Christmas Eve Lasagna: 7 Steps to Holiday Magic

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If there’s one dish that can steal the spotlight on Christmas Eve, it’s Christmas Eve Lasagna — rich, hearty, and layered with love (and cheese, of course). Whether you’re hosting the whole family or planning a quiet, cozy dinner, this lasagna is the culinary hug you didn’t know you needed.

Imagine the aroma of simmering bolognese, creamy basil pesto ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella wafting through your kitchen — it’s basically Christmas magic in casserole form. And the best part? You can prep it ahead, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen when everyone else is sipping cocoa and watching It’s a Wonderful Life.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Eve Lasagna

This Christmas Eve Lasagna isn’t your average weeknight pasta bake. It’s a showstopper — layered with slow-simmered bolognese, a luscious basil pesto ricotta, and two kinds of cheese that melt into the most satisfying golden crust.

It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table go quiet for a few seconds (that sacred pause between first bite and “Oh my gosh, this is amazing”).

Here’s why it’ll become your new holiday tradition:

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it the night before and just bake on Christmas Eve.
Rich and Comforting: A hearty blend of beef, pork, and creamy cheeses.
Festive and Flavorful: Basil pesto adds a bright green twist perfect for the season.
Family-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters will go back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll be layering into this masterpiece (scroll down for full details and proportions):

Main Lasagna:

Nonstick cooking spray
One 13.2-ounce box DeLallo No-Boil Lasagna
sauce Bolognese
Basil Pesto Ricotta
24 ounces shredded mozzarella
12 ounces Italian cheese blend (Asiago, Parmesan, etc.)

For the Bolognese Sauce:

2 carrots, 1 celery stalk, 1 onion (the holy trinity!)
4 oz pancetta
6 cloves garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef + 1 lb ground pork
Tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and a splash of red wine (Chianti if you’re feeling fancy)
Fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, bay leaves
½ cup heavy cream + grated Parmesan

For the Basil Pesto Ricotta:

15 oz ricotta (whole milk or part-skim)
6.3 oz jar DeLallo Simply Basil Pesto
2 large eggs
½ cup grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step: How to Make Christmas Eve Lasagna

Step 1: The Sauce Bolognese

Start by blitzing your soffritto (carrots, celery, onion) in a food processor until finely chopped. Do the same with the pestata — pancetta and garlic pulsed into aromatic perfection.

Sauté the pestata in olive oil until fragrant, then add the soffritto and cook until everything’s beautifully browned. Stir in your beef and pork, season generously, and brown until crumbly.

Next comes the good stuff — tomato paste, red wine (sip some if you’d like), crushed tomatoes, broth, herbs, and that optional parmesan rind. Let it simmer for at least 90 minutes — long enough for your kitchen to smell like an Italian trattoria on Christmas Eve.

When it’s silky and rich, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Taste for seasoning and set aside.

Step 2: Basil Pesto Ricotta Magic

While your sauce works its magic, mix the ricotta, pesto, eggs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl. It should look creamy, pale green, and smell like pure happiness.

Step 3: Assemble Like a Pro

Spray your 9×13 pan and a piece of foil with nonstick spray (trust me, your cleanup self will thank you).

Start with a saucy base: Spread 1 cup of bolognese on the bottom.
Layer 1: Lasagna noodles, half the bolognese, a sprinkle of mozzarella and Italian cheese.
Layer 2: More noodles, half the basil pesto ricotta, more cheese.
Layers 3 & 4: Repeat until you’ve built four beautiful strata of love, ending with a generous blanket of cheese on top.

Cover with foil (sprayed side down) and refrigerate for at least 12 hours — this lets the flavors mingle like old friends at a holiday party.

Step 4: Bake and Bask in Glory

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the lasagna (on a baking sheet, for safety) in the center rack and bake for 60 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes so the top can bubble and brown to perfection.

If you want that picture-perfect golden top, broil for 3–5 minutes at the end — just don’t wander off!

Let it rest 10–15 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve with a glass of red wine, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a side of Christmas joy.

Aneta’s Cooking Tips

Make it ahead: Assemble the day before and refrigerate. The rest time actually improves the flavor.
No pancetta? Bacon works great! (No one’s judging on Christmas.)
For a lighter version: Substitute ground turkey and low-fat ricotta.
Serving crowd tip: Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread — trust me, everyone will ask for seconds.

(True story: my first Christmas making this, I thought one pan would be enough. Rookie mistake. My family now insists on two.)

A hearty slice of Christmas Eve Lasagna layered with rich bolognese, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese, served with fresh greens. — This slice of Christmas Eve Lasagna is pure comfort—rich, cheesy layers of homemade bolognese and ricotta, perfect for your holiday table.

FAQs About Christmas Eve Lasagna

Can I make Christmas Eve Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Assemble, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze unbaked. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

What’s the best wine to use in the bolognese?

A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot complements the sauce beautifully — and pairs perfectly with your finished lasagna.

How do I store leftovers?

Store slices in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

Bringing It All Together

This Christmas Eve Lasagna is everything the holidays should be — cozy, comforting, and shared with the people you love most. Each bite tells a story of slow-simmered sauce, creamy ricotta, and a dash of festive cheer.

So this year, instead of stressing over complicated menus, make this lasagna your centerpiece. It’s hearty, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around your table.

Merry cooking, friends — and may your kitchen always smell like Christmas magic.

A festive slice of Christmas Eve Lasagna layered with rich meat sauce, melted cheese, and herbs, served on a plate beside golden utensils. — Celebrate the holidays with this irresistible Christmas Eve Lasagna — layered with savory bolognese, creamy cheese, and baked to golden perfection.

More Festive Favorites to Try Next

If this Christmas Eve Lasagna becomes the star of your holiday table (and let’s be honest, it will), you’ll love keeping the seasonal spirit alive with a few more cozy, crowd-pleasing dishes from Chicken Magic Recipes. Each of these recipes pairs beautifully with your lasagna or makes the perfect addition to any festive spread:

For a stunning appetizer that disappears fast, try these Baked Cranberry Brie Bites — warm, flaky, and filled with gooey holiday bliss.
Want an easy side that balances richness with comfort? You’ll adore the Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread — it’s sweet, buttery, and oh-so-perfect for soaking up that extra sauce.
Add a festive salad to lighten things up with the Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple Salad — crisp apples, tangy vinaigrette, and all the cozy fall vibes.
And for dessert? End your meal with a showstopping Sugar Cookie Cheesecake that tastes like Christmas magic in every creamy bite.

Loved this Christmas Eve Lasagna? Tap the ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating on the recipe card to leave your review—it helps more home cooks find (and love) it, too. And don’t miss a bite of the holiday fun: follow Chicken Magic Recipes on Pinterest for fresh, festive ideas all season long!