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Christmas Eve Lasagna

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Eve Lasagna for Family Feasts

Experience the heartwarming comfort of Christmas Eve Lasagna, perfect for family gatherings and festive feasts.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Provides richness and protein; substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Adds savory flavor; use chicken sausage or omit for a vegetarian version.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes The base for the meat sauce, lending acidity and moisture; fresh tomatoes can add a vibrant taste.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Enhances flavor with its pungent aroma; garlic powder is a quick substitute if needed.
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano Contributes herbal notes; fresh oregano can replace it at twice the amount for a fresher taste.
  • 2 teaspoons Dried Basil Adds sweetness and fragrance; swap for fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
  • Salt & Black Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.
For the Pasta Layer
  • 9 sheets No-Boil Lasagna Noodles Simplifies preparation and saves time; substitute regular noodles by adjusting for cooking instructions.
For the Cheese Filling
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Adds a creamy layer that balances flavors; cottage cheese works as a lower-fat alternative.
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Provides melty goodness known to please; feel free to use provolone for a twist.
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Adds sharpness and enhances flavor; Pecorino Romano is a suitable alternative.
For the Béchamel Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Ensures a creamy texture in the béchamel; olive oil can replace it for a dairy-free version.
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Thickens the béchamel sauce; use a gluten-free blend or cornstarch for gluten-free needs.
  • 2 cups Milk Creates a smooth and velvety béchamel; almond milk or plant-based alternatives can work for a dairy-free version.
  • Nutmeg Adds depth to the béchamel; omit if not a fan or substitute with a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Cooking and Assembling
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage until they are no longer pink, about 8 to 10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to prevent a greasy lasagna, and then set the meat aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 2 teaspoons of dried basil, along with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer over low heat for 10 to 20 minutes, giving it time to develop rich flavors and meld the ingredients together nicely.
  3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it's a light golden color. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while constantly whisking, cooking for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor, then remove from heat.
  4. Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and start layering! Begin with a generous layer of meat sauce on the bottom, followed by a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles. Next, spread a layer of the ricotta mixture (combined with salt and pepper), add more meat sauce, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles topped with béchamel sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  6. Once baked, take the lasagna out of the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set properly, making it easier to serve. Slice into squares and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow the lasagna to cool before storing. It can be personalized with favorite vegetables or cheeses for a unique twist.

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