Holiday Baked Lasagna Recipe

Last updated on December 16th, 2024

When you need to feed lots of people during the holidays, baked lasagna is a great choice that’s different from usual roasts but still makes everyone happy. This flexible Italian-American dish can be changed to fit different likes and eating habits, from meaty lasagna to ones with just cheese and spinach. What makes lasagna really good for holiday parties is that you can make it ahead of time and it can feed many people easily.

Recipe

Ingredients

For the meat sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the ricotta mixture:

• 32 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional ingredients:

• 1 pound no-boil lasagna noodles
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the meat sauce:
   • In a large pot, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat.
   • Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil.
   • Simmer for 30 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the ricotta mixture:
   • In a bowl, mix ricotta, eggs, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Assemble the lasagna:
   • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Layer no-boil lasagna noodles to cover the sauce.
   • Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
   • Top with 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce and 1/3 of the mozzarella.
   • Repeat layers twice more, ending with mozzarella and meat sauce on top.
   • Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan over the top.
5. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks

1. Make-ahead magic: Prepare the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
2. No-boil noodles: These are a time-saver and work great, but ensure they’re completely covered with sauce to prevent dryness.
3. Cheese distribution: Reserve some mozzarella for the top layer to achieve that desirable golden, bubbly crust.
4. Prevent a soggy bottom: Start with a thin layer of sauce before the first pasta layer to prevent the bottom noodles from becoming soggy.
5. Resting time: Don’t skip the resting period after baking. This helps the lasagna set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
6. Scaling up: For larger groups, prepare multiple trays of lasagna. You can vary the fillings to cater to different tastes or dietary needs.

How to Serve

Serving lasagna for a holiday meal can be both elegant and comforting. Here are some suggestions:

1. Cut the lasagna into generous squares, ensuring each piece showcases the beautiful layers.
2. Use a wide, flat spatula to carefully transfer each piece to warmed plates.
3. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a small basil leaf for a festive touch.
4. Serve alongside complementary side dishes such as:
   • A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
   • Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf
   • Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers
   • A selection of olives and antipasti for a true Italian feast
5. Offer additional warmed marinara sauce on the side for those who like extra sauciness.
6. Don’t forget the wine! A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese pairs beautifully with lasagna.

Lasagna: The Holiday Crowd-Pleaser

Baked lasagna is a tasty and practical choice for holiday meals that brings people together. Its layers create a filling dish that feels special yet familiar, perfect for big gatherings. Lasagna’s best feature is how flexible it is: you can make classic meat versions or try vegetarian ones to please all your guests. While not always seen as holiday food, lasagna is perfect for sharing and makes the meal feel special.

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