This cheesy lasagna brings together the best flavors of a burger with layers of bacon, garlic, and rich Parmesan. It’s a fun twist that everyone will enjoy!
Honestly, who can resist bacon and cheese together? I love serving this with a fresh salad to balance out all that yumminess. It’s comfort food at its finest! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles work best here, but you can also use no-boil noodles for quicker prep. Just check the cooking instructions if you choose them!
Ground Beef: I love using 80/20 ground beef for a juicy flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken makes a tasty alternative without sacrificing too much flavor.
Bacon: Bacon adds a crunchy texture and rich flavor. If you prefer, turkey bacon or even pancetta can be used as a substitute, but adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they get crispy.
Heavy Cream: This creamy element brings richness. You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but it might slightly change the creaminess.
Cheddar & Parmesan Cheese: I adore the sharpness of cheddar. If you’re not a fan, Colby jack cheese can work well too. For Parmesan, pecorino Romano is a nice substitute with a similar flavor profile.
How Do You Sauté Garlic and Onions for Maximum Flavor?
Getting the garlic and onions right is crucial for depth. Here’s how to do it:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the garlic – it can turn bitter quickly!
- First, cook the onions until they become translucent and soft. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic for just one minute, stirring constantly, so it gets fragrant but doesn’t burn.
- This combination will build a wonderful flavor base for your sauces!
Enjoy taking your time with this step; it enhances the entire dish!
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 ounces) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
For the Layers:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and around 40-45 minutes to bake. You’ll have a warm, cheesy lasagna on your table in about an hour, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that it’s nice and hot by the time your lasagna is ready to bake.
2. Prepare the Noodles:
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once done, drain them and set them aside. This will be the base of your lasagna!
3. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, but leave the delicious bacon fat in the skillet to flavor your beef!
4. Brown the Beef:
In the same skillet, add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook this mixture until the beef is browned and the onions become soft. Be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking!
5. Make the Sauce:
Add the minced garlic to the beef and onion mixture, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Then stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and the crispy bacon. Mix this all together and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Prepare the Cream Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. This will add a creamy richness to your lasagna!
7. Assembling the Lasagna:
To put everything together, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer some lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
8. Layer the Ingredients:
Pour a third of the heavy cream mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers two more times: meat sauce, noodles, cream mixture, and cheddar cheese. End with a final layer of meat sauce on top.
9. Add the Cheese Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the rest of the Parmesan cheese over the top for that ooey-gooey finish!
10. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Cool and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will help it hold its shape. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.
Now you’re ready to dig in and enjoy your delicious Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna! Bon appétit!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Absolutely! If you prefer turkey bacon, you can substitute it in equal amounts. Just keep in mind that turkey bacon often has less fat, so you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet when cooking the ground beef to ensure there’s enough moisture and flavor.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you need a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of cream cheese for added richness. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream or a thick nut-based cream works well too!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just layer the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the lasagna ahead of time! Assemble it up to the baking step, cover with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will go into the oven cold.
