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Cheesy Christmas Lasagna

Cheesy Christmas Lasagna: A Cozy Holiday Comfort Food

Cheesy Christmas Lasagna is a hearty hug on a plate, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners with loved ones.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Provides savory richness and protein; substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • 1 lb Italian Sausage Adds spiced flavor; consider chicken sausage or vegetarian crumbles for reduced fat.
  • 1 Onion Delivers sweetness and depth; use finely diced for even cooking.
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic Infuses aroma and flavor; fresh minced garlic is recommended.
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Thickens and intensifies the sauce flavor.
  • 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes Base of the sauce for a rich tomato flavor; essential for moisture.
  • 15 oz Tomato Sauce Complements crushed tomatoes for depth.
  • 1 cup Red Wine Enhances flavor and depth; swap with broth for an alcohol-free version.
  • to taste Italian Seasonings and Oregano Provide classic Italian flavor; adjust amounts to taste.
  • to taste Fennel Seeds Lends warmth and unique flavor; can be omitted if preferred.
  • ¼ cup Parsley Adds freshness to both sauce and cheese mixture; fresh is best.
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Main component of cheese filling; replace with silken tofu for dairy-free.
  • ½ cup Romano or Parmesan Cheese Contrasts with ricotta; adds saltiness and richness.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Topping cheese that melts beautifully.
  • 1 Egg Binds ricotta filling together; omit if using tofu.
For the Lasagna Assembly
  • 9 sheets Lasagna Noodles Structure of the dish; par-cook for easier layering.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Large Bowl
  • Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the meats by combining ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until browned.
  2. Sauté the veggies by adding diced onion and minced garlic to the meats, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Build the sauce by mixing in tomato paste and cooking for 2-3 minutes before stirring in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and red wine.
  4. Simmer the sauce with Italian seasonings, oregano, fennel seeds, and parsley on low heat for at least 1 hour.
  5. Prepare the cheese mixture by mixing ricotta, grated Romano or Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, and remaining parsley until smooth.
  6. Par-cook the noodles by boiling for 3 minutes, draining, and laying them flat to prevent sticking.
  7. Assemble the lasagna by layering meat sauce, noodles, and ricotta mixture, repeating until all ingredients are used.
  8. Bake the lasagna in a 375°F (190°C) preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove foil and sprinkle mozzarella on top, baking for another 20-25 minutes.
  9. Let the lasagna rest for about 20 minutes before slicing to ensure layers set nicely.
  10. Serve and enjoy with a fresh green salad and garlic bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This Cheesy Christmas Lasagna is perfect for gatherings, promising smiles with every bite!

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