The holiday season calls for dishes that are both comforting and spectacular. Our Christmas lasagna recipe is a cherished tradition, featuring vibrant red and green layers that delight the eyes and the palate. This dish combines a rich, slow-simmered bolognese with a creamy basil pesto ricotta, creating a truly memorable flavor profile. It’s a stunning centerpiece for any festive gathering and offers the wonderful convenience of being make-ahead friendly, ensuring stress-free holiday entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Lasagna
This festive lasagna isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why it will become a new holiday favorite:
- Festive Appearance: Enjoy beautiful red and green layers, perfect for your holiday table.
- Rich Bolognese: Indulge in a deeply flavorful, slow-simmered homemade bolognese sauce.
- Creamy Pesto Ricotta: Savor the herbaceous, rich basil pesto ricotta that adds a unique twist.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This generous christmas lasagna recipe is ideal for feeding a large family or guests.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it in advance to simplify your holiday hosting duties.
- Delicious Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making for fantastic, easy reheating.
Ingredients
Gathering high-quality ingredients is key to making the best Christmas lasagna recipe. This dish relies on robust flavors, so choose fresh produce and quality dairy.
Main Lasagna Components:
- nonstick cooking spray
- one 13.2-ounce box DeLallo No-Boil Lasagna noodles
- Best-Ever Bolognese (below)
- basil pesto ricotta (below)
- 24 ounces shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 6 cups)
- 12 ounces Italian cheese blend, such as asiago, parmesan, etc. (about 3 cups)
For the Best-Ever Bolognese Sauce:
- 2 large carrots, roughly chopped
- 1 stalk celery, roughly chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 4 ounces pancetta, roughly chopped (see Recipe Notes)
- 6 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- one 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 1 cup medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti
- 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 10-12 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- optional: 1 parmesan rind
- one 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season
For the Basil Pesto Ricotta:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese, whole milk or part-skim as desired
- one 6.3-ounce jar DeLallo Simply Basil Pesto
- 2 large eggs
Notes & Substitutions:
- Pancetta: If you can’t find pancetta, use good quality bacon, finely chopped, or simply omit it for a lighter sauce.
The Italian Academy of Cuisine officially registered the modern recipe for Bolognese sauce in 1982 to preserve its authenticity and traditional ingredients. For those interested in the authentic preparation of a classic Bolognese sauce, understanding its origins is key.
- No-Boil Noodles: We prefer no-boil lasagna noodles for convenience and consistent texture. They absorb moisture from the sauce, cooking perfectly in the oven.
For a deeper dive into the science behind their convenience, Epicurious offers insights into how no-boil lasagna noodles work and why they’ve become a favorite among home cooks.
- Gluten-Free: Easily make this a gluten-free Christmas lasagna by using your favorite gluten-free no-boil lasagna noodles.
- Red Wine: If you prefer to omit red wine, substitute it with an equal amount of low-sodium beef or chicken broth for the deglazing step.
- Pesto Ricotta: For a less pronounced pesto flavor, or if you prefer a simpler ricotta, omit the pesto and stir in 1 cup of finely chopped fresh spinach instead.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy gadgets to create this spectacular dish, but a few key pieces of equipment will make the process smooth.
- Food processor (for chopping vegetables)
- Heavy-bottomed pot (at least 4-quart capacity)
- 9×13-inch baking pan (3-inch deep recommended)
- Large mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Creating this delicious Christmas lasagna recipe involves a few simple phases. Take your time, and you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable dish.
Phase 1: Make the Best-Ever Bolognese Sauce
- Add the roughly chopped carrot, celery, and onion to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but not puréed. Transfer to a bowl.
- Combine pancetta and garlic in the same food processor. Pulse until finely chopped; this is your pestata.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Cook the pestata for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and pancetta renders.
- Add the soffritto mixture (carrot, celery, onion) to the pot. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until deeply browned. Adjust heat as needed.
- Season ground beef and pork with 1 teaspoon kosher salt each. Add to the center of the pot. Brown deeply for 2-3 minutes per side without disturbing. Break meat into crumbles and stir with soffritto. Cook until fully browned, 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, coating the meat and soffritto. Cook for 2-3 minutes to brown the paste.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits. Cook for 4-5 minutes until almost fully absorbed.
- Tie rosemary and thyme together with kitchen twine, or finely chop them. Add herbs, bay leaves, and optional parmesan rind to the pot. Stir in crushed tomatoes and broth.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 90 minutes. Add more broth if the sauce reduces too quickly.
- Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan. Taste and season with more salt and pepper as desired. Remove from heat.
Phase 2: Prepare the Basil Pesto Ricotta
- While the bolognese simmers, combine ricotta cheese, DeLallo Simply Basil Pesto, and eggs in a medium mixing bowl.
- Season with ½ teaspoon each of kosher salt and ground black pepper, or to taste. Stir until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
Phase 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Spray a large piece of foil and a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
- Ladle about 1 cup of bolognese sauce into the baking dish, spreading evenly to coat the bottom. This prevents noodles from sticking.
- Arrange a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them to fit snugly.
- Spread half of the basil pesto ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Sprinkle about ¼ of the shredded mozzarella and Italian cheeses over the ricotta layer.
- Repeat steps 3-5, creating four alternating layers of bolognese, noodles, pesto ricotta, and cheese.
- Finish the top layer with a generous sprinkling of any remaining mozzarella and Italian cheeses.
Phase 4: Rest the Lasagna
- Cover the baking dish tightly with the prepared sprayed foil.
- Transfer the covered lasagna to the refrigerator to rest for at least 12 hours, or overnight. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and the noodles to fully hydrate, ensuring your Christmas lasagna recipe holds its shape perfectly.
Phase 5: Bake and Serve
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) with a rack in the center.
- Remove the lasagna from the refrigerator. Place the baking dish on a large rimmed baking sheet (to catch any spills).
- Bake for 60 minutes, covered with foil.
- Carefully remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown and become golden.
- For an extra crispy top, broil for the last 5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing into 12-15 squares.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or extra parmesan, then serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect, sliceable lasagna is simple with a few expert tricks.
- No-Boil Noodles are Key: These noodles offer the best texture and soak up the delicious sauces perfectly, preventing a watery lasagna.
- Full Coverage: Always ensure the noodles cover the sauce completely in each layer to avoid dry spots.
- Resting is Essential: Do not skip resting the lasagna both before and after baking. This allows the layers to set, preventing a runny mess.
- Sauce on Bottom: A thin layer of sauce at the very bottom of the pan prevents the first layer of noodles from sticking.
- Bolognese Consistency: If your bolognese reduces too much during simmering, add a splash more broth or water to maintain a saucy consistency.
- Taste and Season: Always taste your sauces before assembly and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Properly seasoned layers elevate the entire dish.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This impressive Christmas lasagna is incredibly versatile, from presentation to how you enjoy it later.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve slices of this rich lasagna alongside warm, crusty bread or cheesy garlic bread.
- Balance the meal with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette or some roasted green vegetables.
- Garnish your holiday lasagna with fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Storage:
- Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions easily in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing:
- Baked Lasagna: Once completely cooled, cut the lasagna into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Unbaked Lasagna: You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked lasagna. Cover it tightly with several layers of plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Variations:
- Meat Options: Swap the ground pork for additional ground beef, Italian sausage, or a mix of both.
- Ricotta Filling: Replace the basil pesto ricotta with plain ricotta seasoned with herbs, or a spinach-ricotta mixture for a greener layer.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese blends like provolone, fontina, or smoked mozzarella to customize the flavor.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for this Christmas lasagna recipe will vary based on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes. (Note: Nutritional information would typically be fetched from a Nutrifox embed here.)
| Per Serving (approx.) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | TBD |
| Protein | TBD |
| Fat | TBD |
| Carbs | TBD |
FAQ
Here are answers to some common questions about making this delightful holiday lasagna.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Christmas lasagna recipe is designed for make-ahead convenience. Assemble it up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Can Christmas lasagna be frozen before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before baking.
How to prevent lasagna from collapsing or being watery?
Always use no-boil noodles and make sure to rest the lasagna for at least 10-15 minutes after baking before slicing. This allows the layers to set properly.
What kind of baking dish works best?
A deep 9×13-inch baking pan (3-inch deep) is ideal for accommodating all the layers of this hearty lasagna.
Can I make this recipe without red wine?
Yes, simply substitute the red wine with an equal amount of low-sodium beef or chicken broth when deglazing the pot.
Conclusion
This Christmas lasagna recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and festive cheer. With its rich bolognese and vibrant pesto ricotta, it offers a stunning, delicious centerpiece for your holiday table. Its make-ahead friendly nature means you can enjoy a stress-free holiday, spending more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen. We encourage you to try this recipe and make it a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Please share your experience in the comments, rate the recipe, and tag us in your festive culinary creations on social media!
