This fun twist on lasagna layers tasty beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese with a sprinkle of garlic and parmesan. It’s like a cheeseburger and lasagna had a delicious baby!
Talk about a crowd-pleaser! I usually pair it with a fresh salad, but honestly, I could just eat this cheesy goodness all by itself. Who needs sides anyway? 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use ground beef for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. Just remember, they may be less fatty, so adjust seasoning accordingly!
Bacon: The crispy bacon gives a wonderful crunch! If you want a healthier choice, turkey bacon works too. You can also skip the bacon entirely for a vegetarian version, just add more veggies instead!
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are a great combo for this dish. If you’re looking for a different flavor, try using pepper jack for a spicy kick, or an Italian cheese blend for a more traditional taste.
Lasagna Noodles: While regular lasagna noodles are standard, you can use no-boil noodles to save time. Just adjust the sauce a bit since no-boil noodles need extra moisture to cook properly.
How Do I Get the Best Layers in My Lasagna?
Building layers properly is key to a successful lasagna! Start with a little meat sauce at the bottom to keep the noodles from sticking. Then, alternate layers carefully, making sure each layer is even and covers the noodles completely.
- Add a thin layer of meat sauce first.
- Layer the cooked noodles neatly on top.
- Spread ricotta mixture evenly over noodles.
- Sprinkle cheese and crumbled bacon in each layer.
- Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
Don’t worry about being perfect; just enjoy the process! If some ingredients spill over, that’s totally okay—it adds to the deliciousness!
Easy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For Assembling:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy lasagna takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35 minutes to bake. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s sure to impress, so make sure you have about an hour in total. Letting it cool for 10 minutes after baking helps it set up nicely for slicing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready!
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get things nice and toasty while you prepare the layers.
2. Cook the Bacon!
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once done, remove it from the skillet and crumble it into pieces. Save about a tablespoon of the bacon fat for the next step!
3. Sauté the Veggies!
In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Brown the Beef!
Add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once it’s all cooked through, stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes.
5. Mix the Cheese!
In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, the egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. If you’re using it, add in the chopped parsley for extra flavor!
6. Assemble the Lasagna!
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom. Next, place three cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, sprinkle one-third of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and top with one-third of the crumbled bacon.
7. Repeat the Layers!
Layer again by repeating the order of the meat mixture, noodles, ricotta, cheeses, and bacon. Do this two more times, making sure to finish with the cheese and bacon on top for that gooey, crispy finish!
8. Bake It!
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Once it’s out of the oven, let your lasagna stand for about 10 minutes before slicing. This way, it will hold its shape better. Slice it up and enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation!
Enjoy your cheesy, garlicky, bacon-loaded cheeseburger lasagna!
FAQ for Easy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner option. Just be sure to season it well, as it can be milder in flavor compared to beef. You might also want to add a splash of beef broth for added richness!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and bacon. You can add more vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for texture and flavor. Just sauté them along with the onions before adding your sauce!
Can I Prepare This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the lasagna up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. For larger portions, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to keep it from drying out!
