No-Bake Christmas Lasagna is a comforting, flavorful dish layered with tender noodles, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce. With the option to add Italian sausage and fresh spinach, it’s hearty enough for family dinners yet elegant enough for entertaining. Preparing it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more satisfying.

This recipe is ideal for busy schedules, gatherings, or meal prep. You assemble everything in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. The result is a perfectly layered lasagna with bubbling cheese and a savory aroma that fills the kitchen.

If you’re looking for a dependable, crowd-pleasing lasagna that delivers classic flavor with minimal stress, this recipe is a must-have.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lasagna checks all the boxes for a reliable comfort-food favorite.

Make-ahead friendly and stress-free
Rich, creamy, and perfectly seasoned
Customizable with or without sausage
Balanced with spinach for freshness
Great for family meals and leftovers
Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved

Preparation and Baking Time

This dish is designed to be assembled ahead and baked when needed.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: At least 4 hours (overnight recommended)
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 5 hours (including chilling)

Ingredients

Pasta Layer

12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente

Cheese Filling

2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Add-Ins

2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage (optional)

Garnish

¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Noodles

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat to cool, preventing sticking.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.

Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds flavor to the base layer.

Assemble the First Layer

Place 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly on top, followed by half of the chopped spinach and half of the crumbled sausage if using. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over the layer.

Repeat the Layers

Add another 4 noodles, then the remaining ricotta mixture, remaining spinach, and remaining sausage. Spoon more marinara sauce on top.

Finish with the final 4 noodles and spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top.

Add the Final Cheese Layer

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly across the top of the lasagna.

Chill Before Baking

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and helps the lasagna hold its shape when baked.

Bake the Lasagna

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Rest and Garnish

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped basil just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette
Pair with a simple green salad or Caesar salad
Add roasted vegetables for a complete meal

Helpful Tips

Letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps it hold clean layers
Use whole-milk ricotta for the creamiest texture
Drain spinach well to avoid excess moisture
Cover loosely with foil if the cheese browns too quickly

Recipe Variations

Swap Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey
Use mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian version
Add a layer of béchamel sauce for extra richness
Try spicy marinara for added heat

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This lasagna reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave.

To freeze, assemble fully but do not bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake it straight from the fridge?
Yes, but you may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

Can I omit the sausage?
Absolutely. The lasagna is delicious as a vegetarian dish with spinach alone.

Can I use no-boil noodles?
Yes, just ensure there is enough sauce to fully hydrate them during baking.

Conclusion

This Classic Make-Ahead Ricotta Lasagna is everything a great lasagna should be: comforting, flavorful, and easy to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting guests, or stocking your freezer, this recipe delivers dependable, delicious results every time.