On Christmas Eve, the anticipation of the holiday season often calls for a comforting and hearty meal that brings everyone together. Lasagna, with its layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and gooey cheese, is the perfect dish to celebrate the occasion. This Christmas Eve Lasagna recipe combines traditional flavors with a touch of festive flair, making it a standout centerpiece for your holiday dinner. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy family meal, this lasagna will make your Christmas Eve truly special.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
– Ground beef 1 lb (450g)
– 1 lb (450g) ground Italian sausage
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– Red Wine 1 cup (optional)
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Béchamel Sauce:
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Nutmeg, a pinch
– Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling:
– 12 lasagna noodles (preferably no-boil)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
– In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
– then Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
– Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
– Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine (if using). Add basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
– Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors should meld together.
2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
– In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes light golden.
– Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
– Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
– Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
– Spread a layer of béchamel sauce over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
– Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
– Repeat the layers (noodles, béchamel, meat sauce, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of béchamel sauce and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
4. Bake:
– Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
– Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
– Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Conclusion:
This Christmas Eve Lasagna is a hearty and festive dish that brings comfort and joy to your holiday table. With its layers of savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese, it’s sure to become a beloved tradition in your Christmas celebrations. Serve it with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal that will leave everyone satisfied and delighted. Enjoy the festive flavors and the warmth of family and friends this holiday season!
