Indulgent Holiday Christmas Lasagna: A Cozy Family Delight
This Holiday Christmas Lasagna is a festive twist on a classic dish, offering rich flavors and comforting layers perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
Resting Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes
Course: Noodles
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: comfort food, family recipe, festive dish, Holiday Christmas Lasagna, lasagna
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 400kcal
Large saucepan
baking dish
large pot
Mixing bowl
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- 1 lb Italian Sausage Consider chicken sausage or vegetarian sausage for a lighter alternative.
- 1 Onion Finely diced.
- 5-6 Garlic Minced.
- 2 tablespoon Tomato Paste Cook briefly to deepen flavor.
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes Use high-quality for best flavor.
- 8 oz Tomato Sauce
- 1 cup Red Wine Substitute with broth for an alcohol-free version.
- to taste Italian Seasonings Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Fennel Seeds Optional but recommended.
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley Chopped.
For the Cheese Filling
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Substitute with pureed silken tofu for a dairy-free option.
- ½ cup Grated Romano or Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Add more for an extra cheesy effect.
- 1 Egg Beaten.
- 2 tablespoon Chopped Parsley
For the Noodles
- 12 oz Lasagna Noodles Par-cook for easier assembly.
Directions
Brown the Meat by cooking 1 lb each of ground beef and Italian sausage in a large saucepan over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes.
Sauté Aromatics: Add 1 finely diced onion and 5-6 minced garlic cloves. Season with salt and pepper and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then mix in 28 oz. of crushed tomatoes, 8 oz. of tomato sauce, and 1 cup of red wine or broth.
Season the Sauce: Add Italian seasonings, 1 teaspoon of oregano, optional 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds, and ¼ cup of parsley. Cover and simmer for at least 1 hour.
Mix Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine 15 oz. of ricotta, ½ cup of Romano or Parmesan, 1 cup of mozzarella, 1 beaten egg, and 2 tablespoon of parsley. Refrigerate.
Par-Cook Noodles: Boil salted water and par-cook the 12 oz. of lasagna noodles for about 3 minutes until al dente. Drain.
Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a layer of meat sauce in a baking dish. Layer 6 noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, cheese, and more meat sauce. Repeat, finishing with noodles.
Top and Bake: Spread remaining meat sauce on top and sprinkle with mozzarella. Cover and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Uncover and Brown: Remove the cover, add more mozzarella if desired, and bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Let rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
Optional: Serve with garlic bread for an extra treat. Allow flavors to meld by resting the lasagna before serving.
Serving: 1slice | Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 700mg | Potassium: 600mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 15mg