Christmas Eve Lasagna (Festive Lasagna Bolognese!)

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish to impress your family and friends this holiday season, look no further than my Christmas Eve Lasagna (Festive Lasagna Bolognese!). This delightful recipe is a twist on the classic bolognese lasagna, layered with rich, hearty homemade sauce and creamy basil pesto ricotta. Trust me, the vibrant red and green layers will not only make your taste buds dance but also serve as a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.

What I love most about this lasagna is how it brings everyone together. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, it’s the kind of dish that warms hearts and creates lasting memories. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy that this Christmas Eve Lasagna brings to our family celebrations. Happy cooking! ♡

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and wholesome ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this lasagna comes together. Perfect for any skill level in the kitchen!
• Family Friendly: This hearty dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble it the night before and let it rest in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready for a delicious meal!
• Rich Flavor Profiles: The combination of bolognese sauce and basil pesto ricotta means every bite is bursting with flavor—it’s comfort food at its finest!
• Feeds a Crowd: With generous portions, this recipe serves 12-15 people, making it perfect for holiday parties or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients should feel like gathering good friends—simple and wholesome! Here’s what you’ll need to create your Christmas Eve Lasagna:

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 (asiago, parmesan, etc., 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 (like 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
• 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
• kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your own twists:

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Layer in some sautéed spinach or zucchini slices between the layers for added nutrition.
• Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or even vegan alternatives if you’re looking for dairy-free options.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning in the bolognese sauce for an extra kick!

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

Step 1: Prepare the Bolognese Sauce

Start by adding your roughly chopped carrot, celery, and onion into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but not puréed—this mixture will form a flavorful base known as soffritto. Next, transfer it to a bowl and set aside while you prep the turkey strips and garlic in the same food processor until finely minced.

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics

In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in your pestata mixture from Step 1. Cook until fragrant—this usually takes about 4-5 minutes. It’s essential because this step helps release all those wonderful flavors!

Step 3: Build Your Bolognese Base

Add your soffritto mixture back into the pot with some kosher salt. Stir well and allow everything to cook down until deeply browned—around 15-20 minutes. Browning adds richness to your sauce that makes all the difference.

Step 4: Brown Your Meat

Generously season both types of meat with kosher salt before adding them into the center of your pot. Let them cook without stirring for a few minutes until they develop beautiful color on one side before breaking them apart into fine crumbles.

Step 5: Incorporate Tomato Paste

Once browned completely and mixed with the soffritto base, stir in tomato paste until everything is coated evenly. This browning step deepens those flavors even more!

Step 6: Add Vinegar & Herbs

Increase heat slightly before adding apple vinegar to deglaze—the goal here is to scrape up any delicious bits stuck at the bottom of your pot! Then tie together rosemary and thyme sprigs with kitchen twine (or chop if needed), adding them along with bay leaves and optional parmesan rind.

Step 7: Simmer Away

Pour in crushed tomatoes plus broth or water; stir well before reducing heat to medium-low so you can let everything simmer away for about an hour and a half—don’t forget to stir occasionally!

Step 8: Finish Off Your Sauce

Once done simmering, mix in heavy cream along with grated parmesan for an extra creamy texture that will elevate each layer of your lasagna! Taste-test here; adjust seasoning if necessary before setting aside.

Step 9: Prepare Basil Pesto Ricotta

While that delicious sauce simmers away happily on its own, combine ricotta cheese along with all basil pesto ingredients in another bowl. Season as desired before mixing until smooth—that herbaceous flavor will add such brightness!

Step 10: Assemble Your Lasagna

Spray foil lightly with nonstick cooking spray while prepping a baking pan similarly; ladle some bolognese sauce across bottom then layer pasta sheets followed by half of basil pesto ricotta spread evenly across surface topped off generously with mozzarella blend—it’s time for those gorgeous layers!

Step 11: Repeat Layers

Continue alternating layers of bolognese sauce then basil pesto ricotta until reaching top with remaining mozzarella blend sprinkled on generously too—it should look absolutely stunning!

Step 12: Chill Out Before Baking

Cover tightly before chilling overnight (or resting at least twelve hours)—this allows flavors to meld beautifully together enhancing overall taste even further once baked.

Step 13: Bake & Enjoy!

When ready to bake preheat oven while placing assembled dish onto rimmed baking sheet—this helps catch drips! Bake covered initially then uncover last ten minutes so top can brown nicely—it should smell incredible by now!

After letting cool briefly slice square servings then dig right into this festive delight—you deserve every bite! Enjoy!

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

Creating the perfect Christmas Eve Lasagna is all about attention to detail and a sprinkle of love! Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out flawlessly:

• Prep Ahead: Preparing the bolognese and basil pesto ricotta ahead of time not only enhances the flavors but also makes assembly a breeze on Christmas Eve.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for good-quality cheeses and fresh herbs. This elevates the flavor profile, making every bite taste like a warm hug!
• Layer Generously: Don’t skimp on the layers of bolognese and ricotta. The more you layer, the more deliciously rich your lasagna will be!
• Let it Rest: Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
• Broil for a Finish: For that perfect golden brown top, turn on the broiler during the last few minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

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

Serving this festive lasagna can be as delightful as making it! With its vibrant colors and hearty layers, it’s sure to impress everyone at your holiday gathering.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a pop of color and enhances the herbaceous notes in the dish.
• Grated Parmesan: Offering a small bowl of grated parmesan allows guests to add their preferred amount, enhancing each serving.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, providing red pepper flakes gives them an option to spice up their slice.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing, warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your lasagna.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in homemade or store-bought dressing complements the richness of the lasagna beautifully.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These earthy greens roasted with olive oil and seasoning offer a delightful crunch and balance out the meal’s richness.
• Steamed Green Beans: Lightly seasoned steamed green beans provide a fresh, vibrant contrast to the hearty lasagna.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Christmas Eve Lasagna is sure to be a hit! Enjoy creating wonderful memories around your table this holiday season. Happy feasting! ♡

Make Ahead and Storage

This Christmas Eve Lasagna is not only a showstopper for your holiday table, but it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones during the festive season.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the lasagna cool completely before storing.
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Assemble the lasagna without baking it if you plan to freeze.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for reference!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cover with foil and bake for about 30-45 minutes or until heated through.
• Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to crisp up the top.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Christmas Eve Lasagna (Festive Lasagna Bolognese!) ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, making it easy to bake on Christmas Eve.

What can I substitute for ground beef in Christmas Eve Lasagna (Festive Lasagna Bolognese!)?

You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Alternatively, plant-based ground meat works well too!

How long does Christmas Eve Lasagna (Festive Lasagna Bolognese!) take to bake?

It takes about 60 minutes at 375°F (190°C), plus resting time after baking, which enhances its flavors and makes slicing easier.

Can I add vegetables to my Christmas Eve Lasagna (Festive Lasagna Bolognese!)?

Definitely! Feel free to layer in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and swap regular ricotta with a plant-based version.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Christmas Eve Lasagna brings joy and warmth to your holiday gatherings just as it does for mine! The layers of savory bolognese and creamy pesto ricotta create a dish that’s not only delicious but also memorable. Enjoy crafting this festive centerpiece, and may it fill your home with love and laughter. Happy cooking!