Irresistible Christmas Eve Lasagna for a Memorable Holiday Dinner

When you think of comfort food for the holidays, nothing satisfies quite like a hearty Christmas Eve Lasagna. With layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, rich ricotta, and gooey melted mozzarella, this dish is pure holiday magic. Whether you’re planning a traditional Italian Christmas dinner, organizing a festive potluck, or simply looking for the perfect meal to serve before Santa arrives, this holiday lasagna recipe will become a staple on your Christmas table.

Perfect for anyone who loves bold Italian flavors and cozy winter meals, this Christmas Lasagna Dinner delivers joy in every bite. Plus, it pairs beautifully with festive sides like cheesy mashed potato puffs or honey-glazed carrots and green beans, making it a complete holiday experience.

Save

Why This Holiday Lasagna Recipe Stands Out

Inspired by Chi-Chi’s Christmas Eve Lasagna, this version is both nostalgic and elevated. It starts with a meat sauce made from a mix of ground beef and mild Italian sausage, layered between sheets of oven-ready noodles, a whipped ricotta blend, and plenty of shredded mozzarella. What makes it shine is the perfectly balanced seasoning, slow-simmered sauce, and generous layers.

While there are many baked pasta dishes out there (like this vegetarian pasta primavera), this holiday lasagna is packed with rich, meaty goodness that feels celebratory and deeply satisfying—ideal for cold nights and big gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Christmas Eve Lasagna

Gather these pantry staples and fresh ingredients before you begin. No substitutions are needed—this classic shines just as it is.

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
• 1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Cheese Mixture

• 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)

For Assembling

• 12 oven-ready lasagna noodles
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan for topping

Want to switch it up? Serve this lasagna with a fresh salad featuring ingredients like those in this cucumber dill salad for a refreshing contrast.

Save

How to Make Christmas Eve Lasagna Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make the Meat Sauce
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sausage. Brown the meat, breaking it into small pieces. Once cooked through, stir in the onion and cook until soft. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another minute.

Mix in the tomato paste and let it cook down for 2 minutes. Then add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Layer
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and parsley until smooth. This layer brings a creamy, savory balance to the lasagna.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of noodles, then a third of the ricotta mixture, a layer of mozzarella, and more meat sauce. Repeat until you have three layers, ending with sauce and mozzarella on top.

Step 4: Bake
Cover with foil (spray with oil to prevent sticking) and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before serving—this helps the layers set.

Looking for something sweet to follow this rich dish? Consider these pumpkin cheesecake truffles or festive mini pancake cereal for the kids.

Essential Equipment for Christmas Lasagna Dinner

Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cheese grater
• Aluminum foil
• Knife for serving

If you’re prepping multiple dishes, check out this make-ahead breakfast bowl to save time the next morning.

Serving Suggestions for Christmas Lasagna Dinner

Round out your holiday dinner with:

• Garlicky kale with white beans and lemon for a healthy green side
• Cheesy root vegetable gratin for a comforting veggie option
• Garlic butter corn with melty cheese for buttery richness

These additions balance the flavors of your main dish while keeping the festive spirit alive.

Creative Ways to Present Your Lasagna

Presentation matters—especially for the holidays. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve in a decorative ceramic baking dish
• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil
• Cut into even squares and plate with a drizzle of sauce
• Pair with holiday napkins or a sprig of rosemary on each plate

If you’re serving a themed dinner, you could add a whimsical touch with snake charmers pretzels for kids or a snack table.

Tips for the Best Holiday Lasagna Recipe

• Use quality cheese: It melts better and tastes richer.
• Don’t rush the sauce—it’s the heart of the dish.
• Let it rest before slicing, or the layers will slide.
• Be generous with mozzarella for a bubbly top layer.
• If using fresh herbs, double the quantity for flavor.

For a spiced holiday drink that complements well, serve it with lavender lemonade or a glass of cucumber mint agua fresca.

Mistakes to Avoid with Christmas Eve Lasagna

Avoid these common errors:

• Using too much sauce can cause soggy layers
• Not seasoning the ricotta layer can result in bland bites
• Cutting too early—always wait at least 15 minutes
• Forgetting to cover while baking—your top may burn

For a similar baked dish with a twist, explore this cheesy pasta bake with pumpkin tomato sauce.

How to Store Christmas Eve Lasagna Leftovers

After the feast, here’s how to handle leftovers:

• Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• To freeze, wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20–30 minutes or microwave individual slices

Pair leftovers with something refreshing like this cucumber shrimp salad or cottage cheese egg salad for a lighter meal.

Variations and Swaps for Your Christmas Lasagna Dinner

• Go vegetarian by using sautéed spinach and mushrooms instead of meat
• Make it gluten-free by using GF noodles
• Add béchamel for a French-Italian fusion
• Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter version

Need another festive main dish idea? Try this cozy pumpkin chicken chili for another winter favorite.

Save

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate.

Can I freeze it unbaked?
Absolutely. Cover tightly and bake directly from frozen—just add 20–30 minutes to the cook time.

Can I use different cheeses?
You can. Fontina or provolone are great substitutes for mozzarella.

How many people does it serve?
This recipe serves 10–12, perfect for a full Christmas dinner menu.

Conclusion: Add Christmas Eve Lasagna to Your Holiday Table

There’s something magical about serving a bubbling tray of Christmas Eve Lasagna to your loved ones. With its rich layers, comforting aroma, and festive presentation, it’s the kind of recipe that brings people together year after year. Pair it with your favorite sides and a sweet dessert like these blueberry cream cheese bars or apple crisp with oatmeal to complete the holiday experience.

Print