Cheesy Christmas Lasagna

Hey there, holiday lovers!

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to whip up something special.

Today, I’m excited to share my Christmas lasagna recipe!

It’s warm, cheesy, and full of festive flavors.

Perfect for cozy family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Get ready to impress your guests with this delicious twist on a classic dish! Let’s dive in!

christmas lasagna
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian option. Adjust cooking time as needed, as turkey may cook faster than beef. For Italian sausage, consider using chicken sausage or vegetarian sausage crumbles to reduce fat content while maintaining flavor. Red wine can be substituted with beef or vegetable broth for an alcohol-free version. Use the same amount of broth as wine called for in the recipe. This substitution will maintain moisture and depth of flavor without compromising the dish’s integrity. For a dairy-free alternative, replace ricotta cheese with pureed silken tofu or cashew cream. Season the substitute with nutritional yeast and herbs to mimic the savory flavor of ricotta.

Preparation Time 30-45 minutes
Cooking Time 90-120 minutes
Total Time 120-165 minutes
Level of Difficulty Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

  • Calories: 3200-3600
  • Protein: 180-200 g
  • Fat: 180-200 g
  • Carbohydrates: 200-220 g

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound italian sausage
  • 1 large finely diced onion
  • 5-6 large cloves minced garlic
  • 1 1/2 – 6oz cans tomato paste
  • 1 – 28oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 – 28oz can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 2 tsp. italian seasonings
  • 2 tsp. oregano
  • 1 tsp. fennel seeds
  • 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 1 tbsp. sugar (optional)
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 30oz ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated romano cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 pound par-cooked lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Romano cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large saucepan, combine 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage.

Cook over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, chopping and stirring frequently until the meat is browned and broken into small pieces.

Next, add 1 large finely diced onion, 5-6 minced garlic cloves, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.

Cook and stir the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent.

Step 2: Enhance the Sauce

Stir in 1.5 (6 oz) cans of tomato paste and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Add 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes and 1 (28 oz) can of tomato sauce.

Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Add 1/2 cup of red wine, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasonings, 2 teaspoons of oregano, 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds, and 1/2 cup of fresh chopped parsley.

Stir well, bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for at least 1 hour.

Stir the sauce occasionally and, 15 minutes before it’s done, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and another teaspoon of Italian seasonings.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix together 30 oz of ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of grated Romano or Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Mozzarella cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of salt.

Mix well until all the ingredients are combined, then cover and refrigerate the mixture until needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Par-cook 1 pound of lasagna noodles for about 3 minutes to make them pliable.

In a deep baking dish, spread some of the meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.

Layer with 6 lasagna noodles, followed by half of the ricotta cheese mixture, a sprinkle of Parmesan/Romano cheese, and a little Mozzarella cheese.

Add more meat sauce on top, then place another layer of 6 lasagna noodles.

Spread the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, sprinkle with more Parmesan/Romano and Mozzarella cheese, and add another layer of meat sauce.

Finish with a final layer of 6 lasagna noodles and top with the remaining meat sauce.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

Sprinkle the top with Romano cheese, cover the dish with parchment paper and foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.

After the initial baking time, uncover the lasagna and add more Mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Let it Rest and Serve

After baking, allow the lasagna to rest for 20 minutes.

This resting period helps set the cheese and makes serving easier.

Once adequately rested, slice, serve, and enjoy your hearty homemade lasagna.

christmas lasagna
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

christmas lasagna
Image: mollyshomeguide.com / Photographer Molly

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