This fun twist on lasagna includes layers of cheesy goodness, crispy bacon, and a hint of garlic. It’s like your favorite cheeseburger wrapped in pasta—yum!
I can’t resist how all those flavors come together. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends at dinner, without a ton of fuss. Seriously, who can say no to bacon and cheese? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles work best for this dish, but you can try whole wheat or gluten-free options if you prefer. No-boil noodles are also a great time-saver.
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef to reduce excess grease. If you want a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken is a good substitute. Vegetarian crumbles can be used for a meatless version!
Bacon: The cooked bacon adds a rich flavor. For a lower-fat, vegetarian alternative, consider using turkey bacon or omit it completely and enhance the flavor with smoked paprika.
Cheeses: Ricotta cheese gives a creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, use cottage cheese. For the other cheeses, feel free to swap in your favorites, like gouda or pepper jack for a kick!
Tomato Sauce & Paste: If you’re out of tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes or a jar of marinara sauce can work well. Just adjust the seasoning as needed.
How Do I Cook Perfectly Layered Lasagna?
Layering lasagna can seem tricky, but with a little technique, you’ll get it just right! The goal is to distribute flavors evenly and ensure every bite is delicious.
- Start with a layer of meat sauce at the bottom; this prevents sticking.
- Place 4 noodles on top, ensuring they don’t overlap too much.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture gently, followed by a portion of mozzarella and cheddar. Repeat the layers until you run out, topping with noodles and meat sauce last.
- For a bubbly finish, remove the foil towards the end to allow the cheese to brown nicely.
Let it cool before slicing! This will help keep the layers intact and make serving easier.
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, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 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
- 1 large egg
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 40 minutes to prepare this delicious lasagna, plus 40-45 minutes for baking. So, in total, get ready to spend around 1 hour and 25 minutes until you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Cook the Noodles:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once done, drain them and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. Be sure to drain any excess fat. Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic into the skillet and sauté until the onion turns translucent. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
Now, stir in the chopped cooked bacon, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
3. Mix the Cheesy Goodness:
While that simmers, take a mixing bowl and combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This will be your delightful cheesy layer!
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Then, layer 4 lasagna noodles on top. Add half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Repeat these layers: another layer of meat sauce, more noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and more mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Finally, for the top layer, place the last noodles on top, pour the remaining meat sauce over it, and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
5. Bake and Serve:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once done, let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch. Now, serve warm and enjoy this cheesy, bacon-filled delight!
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat, gluten-free lasagna noodles, or even zucchini slices for a low-carb option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed, especially if using fresh vegetables that may require less cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you can substitute with cottage cheese that’s been blended until smooth, or even cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk to reach a similar consistency. Keep in mind this will change the flavor slightly but still create a delicious layer!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until warmed through.
Can I Add More Veggies to This Lasagna?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some cooked spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the rest of the ingredients for a great flavor boost!
