Name: Christmas Eve Lasagna
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles; 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound Italian sausage; 1 small onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 28 ounces crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Christmas Eve calls for something warm, hearty, and utterly comforting. This Christmas Eve Lasagna is everything you want in a holiday dinner: layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and golden bubbling mozzarella. It fills the kitchen with nostalgic aromas and brings everyone to the table in an instant.

This lasagna is the kind of dish that feels like a hug. It’s a make-ahead favorite, perfect for prepping the night before, and it tastes even better the next day. Whether you’re serving a large gathering or a cozy group, it’s a tradition worth keeping year after year.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Eve Lasagna

This lasagna brings the comfort of classic Italian flavors to your holiday meal. The layers are well-balanced with savory meat, creamy ricotta, and just the right amount of spice. It’s easy to prep in advance, freeing up your Christmas Eve for time with loved ones. And because it’s baked in a large dish, it easily feeds a crowd with minimal fuss.

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use?

Mozzarella is a must, but don’t stop there. A mix of mozzarella and provolone brings an extra melty pull, while ricotta gives the filling that creamy softness. Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty finish on top. Use whole milk versions for the richest flavor, and avoid pre-shredded cheese if you want that perfect melt.

Ingredients for the Christmas Eve Lasagna

Great lasagna starts with quality ingredients. For this recipe, every component matters, and layering them thoughtfully makes all the difference.

Lasagna noodles
Ground beef
Italian sausage
Onion
Garlic
Crushed tomatoes
Tomato paste
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Egg
Fresh basil or Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper

Each layer builds flavor. The noodles are your structure, the meats provide heartiness, and the cheese blend brings that creamy, savory magic.

How To Make the Christmas Eve Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a skillet. Add finely chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes so the flavors deepen.

Step 2: Boil the Noodles

Cook your lasagna noodles until just al dente. They’ll soften more in the oven, so don’t overcook. Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, an egg, a bit of grated Parmesan, and some chopped basil or Italian seasoning. Stir until creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Add noodles, a layer of ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat until you reach the top, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Serving and Storing Christmas Eve Lasagna

This lasagna serves about 8 to 10 people generously, making it a great centerpiece dish for holiday dinner. Leftovers keep beautifully and are even tastier the next day. Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze portions for later meals. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot through.

What to Serve With Christmas Eve Lasagna?

Garlic Bread

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing provide a fresh counterbalance to the rich lasagna.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted with olive oil and a touch of balsamic, these add a seasonal veggie side.

Red Wine

A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot complements the lasagna beautifully.

Italian Antipasto Platter

Serve before dinner with olives, cured meats, marinated veggies, and cheese.

Tiramisu or Cannoli

Finish the meal with a classic Italian dessert to keep the festive mood going.

Sparkling Apple Cider

Great for kids and non-drinkers, it adds a celebratory touch without alcohol.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Christmas Eve Lasagna made your holiday extra special, you’ll love these pasta favorites too:

Try our crowd-pleasing Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for something bold and satisfying.
Cozy up with Cajun Potato Soup on chilly nights.
For a Southern twist, Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad makes a great addition to potlucks and dinners.
Want more cheesy comfort? Our Cheesy Baked Ziti is another easy classic.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can come back to it anytime.

Let me know in the comments how your lasagna turned out. Did you sneak in extra cheese? Add a layer of spinach? I’d love to hear how you make this your own.

Explore even more cozy comfort dishes and festive treats on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and bring new flavors into your family traditions.

Conclusion

Christmas Eve Lasagna isn’t just a meal—it’s a warm memory waiting to happen. Rich, filling, and full of love, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes tradition. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or family, it brings joy to the table every time.