This yummy lasagna layers crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and savory beef in a fun twist on classic flavors. It’s perfect for a family dinner and will make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the sauce. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a fun twist, use cooked sausage for added flavor.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds that cheeseburger crunch! If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon or even crumbled veggie bacon can be used instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives an incredible flavor boost. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be a substitute, using about 1/4 tsp for each clove.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a great melty cheese. You can swap it with provolone or even gouda for a smoky taste. For a sharper kick, use aged cheddar in place of regular cheddar.
No-boil Lasagna Noodles: These make layering easy! If you can only find regular noodles, you can boil them for a few minutes before layering, but be sure to adjust your sauce quantity so it doesn’t turn out dry.
How Do I Layer Lasagna for the Best Flavor?
Layering is key to making a delicious lasagna! Here’s a simple guide to ensure each bite is packed with flavor:
- Start with a little sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Add noodles straight from the package without boiling (if using no-boil). Make sure they overlap slightly.
- Spread ricotta mixture evenly, add sauce, and top with meats and cheeses in each layer.
- Repeat layers, finishing with noodles topped with sauce and a generous cheese layer.
- Cover with foil during baking to keep moisture in, then uncover to allow the cheese to brown nicely.
Taking time to layer correctly ensures that every slice holds together and tastes amazing!
Easy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For The Lasagna Layers:
- 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna takes about 15-20 minutes to prep, and then you’ll bake it for around 40-45 minutes. After baking, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. Overall, you’ll be looking at about 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish. Worth every minute!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, get your ingredients ready! Cook the bacon until crispy, then set it aside and crumble it.
2. Cooking the Beef and Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, use the leftover bacon fat to cook the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re soft, about 3 minutes. Then add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Making the Sauce:
Stir in your marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper with the beef mixture. Let it all simmer together for about 5 minutes to meld those delicious flavors!
4. Mixing the Ricotta Layer:
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and a bit of salt and pepper. Mix it well until it’s all combined!
5. Assembling the Lasagna:
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start by spreading about ½ cup of the meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Layer 3 no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce. Next, spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Then, sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon on top. Repeat these layers: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, cheddar, and bacon until all ingredients are used. The top layer should finish with noodles and the remaining meat sauce. Finally, generously sprinkle with mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.
6. Baking the Lasagna:
Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil so the cheese can brown. Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
7. Serving:
Once baked, let your lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set up nicely! Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if you’d like, and serve warm. Enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness!
Dig in and savor each bite of this mouthwatering lasagna—it’s a fantastic twist on the classic cheeseburger!
FAQ for Easy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Just remember to adjust your seasoning as these meats are milder in flavor.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this lasagna vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. You can also replace the bacon with smoked tempeh or leave it out entirely for a delightful veggie-packed dish!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through.
