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Christmas Eve Lasagna

Festive Christmas Eve Lasagna that Feeds a Crowd

Christmas Eve Lasagna, a delightfully festive twist on classic Lasagna Bolognese, perfect for feeding a crowd with warmth and flavor.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting Time 12 hours
Total Time 14 hours
Servings: 15 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Bolognese Sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork can substitute with ground turkey
  • 2 cans San Marzano tomatoes or crushed tomatoes if unavailable
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot grated
  • 1 stalk celery finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic freshly minced
Pesto Ricotta Layer
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese or cottage cheese for lower fat
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto or substitute with fresh spinach
  • 1 large egg can use flax egg for vegan option
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or Grana Padano for budget-friendly
Lasagna Structure
  • 12 sheets lasagna noodles no-boil or traditional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Prepare the Bolognese Sauce
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, grated carrot, and diced celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add ground beef and pork; browning them until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Stir in San Marzano tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and cook on low for at least 90 minutes.
Make the Pesto Ricotta Layer
  1. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, basil pesto, and egg. Mix until smooth, then add Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Assemble the Lasagna
  1. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of bolognese sauce at the bottom. Layer lasagna noodles, alternating with bolognese and pesto ricotta, repeating until the dish is filled with at least 4 layers. Finish with bolognese and Parmesan on top.
Rest and Refrigerate
  1. Cover the lasagna tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 12 hours.
Bake the Lasagna
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Uncover the lasagna and bake for 50 minutes. Remove cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until top is bubbling and golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This lasagna can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

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