Christmas Eve Lasagna (Festive Holiday Lasagna Recipe)

Nothing says comfort like a bubbling dish of Christmas Eve Lasagna. With creamy ricotta, rich tomato sauce, and hints of basil pesto, it’s the cozy, make-ahead centerpiece every holiday table deserves. Perfect for feeding a crowd and filling your kitchen with warmth and cheer.

What is Christmas Eve Lasagna?

Christmas Eve Lasagna is a festive twist on the classic Italian dish, designed to bring warmth, comfort, and color to your holiday table. What makes it special is the vibrant contrast of red and green — a rich tomato-meat sauce layered with a creamy basil-pesto ricotta filling. This not only looks festive but also adds deep, layered flavor that feels indulgent and celebratory.

Families often prepare it the day before, letting the flavors meld overnight. Then, on Christmas Eve, it simply bakes while everyone relaxes, sips wine, and enjoys the evening. Because it feeds a large crowd and can be made ahead, it’s become a favorite centerpiece for cozy gatherings. Whether paired with garlic bread or a crisp salad, this lasagna brings people together in the most comforting way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Christmas Eve Lasagna doesn’t just taste incredible — it makes your holiday easier, too. The layers of tender noodles, flavorful meat sauce, and creamy pesto-ricotta filling come together into a dish that’s both hearty and festive.

You’ll love that it can be prepared in advance, saving you time on a busy day. It’s freezer-friendly, meaning you can enjoy leftovers well into the holiday week. And the red-and-green layers make for a picture-perfect dinner that guests can’t resist. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a creamy scalloped potatoes for Christmas dinner or a cheesy seafood Christmas dinner recipe for a complete holiday feast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this stunning lasagna, gather these simple yet high-quality ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound lasagna noodles, preferably fresh
• Kosher salt for boiling water

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1½ pounds ground beef (85/15)
• 1½ pounds Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1½ teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
• 1½ cups whole milk

For the Cheese Filling:

• 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
• ½ cup basil pesto
• 1 large egg

For Layering and Topping:

• 1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese

Quality Tip: Always use San Marzano tomatoes for a richer, smoother sauce. Fresh pasta also gives a more tender bite and absorbs the sauce beautifully.

How to Make Christmas Eve Lasagna

Step 1 – Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook until just al dente. Drain, drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2 – Make the Festive Meat Sauce

In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef and sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon. Cook until browned.

Stir in tomato paste, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Crush the San Marzano tomatoes by hand and add them, including their juices. Simmer uncovered for about 25–30 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in milk for a smooth, rich finish, then remove from heat.

Step 3 – Prepare the Ricotta-Pesto Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, basil pesto, and one egg until smooth. This creamy green layer adds a festive look and a bright, herby flavor to the dish.

Step 4 – Assemble the Lasagna Layers

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay down noodles, then spread the ricotta mixture, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan, and repeat the layers. End with a generous layer of sauce and the remaining cheeses.

Step 5 – Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing so the layers hold together perfectly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

For neat slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan for that festive finishing touch. Serve it on warm plates to keep every bite cozy. Pair it with garlic knots or a crisp Caesar salad for a balanced Christmas Eve meal.

Make-Ahead, Freezing & Storage Tips

This lasagna is ideal for busy holidays. Assemble it up to two days ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Let it rest at room temperature for about an hour before baking. For longer storage, freeze it unbaked for up to three months.

When ready to bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 60 minutes, then uncover and bake another 25 minutes. Even after freezing, the flavor stays rich and the texture perfectly balanced — creamy, meaty, and satisfying.

Recipe Notes & Expert Tips

• Use fresh mozzarella for a softer, meltier texture.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or skipping red pepper flakes if serving kids.
• Letting it rest before slicing prevents watery layers.
• Swap sausage types for variety — mild, spicy, or fennel-infused all work beautifully.
• Serve it alongside stuffed shells for Christmas dinner or a classic Christmas prime rib holiday recipe for an impressive spread.

FAQ – Christmas Eve Lasagna

Related Recipes to Try

• Cheesy seafood Christmas dinner recipe
• Christmas stuffed pasta recipe
• Creamy scalloped potatoes for Christmas dinner
• Stuffed shells for Christmas dinner
• Classic Christmas prime rib holiday recipe
• Christmas cookie lasagna dessert

Conclusion

This Christmas Eve Lasagna is everything you want in a holiday meal — rich, comforting, and make-ahead friendly. Its festive red and green layers bring cheer to your table while saving you stress on the big night. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or cooking for family, this lasagna delivers the joy of Christmas in every bite. For more cozy recipe inspiration, visit Pinterest by Clara.

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