In our Italian-American household, Christmas dinner was always about the lasagna. While others had their holiday hams and roast turkeys, my nonna would spend Christmas Eve preparing her special holiday lasagna, layered with love and extra special ingredients she saved just for Christmas. The aroma would fill our home on Christmas morning as it baked, making the wait for dinner almost unbearable. This recipe is my tribute to those magical Christmas nights, with a few modern twists that make it perfect for today’s busy holiday hosts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your everyday lasagna – it’s a festive masterpiece designed to be the centerpiece of your Christmas dinner. Featuring layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce infused with holiday herbs, and three different kinds of cheese, this lasagna strikes the perfect balance between traditional comfort and special occasion luxury.

What makes it truly special is the addition of subtle holiday flavors – fresh sage and nutmeg in the béchamel, a touch of red wine in the meat sauce, and a blend of Italian cheeses that create an unforgettable depth of flavor. Best of all, you can prepare it entirely ahead of time, leaving you free to enjoy Christmas morning with your family.

Ingredients & Equipment

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28 oz) cans San Marzano tomatoes
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Béchamel:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 fresh sage leaves
• Salt and white pepper to taste

Assembly:

• 1 package no-boil lasagna noodles
• 16 oz whole milk ricotta
• 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 16 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1 egg
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Equipment Needed:

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large saucepan
• Heavy-bottomed pot for béchamel
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

• Brown meat in large saucepan over medium-high heat
• Add onions and garlic, cook until softened
• Pour in wine and simmer until reduced by half
• Add tomatoes and herbs
• Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally
• Season to taste

1. Make the Béchamel

• Melt butter in heavy-bottomed pot
• Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes
• Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly
• Add sage leaves and nutmeg
• Simmer until thickened
• Remove sage leaves and season to taste

1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

• Mix ricotta with egg and 1/2 cup Parmigiano
• Season with salt and pepper
• Set aside mozzarella slices

1. Assembly

• Spread thin layer of meat sauce in baking dish
• Layer lasagna noodles
• Spread ricotta mixture
• Add meat sauce
• Pour béchamel
• Add mozzarella slices
• Repeat layers
• Top with remaining Parmigiano
• Cover with foil

1. Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F
• Bake covered for 45 minutes
• Remove foil and bake 15 minutes until golden
• Let rest 20 minutes before serving

Tips & Variations

Expert Tips:

• Make sauce one day ahead to enhance flavors
• Don’t overbake – pasta should be tender but not mushy
• Let lasagna rest before cutting for cleaner slices

Common Substitutions:

• Meat: Use ground turkey or pork, or make vegetarian with mushrooms
• Pasta: Regular boiled lasagna noodles work fine
• Cheese: Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta
• Wine: Replace with additional stock or water
• Make gluten-free using GF pasta and flour

Troubleshooting Guide:

• Too dry? Cover while baking, add more sauce between layers
• Too wet? Let rest longer before serving, reduce sauce
• Noodles not cooked? Ensure adequate sauce coverage
• Cheese not melting? Check oven temperature accuracy

Storage

This Christmas lasagna is perfect for making ahead and storing:

• Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate unbaked
• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days
• Freezer: Wrap well and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Thaw overnight if frozen, reheat covered at 350°F until hot

FAQs

Q: Can I make this lasagna ahead of Christmas day?
A: Absolutely! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, or freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Perfect for stress-free holiday hosting.

Q: How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
A: Don’t oversoak no-boil noodles in sauce, and don’t overbake. The resting time helps the pasta achieve the perfect texture.

Q: What makes this a “Christmas” lasagna?
A: The addition of holiday herbs like sage and rosemary, plus the rich béchamel and three-cheese blend make it more special than everyday lasagna.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes! Cut into portions, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

This Christmas Night Lasagna is more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of holiday traditions and family togetherness. The combination of classic Italian flavors with festive touches creates a dish worthy of your Christmas table. Whether you’re continuing an old family tradition or starting a new one, this lasagna is sure to become a beloved part of your holiday celebrations.