Forget the usual Christmas ham! This year, impress your family and friends with a show-stopping Christmas Lasagna. This delicious and festive twist on a classic comfort food is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick dinner idea or a special holiday gathering. It's packed with flavour, featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and vibrant spinach, all nestled between perfectly cooked lasagna sheets. This healthy meal is guaranteed to be a new holiday favourite, a testament to the magic of homemade cooking. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred)
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add ground beef and Italian sausage; cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavours to meld.
Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened. Reduce heat and stir in salt, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese.
Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with 3 lasagna noodles, overlapping if necessary. Spread half of the béchamel sauce over the noodles, followed by half of the spinach and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers: meat sauce, 3 noodles, remaining béchamel, remaining spinach, and remaining mozzarella. Top with the final 3 noodles.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.
Cooking Tips for the Best Christmas Lasagna:
- For a richer flavour, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- If using non-oven-ready lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions before assembling the lasagna.
- Don't overcook the meat sauce; a slightly chunky sauce is best.
- For a creamier béchamel, use whole milk.
- If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables to the meat sauce, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Use different cheeses, such as ricotta, provolone, or fontina.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 25-30g Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This Christmas Lasagna recipe is a guaranteed hit – a perfect blend of festive flavours and easy preparation. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal with your loved ones this holiday season! It’s the perfect easy recipe for a memorable Christmas dinner. These delicious dishes will make your holiday gathering truly special. Try it and let us know what you think!