Name: Christmas Eve Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles; 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound Italian sausage; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 28 ounces crushed tomatoes; 6 ounces tomato paste; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided); 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Rich, layered, and bubbling with flavor, Christmas Eve Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food to bring family and friends together around the holiday table. The dish balances velvety ricotta, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles into a feast that’s both nostalgic and celebratory. One bite, and you’ll understand why this lasagna has become a beloved tradition in so many households.

The beauty of this lasagna is how it turns simple, accessible ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or having an intimate dinner, this dish fills the home with cozy aromas and hearts with warmth. Plus, it can be prepped ahead, letting you enjoy your evening stress-free.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect Christmas Eve Lasagna, having the right tools is just as important as the ingredients. Here are the essentials:

Large Sauté Pan or Dutch Oven: Crucial for building a deep, rich meat sauce without crowding the pan.
9×13-Inch Baking Dish: The ideal size for layering lasagna without overflow, ensuring even cooking.
Mixing Bowls: Needed for stirring together cheeses and eggs for the creamy ricotta filling.

Box Grater or Food Processor: Freshly grated cheese melts and browns better than pre-shredded.
Aluminum Foil: Helps trap heat and moisture during the first phase of baking.
Sharp Knife or Offset Spatula: For clean, beautiful slices when serving.

Having these tools prepped and within reach makes the process smoother and guarantees a restaurant-quality result in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for the Christmas Eve Lasagna

Every element of this dish plays a key role in its flavor and texture. Here’s what you need and why it matters:

Lasagna Noodles: The structural foundation. Use oven-ready or boil the classic kind.

Ground Beef & Italian Sausage: A duo for deep, savory flavor with a hint of spice.
Yellow Onion: Adds aromatic depth and sweetness to the meat sauce.
Garlic: Essential for building rich, bold flavor in the sauce.

Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: The base of the sauce—one brings body, the other adds intensity.
Italian Seasoning, Salt & Black Pepper: Simple yet essential spices to round out the sauce.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, it softens the overall texture of the dish.

Egg: Mixed into the ricotta for structure and richness.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy, and essential for that gooey lasagna top.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty contrast to the creamy and savory layers.

Fresh Parsley (optional): A pop of green for garnish and freshness.

How To Make the Christmas Eve Lasagna

Step 1: Build the Flavorful Meat Sauce

In a large sauté pan or Dutch oven, cook ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasoning. Simmer for 20-30 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with one egg, a pinch of salt, and half of the grated Parmesan. Stir until creamy and uniform. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start with a thin layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of noodles, followed by ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, ending with mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan on top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing—this helps everything set beautifully.

Serving and Storing This Lasagna Delight

This Christmas Eve Lasagna is best served warm, with those delicious layers holding together perfectly after resting. Pair it with a fresh green salad and garlic bread to round out the meal. For wine lovers, a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot enhances the flavors beautifully.

Have leftovers? Lucky you. Store individual slices in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and melty again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of noodles work best for lasagna?

Classic boil lasagna noodles give you more control over texture, but oven-ready noodles are great for convenience and absorb flavors well during baking.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake an additional 10-15 minutes when coming straight from the fridge.

What’s the purpose of letting lasagna rest before slicing?

Resting helps the layers set and makes it much easier to slice cleanly without it falling apart.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based crumbles and keep the rest of the ingredients the same.

How do I avoid watery lasagna?

Simmer your sauce long enough to reduce excess moisture and make sure your ricotta isn’t too wet. Draining or patting it dry can help if needed.

Can I freeze lasagna before baking?

You can! Assemble fully, wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If this Christmas Eve Lasagna has you craving more cheesy, comforting pasta dishes, try these hearty options next:

• Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for a creamy twist with ricotta and marinara.
• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells if you’re looking for a veggie-packed option.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole to switch it up with a golden, cheesy crust.
• Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes for a fun, kid-friendly pasta-inspired bake.
• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken when you want something oven-baked and indulgent.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it any time!

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a special cheese blend? Maybe a secret spice in the sauce? I love seeing your holiday spins on this recipe.

Your questions and tips help us all cook better—share away!

Christmas Eve Lasagna

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Christmas Eve Lasagna is rich, cozy, and crowd-pleasing—made with hearty layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and melty mozzarella. It’s a make-ahead-friendly dish perfect for family gatherings and holiday meals, and it’s guaranteed to become a beloved tradition year after year.

Instructions

1. In a large sauté pan or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Once browned, drain excess fat if needed. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 20–30 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 egg, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and set aside.

3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer with noodles, half the ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with meat sauce, mozzarella, and the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.

4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.