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Christmas Lasagna

A festive, colorful lasagna layered with ricotta, mozzarella, marinara, sausage, and fresh spinach. Perfect for holiday dinners and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: Holiday, Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Sauce
  • 12 lasagna noodles uncooked or oven-ready
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Filling & Flavor
  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage or beef
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • olive oil for sautéing
  • fresh basil leaves optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions if not using oven-ready noodles.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook sausage or ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
  4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  5. Layer 4 noodles over sauce, then half the ricotta mixture, half the cooked meat, half the spinach, and a layer of mozzarella.
  6. Repeat layers: noodles, ricotta, meat, spinach, mozzarella. Top with remaining noodles, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Let lasagna rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Lasagna can be assembled a day in advance and baked before serving. Add roasted vegetables for extra flavor. Leftovers reheat well in oven or microwave.