Christmas Eve Lasagna

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Christmas Eve Lasagna is that soul-warming, layered dish that brings everyone to the table with big smiles and even bigger appetites. With rich beef ragu, silky ricotta, and stretchy mozzarella between perfectly cooked pasta sheets, it’s the kind of comfort food that says “home” with every bite. Whether you’re gathering with family or hosting close friends, this lasagna makes for a festive centerpiece without the fuss of a turkey.

It’s not just the flavors that make it perfect for Christmas Eve—it’s the make-ahead convenience, too. You can assemble this dish the night before or early in the morning and simply bake when you’re ready. It gives you more time for presents, hot cocoa, and holiday movies, without compromising on a hearty, satisfying dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Eve Lasagna

This lasagna is an ideal choice for holiday gatherings because it’s both crowd-pleasing and low-stress. It feeds a hungry group, reheats beautifully, and fills the house with the nostalgic smell of home cooking. The layers of meaty sauce, cheese, and pasta feel indulgent, but they’re also deeply familiar—a hug in casserole form.

Plus, it’s adaptable. You can swap beef for sausage, add spinach for a pop of green, or even go half-and-half for variety. The creamy, cheesy, tomatoey goodness will shine no matter how you build it.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Lasagna?

Use traditional dried lasagna noodles for this recipe, and boil them just until al dente. They’ll finish cooking in the oven, absorbing some of that delicious meat sauce. If you’re in a hurry, no-boil noodles are also an option—just be sure to use extra sauce so they soften up properly while baking.

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Ingredients for the Christmas Eve Lasagna

Every component in this lasagna plays a role in building deep, savory flavor and dreamy texture.

• Lasagna noodles: The base of the dish. Choose dried or no-boil depending on your schedule.
• Ground beef: Provides rich, meaty depth to the sauce.
• Onion & garlic: Aromatics that bring the sauce to life.
• Crushed tomatoes: The heart of a good ragu, adding acidity and body.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Italian seasoning & fresh basil: Lends warmth and herbal brightness.
• Ricotta cheese: Offers creaminess and mild tang.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture.
• Mozzarella cheese: For that classic melt and stretch in every bite.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds salty umami to finish it off.
• Olive oil, salt, pepper: The essentials to round everything out.

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How To Make the Christmas Eve Lasagna

Step 1: Build the Ragu Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic, then add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a handful of fresh chopped basil. Let it simmer for 30 minutes to build flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, one beaten egg, salt, pepper, and a little parmesan. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Boil your lasagna noodles just until al dente, then drain and lay flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

In a 9×13″ baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of noodles, then spoon over ricotta mixture, sprinkle mozzarella, and repeat. Finish with sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella and parmesan on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.

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How to Serve and Store Christmas Eve Lasagna

This lasagna is hearty enough to serve as a main on its own, and feeds up to 8 people generously. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes after baking so the layers set—this makes slicing clean and easy. It pairs well with a simple salad and garlic bread.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze baked or unbaked lasagna for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

What to Serve With Christmas Eve Lasagna?

Garlic Bread

Golden, buttery garlic bread is a classic lasagna companion for soaking up extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine with creamy Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their earthy bitterness complements the richness of lasagna beautifully.

Red Wine

A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Zinfandel enhances the dish’s bold flavors.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tangy carrots balance the savory meat and cheese.

Antipasto Platter

Serve as a starter—think marinated olives, roasted peppers, and salami.

Tiramisu or Cannoli

Finish the night with a festive Italian dessert.

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Want More Lasagna Ideas?

If this Christmas Eve Lasagna stole your heart, try more delicious baked pasta favorites:

• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a seafood twist.
• Buffalo Chicken Lasagna with a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells for a vegetarian alternative.
• Creamy Beef and Shells for a one-pot pasta fix.
• Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Lasagna for cheesy green goodness.

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add sausage instead of beef? Maybe a splash of red wine in the sauce? I’d love to hear your festive twists.

Explore beautifully curated dinner inspiration on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your next go-to dish!

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