This Cheesy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna is a fun and tasty twist on your regular lasagna. With layers of cheesy goodness, crispy bacon, and beefy flavor, it’s irresistible!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles work best for structure. If you want a healthier option, consider whole wheat or even zucchini slices for a low-carb version!
Ground Beef: While I used ground beef for that classic cheeseburger flavor, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish, or even a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian alternative.
Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky crunch. If you prefer turkey bacon, it’s a great substitution. You could also use cooked sausage for an extra flavor kick.
Cheese: Cheddar is the star here! If you want to mix it up, try using pepper jack for a little heat or a blend of your favorite cheeses. For a lactose-free option, there are many good dairy-free cheese options available.
Ricotta Cheese: If you want to lower fat content, you can use cottage cheese instead. It gives a similar creamy texture but is lighter.
How Do I Layer the Lasagna Correctly?
Layering is key to a great lasagna. Keeping everything balanced is important for both texture and flavor. Here’s how to create beautiful layers:
- Start with a base of beef sauce to prevent noodles from sticking.
- Lay down 3 noodles, slightly overlapping for stability. They will expand.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then add a third of your cheese mix (cheddar and mozzarella).
- Spoon more beef sauce on top before scattering crumbled bacon. Repeat!
- Finish with a layer of noodles, remaining beef sauce, and all the cheese on top—this makes for that lovely, golden crust.
- Remember to cover with foil initially; it helps the layers cook evenly without burning!
Cheesy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 8 slices bacon
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cheesy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna takes about 40 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 40 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish. Not too bad for a dish this delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside, giving them a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once it’s done, remove the bacon from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels. After it cools down a bit, crumble the bacon and set it aside. Be sure to keep about 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet for flavor!
3. Sauté the Veggies:
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
4. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Season it with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the beef until it is fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat from the beef.
5. Combine with Sauce:
Pour the marinara sauce into the beef mixture and stir well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so that the flavors can meld together.
6. Mix the Cheese:
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix them until well combined and set it aside for layering.
7. Assemble the Lasagna:
Start assembling your lasagna in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the beef sauce on the bottom. Layer on 3 lasagna noodles, followed by half of the ricotta-Parmesan mixture. Next, sprinkle a third of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top. Don’t forget! Add a spoonful of the beef sauce and some crumbled bacon.
8. Repeat the Layers:
Repeat the layering process: place down more noodles, add the remaining ricotta mixture, cheeses, beef sauce, and more bacon until you finish with a final layer of noodles. On top of that, add the remaining beef sauce, cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and the rest of the crumbled bacon.
9. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Let It Rest:
Once baked, let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set so that it slices nicely. If you like, garnish with some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color!
Enjoy your delicious, hearty Cheesy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
Yes, you can definitely use no-boil lasagna noodles! Just layer them in the same way, but make sure to add a little extra sauce to keep everything moist while baking. The cooking time may also need slight adjustments, so refer to the package instructions!
Can I Prepare This Lasagna in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Lasagna?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the lasagna for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to keep it safe from freezer burn!
What Can I Serve With This Lasagna?
This lasagna pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You could also offer some steamed vegetables on the side for a little extra nutrition. Enjoy!
