This Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna is a tasty twist on the classic! Layers of cheesy goodness, crispy bacon, and rich beef come together to create a hearty meal that everyone will love.
If you’re like me, you’ll appreciate the savory smell of garlic and bacon filling your kitchen. It’s the perfect comfort food for any night, and oh, leftovers are the best! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles are great, but if you want a quicker option, try no-cook noodles! They soften up perfectly during baking.
Ground Beef: Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or chicken can also work well. If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, consider using lentils or a meat substitute.
Bacon: You can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option. For a smoky flavor without meat, consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke in your sauce.
Cheese: I love the combination of mozzarella and cheddar for extra flavor, but feel free to use any cheeses you like! Gouda or pepper jack can add a fun twist. Vegan cheese is also a great option if you’re dairy-free.
Tomato Sauce and Paste: If you don’t have these on hand, crushed tomatoes can be a good substitute. Just adjust the seasoning to taste!
How Do You Layer It Perfectly?
Layering the lasagna correctly is key to achieving that perfect slice. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with a layer of meat sauce; it prevents the noodles from getting too dry.
- Next, add the noodles, aligning them to fit your dish.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, adding a generous layer of crispy bacon on top.
- Repeat this process, making sure to end with a final layer of noodles topped with lots of cheese for that beautiful, bubbly finish!
Letting the lasagna rest for a bit after baking also helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve!
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes total. You’ll need around 30 minutes for preparation and cooking the meat, and then about 30-45 minutes for baking. Plus, let it rest for 10-15 minutes to cool down a bit before digging in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Once done, drain them and set them aside for later.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat. You want it crispy, so let it sizzle for a bit. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, but keep the bacon drippings in the skillet. This will add great flavor!
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Now, in the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onions turn translucent; this should take a few minutes. It will smell wonderful!
4. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until it’s nicely browned. If there’s any excess fat, carefully drain it away.
5. Make the Meat Sauce:
Next, stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and some salt and pepper. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes so all those yummy flavors can combine.
6. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until well blended.
7. Assemble the Lasagna:
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and begin layering! Start by spreading a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over this, then spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Don’t forget to sprinkle half of the cooked bacon pieces on top. Repeat this layering process: more meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and the rest of the bacon.
8. Top it Off:
For the final layer, add one more layer of noodles, then pour the rest of the meat sauce on top. Finish by generously sprinkling the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese over everything.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep it moist during baking. Bake it in the oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake it for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s baked, take the lasagna out of the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This will help it hold together when you slice it. Finally, garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy your delicious Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles for This Lasagna?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat, gluten-free, or even spinach lasagna noodles if you prefer. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package since cooking times and methods may vary.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef and bacon with your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also use lentils for added texture. Don’t forget to sauté the veggies before adding them to the layers!
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna up to a day in advance. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking it according to the instructions.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
