Ultimate Holiday Lasagna Recipe: Festive Bolognese Layers

Welcome to a culinary journey that celebrates the heartiness and warmth of Italian flavors with a dish like no other – Festive Lasagna Bolognese Layers. This show-stopping recipe combines layers of rich, slow-simmered bolognese sauce, creamy basil pesto ricotta, and a generous helping of gooey cheese, creating a lasagna that is truly worthy of any special occasion. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a family gathering, this lasagna has a way of bringing smiles and seconds to the table.

Picture yourself slicing through tender layers of lasagna, each bite filled with the magic of pesto-infused ricotta melting into the deep flavors of the bolognese sauce. It’s no wonder that this dish has become a staple at my family’s celebrations, with everyone vying for those coveted corner slices with the golden brown cheese crust. The melded flavors that develop overnight in the fridge only enhance the experience, making each serving a delight to savor.

With the flexibility to customize ingredients like using ground turkey, lentils, or different cheese blends, this Festive Lasagna Bolognese Layers recipe invites you to add your own twist while staying true to its comforting essence. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy dinner at home or a festive gathering, this lasagna promises to be a centerpiece that not only delights in the moment but also holds up beautifully for later enjoyment.

Quick Benefits

• The sauce combines a rich blend of beef, pork, pancetta, vegetables, herbs, red wine, and cream for a depth of flavors and richness.
• Preparing the lasagna the night before not only enhances the flavors but also helps the slices hold their shape better after baking.
• No-boil lasagna noodles absorb moisture from the sauce, resulting in tender, perfectly cooked layers with minimal prep hassle.
• The creamy and herby blend of ricotta, basil pesto, eggs, and parmesan adds a delicious layer of richness and flavor between the lasagna sheets.

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Holiday Lasagna Recipe: Festive Bolognese Layers Recipe

• The Festive Lasagna Bolognese Layers recipe is the ultimate special occasion centerpiece, perfect for holiday gatherings or celebrations where you want to impress your guests.
• The rich slow-simmered bolognese sauce, creamy basil pesto ricotta, and gooey cheese layers create a dish that is a true crowd-pleaser and always leaves smiles and calls for seconds.
• The combination of beef, pork, pancetta, vegetables, herbs, red wine, and cream in the sauce results in deep and rich flavors that meld beautifully together.
• The pesto ricotta layer adds a magical touch to the lasagna, melting through the noodles and complementing the bolognese sauce perfectly, creating a creamy and flavorful experience.
• The option to assemble the lasagna the night before and refrigerate allows for easy slicing and deep melded flavors, making it a convenient dish for busy days or special occasions.
• The versatility of the recipe allows for ingredient swaps such as using ground turkey, all beef, plant-based alternatives, or different types of pesto, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences and seasons.
• The freezer-friendly nature of the lasagna makes it a great make-ahead meal option, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to have a delicious dish ready to enjoy later.
• The recipe’s traditional roots in Emilia-Romagna and the ability to customize with seasonal variations like using fresh basil and spinach pesto or wild mushrooms, allows for a personal touch and creativity in the kitchen.
• The lasagna’s comforting flavors and the way it brings people together make it a true tradition and a treat, perfect for creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Ingredients for Ultimate Holiday Lasagna Recipe: Festive Bolognese Layers

Sauce Components

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 stalk celery, roughly chopped
• Optional: 1 parmesan cheese rind
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup medium-bodied red wine
• One 13.2-ounce box no-boil lasagna noodles
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season
• 10 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
• Non-stick cooking spray
• 4 ounces pancetta, roughly chopped
• 2 large carrots, roughly chopped
• 1 pound ground pork

Basil Pesto Ricotta Mixture

• 2 large eggs
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 jar (6.3 ounces) basil pesto

Cheese Layers

• 12 ounces Italian cheese blend (asiago, parmesan, etc.), shredded (about 3 cups)
• 24 ounces shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 6 cups)

Pro Tips for Ultimate Holiday Lasagna Recipe: Festive Bolognese Layers

Pro Tip #1: For a truly flavorful lasagna, let the bolognese sauce simmer slowly to allow the ingredients to meld together. The rich combination of beef, pork, pancetta, vegetables, herbs, red wine, and cream creates a depth of flavor that will make your lasagna stand out.

Pro Tip #2: Assembling the lasagna the night before serving not only allows the flavors to develop further but also helps the slices hold their shape after baking. The no-boil noodles will absorb the moisture from the sauce during this time, resulting in perfectly cooked and tender layers.

Pro Tip #3: Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe to your liking. Feel free to swap out ingredients based on dietary preferences or seasonal availability. Ground turkey, plant-based meat alternatives, different pesto varieties, or a mix of Italian cheeses can all be used to create a unique twist on this festive lasagna.

How to Make Ultimate Holiday Lasagna Recipe: Festive Bolognese Layers

Step 1: Prepare Aromatics

Chop carrots, celery, and onion in a food processor. In a separate batch, pulse pancetta and garlic until finely minced.

Step 2: Sauté Pancetta and Garlic

In a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add pancetta and garlic mixture; cook until pancetta releases fat and garlic is fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Combine chopped carrots, celery, and onion in the pan. Season with about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are well browned, for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Brown Meats

Place ground beef and ground pork in the pot, season each with approximately 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Allow the meat to brown without stirring for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Break apart and cook until well browned, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Tomato Paste and Deglaze

Add tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high, pour in red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Cook until wine is mostly absorbed, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 6: Simmer Sauce

Combine rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, optional parmesan rind, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth or water in a pot. Stir, reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover, and simmer for approximately 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Finish Bolognese

Mix in heavy cream and grated parmesan. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 8: Prepare Basil Pesto Ricotta

Combine ricotta cheese, basil pesto, eggs, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Step 9: Prepare Baking Dish

Coat a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and evenly spread 1 cup of bolognese sauce on the bottom.

Step 10: First Layer Assembly

Place a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce, ensuring the bottom is fully covered. Break noodles to fit if necessary. Spread half of the remaining bolognese sauce over the noodles. Sprinkle with approximately one quarter of both the mozzarella and Italian cheese blends.

Step 11: Second Layer Assembly

Add another layer of noodles, then spread half of the basil pesto ricotta mixture on top. Sprinkle a quarter of the mozzarella and Italian cheese blend over the mixture.

Step 12: Repeat Layering

Layer noodles, remaining bolognese sauce, a quarter of each cheese blend, then top with another layer of noodles.

Step 13: Top Layer and Cheese Finish

Spread the remaining basil pesto ricotta on top, or keep it as a cheese-only layer. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Italian cheese blend evenly.

Step 14: Rest and Refrigerate

Wrap the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight to help the flavors meld and make slicing easier.

Step 15: Baking Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°F with rack in the center position. Place baking dish from refrigerator onto a rimmed baking sheet.

Step 16: Bake Lasagna

Bake covered with foil for 60 minutes. Uncover for the last 10 minutes to brown and crisp the cheese topping.

Step 17: Rest Before Serving

Allow the prepared lasagna to rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking, then slice into 12 to 15 portions.

Step 18: Serve and Garnish

When ready to serve, garnish with freshly grated parmesan or chopped herbs, if desired. Leftovers can be reheated.

Storage Tips

The Festive Lasagna Bolognese is best stored by letting it cool completely before covering and placing it in the refrigerator. It can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. When ready to enjoy, cut slices and reheat them in the oven or microwave until they are hot, melty, and steamy. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices by tightly wrapping them in plastic, then in foil. Thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge before reheating for future meals.

The lasagna’s flavors deepen and meld together nicely when stored in the fridge overnight before serving. The no-boil noodles used in this recipe are designed to absorb moisture from the sauce during baking, ensuring tender, perfectly cooked layers. Additionally, the combination of rich bolognese sauce, creamy basil pesto ricotta, and a variety of cheeses creates a flavorful and indulgent dish that is sure to impress at any special occasion. Whether served with a side salad and wine for a complete meal or cut into small squares for a party buffet, this lasagna is a versatile and beloved dish that can be enjoyed by all generations.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground pork and beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils. This swap will provide a similar texture and protein content to the dish while catering to vegetarian diets. Additionally, if basil pesto is unavailable, consider using a homemade parsley walnut pesto or a sun-dried tomato pesto for a unique flavor profile. Both alternatives will still provide that creamy and herby element to the lasagna, enhancing its overall taste.

When it comes to cheese substitutions, feel free to replace the Italian cheese blend with any Italian melting cheese you have on hand. However, be sure to include mozzarella in the mix for its classic gooey melt. This swap allows for flexibility based on personal preference or availability of ingredients. Lastly, you can experiment with different seasonal twists throughout the year by using fresh basil and spinach pesto in the summer, wild mushrooms in the fall and winter, or topping the lasagna with roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled zucchini in warmer months. These variations will add a fresh twist to the dish while utilizing seasonal produce for optimal flavor.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of this Festive Lasagna Bolognese, serve it on a large platter garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. Pair each slice with a dollop of whipped ricotta, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and a few roasted cherry tomatoes on the side for a burst of color and flavor. The combination of creamy basil pesto ricotta, rich bolognese sauce, and gooey cheese will surely impress your guests and make for a stunning holiday centerpiece.

For a more casual gathering or party, cut the lasagna into bite-sized squares and serve them on a wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Accompany the squares with small bowls of marinara sauce and pesto for dipping. This finger-food version of the lasagna is perfect for mingling and snacking, allowing guests to enjoy all the delicious layers of flavor in a convenient and fun way.

FAQs for Ultimate Holiday Lasagna Recipe: Festive Bolognese Layers

Can I assemble the lasagna the night before?

Yes, assembling the night before actually enhances the flavor and helps the slices hold their shape after baking.

Why use no-boil noodles for this lasagna?

No-boil noodles absorb moisture from the sauce, resulting in tender, perfectly cooked layers without the need for pre-cooking.

What does the ricotta and basil pesto mixture add to the lasagna?

The blend of ricotta, basil pesto, eggs, and parmesan adds creaminess and an herby punch between the layers, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Can I freeze individual slices of this lasagna for later consumption?

Yes, portioned slices freeze well. Reheat thoroughly for a delicious and convenient meal later on.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Festive Lasagna Bolognese Layers brings as much joy and warmth to your table as it has to mine over the years. The rich flavors, creamy pesto ricotta, and gooey cheese layers truly make it a standout dish for any celebration. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a cozy family dinner, this lasagna is sure to impress and satisfy.

Remember, the versatility of this recipe allows for various ingredient swaps and seasonal twists, making it perfect for any time of year. So, don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own. And if you’re looking to simplify your meal prep, the make-ahead and freezer tips provided will surely come in handy, ensuring that you can enjoy this delectable dish with ease whenever the craving strikes.

From festive gatherings to intimate family meals, Festive Lasagna Bolognese Layers is a timeless classic that will always bring people together around the table. So, gather your loved ones, savor each bite, and create lasting memories with this delicious and comforting dish. Happy cooking and happy feasting!