Holiday Lasagna Soup for Christmas Eve Dinner

Why This Recipe Elevates Your Holiday Table

Christmas Eve deserves food that’s comforting, flavorful, and effortless. Holiday Lasagna Soup brings all the cozy, melty goodness of lasagna into a one-pot format ideal for festive stress reduction. It balances richness with simplicity, offering creamy cheese, aromatic herbs, and hearty noodles—all finished with a subtle holiday color palette to make any cozy table feel special.

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Ingredients & Prep Info

-Yields approximately 6–8 servings
-Prep time: ~20 minutes
-Cook time: ~40 minutes
-Total: ~1 hour

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb lean ground turkey or beef

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (adds subtle holiday warmth)

• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 8 oz broken lasagna noodles (regular or gluten-free)

• 2 cups fresh spinach or chopped kale (optional, for color & nutrition)

Festive Cheese Swirl:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)

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Directions

Brown & Sauté

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

• Add the ground meat and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.

• Stir in the onion and sauté until softened (~3 minutes).

• Add garlic, basil, oregano, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 30 seconds to bloom the spices.

Build the Base

• Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir to combine.

• Bring to a gentle simmer.

Noodle & Green Addition

• Once simmering, add broken noodles and stir to prevent sticking.

• Cook until noodles are just tender, about 10 minutes.

• If using, stir in spinach/kale in the final 2 minutes for a festive green pop such as a Christmas wreath.

Add the Cheese Swirl

• Turn off the heat. Stir together ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley until creamy.

• Ladle soup into bowls, swirl in a spoonful of the cheese mix for creamy holiday-wow factor.

Garnish & Serve

• Top with extra grated cheese, parsley, and if desired, finely diced red bell pepper or basil for a festive red-green flourish.

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Holiday Tips & Flavor Enhancements

• Nutmeg Touch: Just a pinch adds cozy, festive depth—like a hint of eggnog warmth.

• Make It Merry: For more holiday brightness, stir in roasted red pepper strips or sun-dried tomatoes.

• Herb Swap: Finish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of wintery herbs like rosemary for aroma.

• Prep Ahead: Make the base earlier and reheat on Christmas Eve—just add noodles and swirl before serving.

• Drool-Worthy Sides: Serve with crusty bread, garlic focaccia, or a simple herb salad for balance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make the cheese swirl ahead?
Yes—mix and store in the fridge, just add to bowls right when serving for that creamy touch.

Is reheating easy?
Absolutely! Reheat gently on the stove, adding broth if needed. If noodles have soaked up liquid, stir in more broth.

Vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! Swap meat for mushrooms or plant-based ground crumbles, plus vegetable broth for a meatless holiday version.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Freeze soup without cheese and noodles for up to 2 months. Reheat and add fresh noodles and cheese when serving.

How to prep for a crowd?
Double the ingredients and simmer in a large pot. Serve family-style with bowls of cheese swirl on the side for guests to customize.

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Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: ~380 kcal

• Protein: ~18–20 g

• Fat: ~12–14 g

• Carbs: ~38–42 g

• Fiber: ~4–5 g

• Sodium: Moderate (adjust with low-sodium broth/products as needed)

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Why This Recipe Shines at Holiday Gatherings

1. Cozy Comfort, Minimal Cook Time: The one-pot approach brings you back to the table faster.

2. Festive Yet Easy: A touch of nutmeg and greens, plus the cheese swirl, make it special without complexity.

3. Kitchen-Friendly: Prep ahead, warm mid-evening, and serve—stress-free hosting.

4. Flexibility: Suit dietary needs—meat-free, gluten-free, plant-based—while keeping festive spirit.

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Holiday Menu Ideeas

• Serve with quick roasted Brussels sprouts or winter root veggie medley.

• Add a holiday salad—mixed greens with pomegranate seeds and citrus vinaigrette.

• Finish with light treats like peppermint bark or spiced clementines to echo the cozy feel.

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Final Thoughts

Toasted hearts and full souls—Holiday Lasagna Soup wraps together festivity and comfort in every bowl. Whether it’s making time for family or embracing cozy simplicity on Christmas Eve, this recipe is your warmest kitchen hug.