Christmas Lasagna Bake Recipe

This Christmas lasagna bake is my way of turning a classic comfort food into a festive centerpiece.

I love how the layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles come together in one dish.

It’s a bit of a chaos in the making, but the smell alone makes it worth every effort.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

It feels like a warm hug during the chaos of the season, a dish that gathers everyone.

The contrast of cheesy richness and tangy sauce always hits the right note.

Plus, it’s forgiving enough to tweak with leftovers or whatever’s in the fridge.

What’s in It and Why

• Lasagna noodles: The backbone, sturdy enough to hold layers without falling apart.
• Ground meat: Adds richness and umami. Swap with lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, balancing the acidity of tomato sauce.
• Mozzarella: Melty, gooey, essential for that cheesy pull.
• Parmesan: Sharp and salty, sprinkle generously for depth.
• Tomato sauce: Bright and tangy, ties everything together.
• Herbs (basil, oregano): Fresh or dried, they lift the flavors with a fragrant punch.

Tools That Make It Easier

• Large pot: To boil the pasta until al dente.
• Skillet or frying pan: To cook the meat and aromatics.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: To assemble and bake the lasagna.
• Mixing bowls: To prepare cheese mixtures and hold ingredients.
• Knife and cutting board: To chop onions and garlic.

Layering and Baking the Festive Lasagna

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2: Cook the lasagna noodles in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the filling: sauté chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Add ground beef or turkey, cook until browned, then stir in tomato sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Mix ricotta cheese with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a beaten egg; season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Layer the bake: spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish, add noodles, then cheese mixture. Repeat layers.

Step 7: Top with remaining meat sauce and shredded cheese. Cover with foil.

Festive Christmas Lasagna Bake

This Christmas lasagna bake layers rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and al dente noodles into a hearty casserole with a festive twist. The dish is assembled in a baking dish and baked until bubbling and golden, resulting in a comforting, layered final appearance with cheesy, saucy goodness. Perfect as a holiday centerpiece, it’s both forgiving and crowd-pleasing.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Holiday

Servings 8

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet or frying pan
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz lasagna noodles cooked until al dente
• 1 lb ground meat (beef or turkey) or use lentils for vegetarian
• 15 oz tomato sauce bright and tangy
• 1 cup ricotta cheese creamy and mild
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella melty and gooey
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese sharp and salty
• 1 small onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or fresh
• 1 teaspoon dried basil or fresh
• to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles until just al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  
• While the noodles cook, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  
• Add ground meat to the skillet, cooking until browned and cooked through. Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes, until thickened and flavorful.
  
• In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a beaten egg. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, mixing until smooth and creamy.
  
• Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, then spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
  
• Repeat the layers: meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce topped with shredded mozzarella.
  
• Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling.
  
• Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, enjoying the layers of cheesy, saucy goodness with a festive touch.
  

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute lentils for ground meat and add extra vegetables if desired.

Cooking Checks to Ensure Perfection

• The cheese on top is golden and bubbling.
• The bake smells rich and savory, with a hint of herbs.
• A knife inserted in the center comes out hot but not runny.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

• Layers turn mushy.? Use too much sauce? Spread it thin to avoid sogginess.
• Clumping and sticking.? Noodles stick? Rinse with cold water after boiling.
• Uneven cheese melt.? Cheese not melting well? Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes.
• Dry, crusty top.? Overbaking? Remove when edges are bubbly, not burnt.

Once out of the oven, let the lasagna sit for at least 15 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing easier. The top should be bubbly and golden, with that irresistible cheesy crust. Serve warm, perhaps with a simple green salad, and enjoy the cozy, cheesy aroma that fills the room.