Creamy Parmesan Christmas Lasagna Recipe

A Cozy Parmesan Christmas Lasagna Recipe

Get ready to elevate your holiday feast with a dish that’s sure to become a new family tradition: Creamy Parmesan Christmas Lasagna. This isn’t just any lasagna; it’s a rich, decadent, and incredibly comforting meal perfect for a festive gathering. Imagine layers of tender pasta, a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, savory seasoned meat, and gooey melted cheese, all baked to golden-brown perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a sophisticated twist, guaranteed to have everyone at the table asking for a second helping.

This recipe is designed to be the star of your Christmas dinner table. Its creamy white sauce offers a delightful change from the usual tomato-based lasagna, making it feel extra special for the holidays. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a flawless and delicious result. Let’s get cooking and create a memorable holiday meal that will warm both hearts and bellies.

What You’ll Need for Your Christmas Lasagna

To create this showstopper, you’ll need a handful of quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the rich, complex flavors that make this dish so special.

For the Meat Sauce:

• Ground Beef: One pound of lean ground beef forms the hearty base of our sauce.
• Onion & Garlic: Finely chopped onion and minced garlic provide a classic aromatic foundation.
• Seasonings: A simple mix of salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and depth.

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

• Butter & Flour: These create the roux, which is the secret to a thick and smooth cream sauce.
• Milk: Whole milk will give you the richest, most luxurious texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a must! It melts beautifully and provides that signature nutty, salty flavor.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the cheesy flavor and adds a touch of holiday spice.

For Assembly:

• Lasagna Noodles: You’ll need about 12 no-boil lasagna noodles for easy layering. If you prefer traditional noodles, cook them according to package directions first.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A generous amount of shredded mozzarella creates that irresistible cheesy pull.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness for garnish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to assemble your delicious Creamy Parmesan Christmas Lasagna. Breaking it down makes the process feel easy and enjoyable!

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the meat sauce aside.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to form a roux. This step is crucial for a smooth sauce without a raw flour taste.
3. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 8-10 minutes).
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be velvety and smooth.

Step 3: Assemble Your Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of the Parmesan cream sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking.
3. Arrange a single layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
4. Spread half of the meat sauce evenly over the noodles.
5. Top the meat with one-third of the remaining Parmesan sauce, followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella.
6. Repeat the layers: another layer of noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, another third of the Parmesan sauce, and more mozzarella.
7. Finish with a final layer of noodles, topped with the remaining Parmesan sauce and a final, generous blanket of mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
4. Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set, making it easier to cut clean slices. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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Essential Kitchen Tools for Perfect Lasagna

Having the right tools can make all the difference. Here are a few Amazon recommendations to help you create this recipe with ease:

• Baking Dish: A sturdy 9×13 inch ceramic or glass baking dish is a kitchen essential. The Emile Henry Modern Classics Large Rectangular Baker is a beautiful, high-quality option that goes from oven to table in style.
• Cheese Grater: For the best-tasting Parmesan sauce, you need to grate your own cheese. A classic Cuisinart Boxed Grater is versatile and easy to use.
• Large Skillet: A deep, non-stick skillet is perfect for preparing the meat sauce. The T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan offers great performance and easy cleanup.

Tips for the Best Christmas Lasagna

Want to take your lasagna to the next level? Here are a few tips and fun variations to try.

Helpful Tips:

• Fresh is Best: Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: If you’re using traditional lasagna noodles, cook them until they are al dente. They will finish cooking in the oven.
• Let it Rest: This is the most important tip! Letting the lasagna rest after baking allows the layers to set, so you can serve perfect slices instead of a cheesy puddle.

Fun Variations:

• Add Some Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can be added to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Try Different Meats: This recipe works wonderfully with ground turkey, chicken, or even a spicy Italian sausage.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the entire lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate. You may need to add about 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.

Read More: Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

A Dish to Make Your Holidays Merry

This Creamy Parmesan Christmas Lasagna is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience meant to be shared with loved ones. It’s a wonderful centerpiece for your holiday table that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to the celebration. We hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious dish as much as we do. Happy holidays and happy cooking!

Mia Smith

Hi, I’m Mia! I’m passionate about helping you achieve your weight loss goals through natural, effective methods. On this blog, I share the best smoothie recipes for weight loss, top-rated supplements that actually work, and practical tips on how to lose weight fast and naturally. Every product and recipe is handpicked to support a healthier, more confident you.