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Cheesy Christmas Lasagna

Cheesy Christmas Lasagna: A Cozy Holiday Comfort Dish

Cheesy Christmas Lasagna is a festive comfort food perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring layers of gooey cheese and rich meat sauce.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef or ground turkey for a leaner alternative
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage or chicken sausage for healthier options
  • 1 medium Onion finely diced
  • 5-6 cloves Garlic minced
  • Salt & Black Pepper to taste
  • 1.5 cans Tomato Paste (6 oz each)
  • 1 can Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz)
  • 1 can Tomato Sauce (28 oz)
  • ½ cup Red Wine or broth for an alcohol-free version
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasonings
  • 2 teaspoons Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Fennel Seeds
  • ½ cup Fresh Parsley chopped, for sauce and garnish
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese or pureed silken tofu for dairy-free option
  • ¼ cup Grated Romano or Parmesan Cheese plus more for topping
  • ½ cup Grated Mozzarella Cheese plus more for topping
  • 1 Egg for binding
For Assembly
  • 10 sheets Lasagna Noodles par-cooked for about 3 minutes

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Baking Dish
  • Pot
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of Italian sausage for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked.
  2. Add one finely diced onion and 5-6 minced garlic cloves, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Stir in 1.5 cans of tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine, Italian seasonings, oregano, and fennel seeds. Let simmer for one hour.
  4. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Romano or Parmesan, grated mozzarella, one egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix well and refrigerate.
  5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and par-cook the lasagna noodles for about 3 minutes. Drain and lay flat on a towel.
  6. Layer in a baking dish: start with meat sauce, then noodles, then cheese mixture. Repeat until finished with meat sauce on top.
  7. Cover with parchment paper and foil, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, add more mozzarella, and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes.
  8. Let the lasagna rest for 20 minutes before slicing for easier serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Resting the lasagna after baking enhances presentation. Customize with dietary needs in mind and use fresh parsley for garnish.

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