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Christmas Eve Lasagna (Festive Lasagna Bolognese!)

Christmas Eve Lasagna (Festive Lasagna Bolognese!)

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Experience the magic of the holiday season with our Christmas Eve Lasagna, a festive twist on the classic bolognese. This stunning dish features rich layers of homemade bolognese sauce complemented by creamy basil pesto ricotta. The vibrant red and green hues make it a show-stopping centerpiece, perfect for family gatherings or festive dinners with friends. Not only is this lasagna delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with loved ones. With its comforting flavors and beautiful presentation, this recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition on your holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 24 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 12 ounces Italian cheese blend
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 jar basil pesto
  • 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
  • Red wine
  • nonstick cooking spray
  • 1 box DeLallo No-Boil Lasagna
  • 2 large carrots, roughly chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, roughly chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 4 ounces pancetta, roughly chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 can tomato paste
  • 1 cup medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti
  • 34 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1012 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • optional: 1 parmesan rind
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the soffritto by finely chopping carrots, celery, and onions in a food processor.
  2. Process pancetta and garlic until finely chopped.
  3. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot; add the pestata mixture and sauté until fragrant.
  4. Add the soffritto to the pot; cook until browned.
  5. Brown ground meats in the same pot; stir in tomato paste and cook briefly.
  6. Pour in red wine and scrape browned bits from the bottom.
  7. Add fresh herbs and crushed tomatoes; simmer for 90 minutes.
  8. Mix ricotta with basil pesto and eggs in a separate bowl.
  9. Layer bolognese sauce, pasta sheets, and ricotta mixture in a baking pan.
  10. Refrigerate overnight before baking at 375°F for about 30-40 minutes.

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