Description
This Christmas Eve Lasagna is not just a dish; it’s a festive experience that warms hearts and homes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once heated, add the finely chopped onion and cook until it softens, turning translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Next, introduce the ground beef and Italian sausage into the skillet. Cook until the meat is nicely browned and no longer pink, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Once your meat is browned, stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, the large egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay down the first layer of lasagna noodles, followed by spreading some of the ricotta mixture, shredded mozzarella cheese, and more meat sauce.
- Repeat the layering process, alternating between noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce until all ingredients are used.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
For a richer flavor, try using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-packaged varieties.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Protein: 30 g