Christmas Eve Lasagna Bolognese

This best Christmas lasagna recipe has become our go to holiday lasagna dinner for good reason. Featuring layers of festive lasagna Bolognese, rich cheeses, and a touch of pesto, this comfort food classic is ready with just 15 minutes of easy prep plus an hour of baking time. Whether you are planning your Christmas Eve dinner or looking for a memorable holiday lasagna that truly impresses, this dish guarantees flavor, ease, and plenty of cozy Italian joy for your winter gathering.

The first Christmas lasagna dinner I ever hosted, I nervously tried this lasagna bolognese recipe and was so surprised by how easy and impressive it came out. That night started my family’s holiday lasagna tradition—and now every December it is the most requested dinner, whether for Christmas Eve or a special winter get together. Baking this mozzarella and ricotta filled holiday lasagna fills the kitchen with nostalgic Italian aromas, turning a simple dinner into the centerpiece of the season.

Gather Your Ingredients for Christmas Lasagna

• Mozzarella cheese (shredded, low moisture, part skim): Melty, golden stretch for each layer; shredding your own ensures the best melt. Substitute with provolone for deeper flavor if preferred.
• Italian cheese blend (asiago, parmesan, romano): Adds nutty, salty depth; choose a freshly grated mix for maximum flavor balance and a crisp topping.
• Carrots (large, firm, bright orange): Sweetness and earthy notes in bolognese; fresh carrots make the sauce more vibrant and freeze well if making ahead.
• Celery: Provides aromatic bitterness to round out tomato sauce, and firm stalks work best; may swap extra onion if out of celery.
• Yellow onion (large): Develops savory umami, caramelizes in soffritto for flavor foundation; substitute with sweet onion if needed.
• Garlic cloves (fresh, fat): Essential Italian aroma; use whole peeled cloves for bold flavor, or swap with minced garlic in a pinch.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Sauté medium with vegetables; cold pressed oil deepens flavor and helps caramelize aromatics.
• Ground beef (80 to 85 percent lean): Robust, juicy texture for meat sauce; can use turkey for a lighter holiday lasagna.
• Ground pork: Tenderizes and layers savory flavor; chicken or Italian sausage can be used for variation.
• Pancetta: Salty, porky base; substitute with diced bacon if pancetta is unavailable for added smokiness.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies sauce, aids caramelization; double for a thicker, richer flavor profile.
• Red wine (medium bodied, Chianti or Sangiovese): Deepens bolognese with acidity and color; swap with broth or grape juice if alcohol free.
• Fresh rosemary and thyme: Woodsy Italian herb aroma; tie with kitchen twine for easy removal, or chop if needed.
• Bay leaves and parmesan rind: Infuse sauce with complexity; parmesan rind is optional but gives extra depth.
• Crushed tomatoes (San Marzano): Tangy and full bodied, choose high quality for rich lasagna layers; canned or fresh both work.
• Chicken broth (low sodium) or water: Allows seasoning control; broth adds savory depth without excess salt.
• Heavy cream: Silky finish in sauce for holiday decadence; skip for dairy free version or replace with milk for lighter texture.
• Ricotta cheese (whole or part skim): Creamy holiday filling; opt for high quality and drain excess liquid for structure.
• Basil pesto (refrigerated, such as DeLallo Simply Basil Pesto): Lush herb flavor; create your own or replace with sun dried tomato pesto for color variation.
• Eggs (large): Bind ricotta for easy slicing; can skip if avoiding eggs, but lasagna may be softer.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Season each layer for best balance; taste as you go for holiday perfection.
• Lasagna noodles or sheets: Use oven ready for convenience or boil classic sheets for a more rustic Italian texture.
• Kitchen twine and large heavy bottomed pot: Tie herbs and ensure even sauce simmering for deeply flavored bolognese.

How to Make Christmas Eve Lasagna

Sauté Aromatics for Maximum Flavor:

Add chopped carrots, celery, and onion to a food processor and pulse until finely minced, confetti sized but not pureed. Transfer this mixture aside, then pulse pancetta and garlic together until just minced. This technique evenly distributes flavor and ensures a balanced bolognese base.

Bloom Pancetta and Garlic in Olive Oil:

Heat extra virgin olive oil in a heavy four quart pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add pancetta and garlic, cooking and stirring for four to five minutes until pancetta edges crisp and the kitchen smells aromatic. Take care not to scorch to preserve flavor and color.

Build Soffritto and Caramelize:

Stir in carrot, celery, and onion mixture. Sprinkle with kosher salt, cook over medium to medium low for fifteen to twenty minutes, stirring every few minutes. Caramelize veggies until deep, fragrant, and golden. Push to outer pot edges before adding meats.

Brown Beef and Pork Perfectly:

Season meats with salt, add to center of pot, let sear untouched for two to three minutes per side for a deep crust. Break up into fine crumbles. Cook for eight to ten minutes until thoroughly browned, then stir in tomato paste and cook two to three minutes to intensify flavor and texture.

Deglaze with Red Wine and Simmer:

Increase heat to medium high, pour in red wine, and scrape up browned bits for maximum richness. Bubble down four to five minutes until almost evaporated for a bright, layered bolognese.

Add Tomatoes, Herbs, Broth:

Tie rosemary and thyme, add with bay leaves and parmesan rind to pot. Stir in crushed tomatoes and two cups of broth or water, mix thoroughly and bring to simmer for even heat.

Slow Simmer for Deep Flavor:

Lower heat to medium low, simmer uncovered for ninety minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch for proper reduction: sauce should thicken but remain scoopable, and all flavors meld over time.

Finish with Cream and Cheese:

Stir in heavy cream and half cup grated parmesan. Taste for salt and pepper, adjust as needed. Rest sauce off heat until ready for lasagna assembly, or refrigerate up to five days for convenient prep.

Mix Pesto Ricotta Filling:

Blend ricotta, basil pesto, eggs, and parmesan in a large bowl. Add salt and pepper, stirring until smooth and fluffy. This provides creamy, herby layers for each festive bite.

Layer Lasagna in Baking Dish:

Spread several spoonfuls of bolognese in your dish, followed by noodles, half pesto ricotta, and both cheeses. Repeat until four sets of layers, finishing with mozzarella and Italian blend. Ensures even baking and photo ready slices.

Chill Overnight for Structure:

Cover loosely with foil and refrigerate twelve hours or overnight for best shape and flavor. This step guarantees clean slices and lets flavors unify.

Bake Until Golden and Bubbling:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F, bake covered about one hour, remove foil last ten minutes for caramelized cheese. Broil last five minutes for extra golden finish. Rest lasagna fifteen to twenty minutes before slicing and serving hot for your holiday meal.

I still remember the first time I folded basil pesto into my ricotta—it was a last minute experiment that turned out to be the family’s favorite surprise. One Christmas Eve, with everyone gathered in the kitchen, we laughed as the lasagna bubbled over with golden cheese and fragrant tomato sauce. That meal created a new holiday tradition for us, proving that even small recipe tweaks can make memories and healthy, joyful eating possible in any winter gathering.

Smart Swaps and Variations for Holiday Lasagna

This best Christmas lasagna can be endlessly adapted to suit your pantry, season, or dietary needs. Swap the Italian cheese blend for sharp provolone, double parmesan, or even add fontina for extra meltiness. For a lighter spin, use ground turkey or chicken in place of pork and beef, and try gluten free lasagna noodles to accommodate wheat free guests. Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for vegetarian flair, incorporate sun dried tomato pesto for a festive red hue, or spice things up with Calabrian chili flakes for a New Year’s Eve twist. Goat cheese in the ricotta adds tang and flair, or a layer of marinara beneath the noodles keeps corners extra saucy and soft.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Eve Lasagna

Store leftover Christmas lasagna covered in the refrigerator for three to four days for easy next day lunches or snacks. Freeze individual portions or the whole tray in airtight containers for up to three months without sacrificing taste or texture—layer pieces with parchment for easier serving. For best results, reheat in a 325 degree oven covered with foil until fully heated, or microwave individual slices to preserve gooey cheese. If making lasagna ahead, assemble, wrap, and refrigerate up to one day before baking fresh for your big holiday meal.

What to Serve with Christmas Eve Lasagna

Pair your Christmas lasagna with classic garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the rich, herby tomato sauce at your holiday feast. Serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the decadent cheese layers, and add roasted broccoli or green beans for color and nutrition. For extra festive flair, offer a glass of Chianti or Sangiovese and top servings with fresh parmesan curls and cracked black pepper for a memorable Italian style meal.

Nutritional Benefits

This Christmas lasagna offers balanced nutrition with protein from meats and cheese, plus fibers and vitamins from carrots, celery, and onions. When made with gluten free noodles and nut free pesto, it adapts to many dietary needs. Each generous slice supplies about 350 calories and provides calcium, vitamin A, essential amino acids, and iron, fueling holiday celebrations and immune support. Allergens include dairy, gluten, and eggs but smart swaps can easily adapt the recipe for special diets.

Recipe Success Tips for Christmas Lasagna

If your bolognese turns out on the watery side, continue simmering it uncovered until reduced and thick for flawless lasagna layering. If cheese browns too quickly in the oven, tent loosely with foil for even baking without burning. Allow your lasagna to rest for at least fifteen minutes after baking for easier slicing and rich flavor in every square. Taste and season every layer as you go for big, balanced results, and use a sharp or serrated knife for cleaner serving during your holiday meal.

This best Christmas lasagna brings comfort and festivity to any winter table and is sure to become a holiday favorite in your home too. Try your own special variation this year, and let your Christmas Eve lasagna tradition begin.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can this lasagna be made in advance?

Yes, the assembled lasagna can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows flavors to meld and makes holiday prep easier.

→ What is the best cheese combination for this lasagna?

The recipe uses mozzarella, Italian cheese blend (parmesan, asiago), ricotta, and grated parmesan for creamy texture and rich flavor.

→ How do I get a golden, crispy lasagna top?

Remove foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. For extra crisp, briefly broil at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.

→ Can I substitute beef or pork with another protein?

Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef or pork, though flavor and moisture content may vary slightly.

→ How do I prevent lasagna from becoming watery?

Ensure the bolognese is simmered until thick and use low-moisture cheeses. Resting lasagna before slicing also helps it set.