Description
A festive, ultra-cheesy holiday lasagna layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella the perfect cozy bake for family gatherings.
Ingredients
12 lasagna noodles
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes.
4. Add garlic and meat; cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, parsley, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
7. Spread a thin layer of sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
11. Cool 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use a mix of beef and Italian sausage for richer flavor.
Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Leftovers freeze beautifully — reheat covered in the oven until warm.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: holiday lasagna, cheesy lasagna bake, Christmas dinner, family meal