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Christmas Eve Lasagna

Irresistible Christmas Eve Lasagna for Your Holiday Feast

This Christmas Eve Lasagna combines layers of homemade bolognese and basil pesto ricotta for a holiday crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting Time 12 hours
Total Time 14 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Bolognese Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground beef can substitute with ground turkey
  • 1 pound Ground pork omit for a leaner version
  • 4 ounces Pancetta can replace with bacon
  • 2 medium Carrots
  • 2 stalks Celery
  • 1 large Yellow onion
  • 4 cloves Garlic
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
  • 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes ensure quality brand
  • 1 cup Red wine use broth for non-alcoholic version
  • 3 sprigs Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, bay leaves) can swap with Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups Chicken broth or water to adjust consistency
  • ½ cup Heavy cream
  • to taste Kosher salt
  • to taste Black pepper
For the Cheese Filling
  • 15 ounces Ricotta cheese whole milk or part-skim
  • 6.3 ounces Basil pesto homemade or store-bought
  • 2 large Eggs omit for vegan version
  • ½ cup Grated parmesan can substitute with nutritional yeast
For Assembly
  • 12 ounces No-boil lasagna noodles
  • 3 cups Mozzarella cheese can replace with whole-milk mozzarella
  • 2 cups Italian cheese blend substitute with any hard cheese

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Large pot
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Make the Soffritto: Begin by processing the chopped carrots, celery, and onion in a food processor until finely minced.
  2. Prepare the Pestata: In the same food processor, finely chop the pancetta and garlic until they form a coarse paste.
  3. Cook the Pestata: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir in the pestata and sauté for 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add the Soffritto: Add the prepared soffritto into the pot, season with kosher salt and sauté for about 15-20 minutes.
  5. Brown the Meat: Raise the heat to medium-high and incorporate the ground beef and pork, cooking for 8-10 minutes.
  6. Deglaze: Pour in 1 cup of red wine, scraping up browned bits from the pot’s bottom, and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Add Aromatics: Tie fresh herbs together and add them to the pot along with crushed tomatoes and chicken broth.
  8. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 90 minutes.
  9. Finish Bolognese: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated parmesan, season with salt and black pepper.
  10. Prepare Basil Pesto Ricotta: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, basil pesto, eggs, and parmesan. Mix until smooth.
  11. Assemble the Lasagna: In a large baking dish, layer the bolognese, no-boil noodles, pesto ricotta, mozzarella, and Italian cheese blend.
  12. Rest: Cover the lasagna with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
  13. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F, remove the plastic wrap and bake for about 60 minutes, uncovering for the last 10.
  14. Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Assemble the lasagna a day in advance for enhanced flavors and easier serving.

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