth and smoky flavor, but if you prefer, you can substitute with bacon or omit it for a leaner sauce. The dish will still be delicious!

Can I make a vegetarian version?

Though this recipe shines with its meaty Bolognese, you can swap the meat for a hearty mix of mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles to create a tasty vegetarian Christmas Eve Lasagna.

How long should I let the lasagna rest before baking?

Resting the assembled lasagna in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours—ideally overnight—helps the layers meld and results in a firmer, more cohesive dish that slices beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Making this Christmas Eve Lasagna is like inviting warmth, comfort, and festive joy right into your home. Whether you’re surrounded by family, friends, or simply indulging in a delicious holiday tradition, this recipe offers a luscious, satisfying experience that’s as heartwarming as the season. Don’t hesitate to give it a try — I promise it will become a treasured centerpiece to your holiday celebrations year after year.

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