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–+ servings

Christmas Eve Lasagna (Festive Lasagna Bolognese!)

A rich and hearty lasagna layered with a savory Bolognese sauce, creamy béchamel, and festive spices, perfect for Christmas Eve gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Bolognese Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 medium Onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 carrot Carrot finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk Celery finely chopped
  • 500 grams Ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • 400 grams Canned tomatoes crushed
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper to taste
  • 100 ml Red wine optional
Béchamel Sauce
  • 50 grams Butter
  • 50 grams All-purpose flour
  • 500 ml Milk whole milk preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Nutmeg freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper to taste
Lasagna Assembly
  • 9 sheets Lasagna noodles no-boil or regular
  • 200 grams Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 50 grams Parmesan cheese grated for topping

Method
 

Prepare Bolognese Sauce
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, sauté until softened.
  2. Add ground beef, cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Add red wine if using.
  3. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make Béchamel Sauce
  1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Assemble Lasagna
  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). In a baking dish, spread a layer of Bolognese sauce.
  2. Layer 3 lasagna noodles, followed by Béchamel sauce, then more Bolognese. Repeat layers, finishing with Béchamel on top.
  3. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  4. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve
  1. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gFiber: 4gSugar: 6g

Notes

This lasagna can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.

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