Not Your Traditional Christmas Eve Dinner

Or is it? I recently read that many families opt for Italian or Mexican feasts for Christmas Eve dinner. We are definitely one of those families. Years ago….before marriage and moving to South Carolina, my aunt and uncle started serving a variety of soups for Christmas Eve dinner. Growing up, we always celebrated at their house with all of my cousins, plus my grandparents, parents and sister. The soup decision was brilliant because it allowed for them to prepare early in the day and it’s easy to keep warm for serving. When it became my time to host Christmas Eve at my own house, I followed in their footsteps and came up with a menu that consists of lasagna, salad and garlic bread. And apparently I’m not alone.

This recipe is perfect for any night, but it’s still nice enough to serve for Christmas Eve. I documented how I make the lasagna, but failed to get any photos of it plated. I guess we were too excited to eat!

This recipe is so old and has been tweaked so much over the years that I don’t have a source.

Ashley’s Turkey Lasagna

Meat Sauce

1 lb ground turkey breast

1 large onion, diced

1 garlic clove, minced

1 15 oz can tomato sauce

1 6 oz can tomato paste

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp basil

salt and pepper to taste

red pepper flakes, if desired

Combine turkey, onion and garlic in skillet. Brown and drain. Add all other ingredients and simmer 2-3 minutes.

Cheese Filling

2 cups cottage cheese

4 oz shredded Parmesan cheese

1 cup Ricotta cheese

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp basil

1/2 cup mozzarella

Mix together in a large bowl

Spray a three quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Layer as follows: 1/2 turkey mix, layer of uncooked noodles (I use the kind that do not have to be boiled!), all of the cheese filling, another layer of noodles, the remaining turkey mix. Sprinkle with mozzarella. Bake at 350 degrees covered for one hour. Uncover and bake for another fifteen minutes.

I assembled this in the morning and then baked just before dinner. I’ve also assembled the night before and all is well.