This fun twist on lasagna combines layers of cheesy goodness with the deliciousness of bacon and beef. You’ll love the rich Parmesan and garlic flavors!
Honestly, who can resist bacon in their lasagna? I mean, it’s like a party in every bite! I like to serve it with a salad for a nice balance. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The heart of this dish is the ground beef. Lean ground beef is great, but you can swap it for turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a wonderful crunch and flavor. If you prefer a healthier twist, turkey bacon or even a vegan bacon substitute works well.
Cheeses: This recipe uses a trio of cheeses. If you’re looking to reduce fat, low-fat ricotta and mozzarella can do the trick. For a non-dairy version, look for plant-based cheeses as alternatives.
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles are a must, but you could use whole wheat noodles for extra nutrition. For a gluten-free option, zucchini slices or gluten-free lasagna noodles work perfectly.
Marinara Sauce: A jar of store-bought marinara sauce saves time, but I often make my own for added freshness. You can also substitute with any tomato-based sauce you enjoy.
How Do I Layer Lasagna Perfectly?
Layering the lasagna is key for even cooking and flavor distribution. Start with a thin layer of sauce to prevent sticking. Here’s how to get it right:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. This keeps the noodles from sticking.
- Use four noodles per layer, ensuring they don’t overlap too much.
- On top of the noodles, spread half of the ricotta mixture followed by a layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layering, remembering to finish with the remaining meat sauce and top with the cheeses.
Letting the lasagna cool a bit after baking helps it set, making slicing much easier. Enjoy your creation!
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful lasagna will take about 25 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to bake, totaling around 1 hour for the whole recipe. You’ll be slicing the lasagna and serving a warm, cheesy creation in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Cook Noodles:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Be sure to drain them well and set them aside while you prepare the rest!
2. Cook the Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the beef is browned and the onions are nice and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off before moving on to the next step.
3. Make the Sauce:
Now, stir in the crumbled bacon, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so those yummy flavors can combine. It’s time to get those taste buds excited!
4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with half of both the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and ready to layer in the lasagna.
5. Assemble the Lasagna:
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and start layering! Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Lay down 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta mixture on top, followed by a layer of meat sauce. Keep repeating these layers: more noodles, more ricotta, and more meat sauce until you’ve used everything up. Top it off with the remaining noodles and finish with the last bit of meat sauce.
6. Add the Cheesy Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Now, cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep everything nice and moist. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let your lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. If you’d like, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a lovely touch. Serve it hot and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Enjoy your delicious Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you want to mix things up, you can substitute the mozzarella and cheddar cheese with your favorites like Pepper Jack for a kick or Swiss for a milder flavor. Just keep the ricotta for creaminess, as it’s essential to the texture of the lasagna!
What if I Don’t Have Lasagna Noodles?
No problem! You can use other types of pasta like penne or fusilli, just make sure to cook them al dente so they hold up in the layers. Another fun option is to make a “deconstructed” lasagna by layering the cooked pasta with the filling ingredients in a casserole dish.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store your leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes.
Can I Freeze This Lasagna?
Yes, you can! Assemble the lasagna but don’t bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
