Non-traditional Christmas Lasagna
Non-traditional Christmas Lasagna is a festive twist on a classic favorite, combining layers of gooey cheese, savory meats, and vibrant vegetables. This mouthwatering dish not only promises to impress your guests but also brings warmth and joy to any holiday gathering. With its stunning presentation and rich flavors, it’s the perfect centerpiece for your celebration. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this lasagna is sure to become a beloved holiday tradition.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 9 oven-ready lasagna noodles
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 2 cups fresh spinach (washed)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Pinch of sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add ground meat to the skillet; season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook until browned, approximately 8 minutes.
- Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with salt, pepper, oregano, and spinach until well combined.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Layer with lasagna noodles followed by half of the ricotta mixture and more meat sauce. Repeat layering until ingredients are used up.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 190g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor. For a spicier kick, consider using spicy sausage instead of ground meat. If preparing ahead of time, assemble the lasagna and refrigerate before baking; add extra cooking time if baking from cold.