This cheesy and meaty lasagna combines layers of pasta, rich sauce, and lots of bacon, topped with crispy Parmesan. It’s comfort food at its best!
Honestly, what’s not to love? Bacon and cheese in every bite means you’ll be looking for seconds. I often pair it with a simple salad to balance all that goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles work great, but you can also use no-boil noodles for convenience. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if you’re using them!
Ground Beef: While I prefer ground beef for its rich flavor, ground turkey or chicken can be lower-fat alternatives. You can even use a meat substitute if you’re vegetarian.
Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky crunch here, but feel free to swap it for pancetta or turkey bacon. For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon altogether.
Cheeses: I love using a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan for depth. If you’re out of cheddar, consider using Monterey Jack. Vegan cheeses are an option too if you’re dairy-free.
Ricotta Cheese: If ricotta isn’t available, cottage cheese is a good substitute. Just blend it a bit for a smoother texture, or skip it entirely for a simpler lasagna.
How Can I Make Sure My Lasagna Layers Don’t Slide Apart?
Layering your lasagna right is key to avoiding a messy dish. It’s all about building structure. Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce in the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Use a generous amount of sauce between layers to keep everything moist.
- Distribute ricotta evenly over noodles – don’t just plop it down! Use a spatula for even coverage.
- As you stack, press gently on each layer to help them bond together.
Allow the lasagna to rest after baking. This ages the layers and makes it easier to cut without falling apart.
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixtures:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna will take about 45 minutes to prepare and about 40-50 minutes to bake, plus a 10-minute resting time. So, set aside around 1.5 hours from start to finish, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Noodles:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente, then drain them and set them aside.
2. Cooking the Bacon and Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once cooked, take the bacon out and let it drain on paper towels. Keep the drippings in the skillet since they’ll add great flavor. In the same skillet, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the beef is browned, and the onion is soft. Remember to drain any excess fat to keep your dish from getting too greasy.
3. Making the Meat Sauce:
Next, add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Mixing the Ricotta:
While the meat sauce is simmering, grab a bowl and mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. This cheesy goodness will be a delicious layer in your lasagna!
5. Assembling the Lasagna:
Time to build your lasagna! In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start by spreading a layer of the meat sauce at the bottom. Next, place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Follow this with a layer of the ricotta mixture, then sprinkle on a layer of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Add some crispy bacon pieces on top for that savory touch. Repeat these layers (meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, cheddar, and bacon) until you’ve used all your ingredients. Remember to finish with a last layer of noodles topped with meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
6. Baking the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, which will help keep everything moist. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is all melted and bubbly—so delicious!
7. Serving:
Once baked, take the lasagna out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing easier. Don’t forget to garnish with some chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your homemade Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna with family and friends!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Noodles?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular lasagna noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free varieties. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as they may differ slightly in cooking time.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you’re out of ricotta cheese or prefer a lighter option, cottage cheese works well as a substitute. You can also blend it for a smoother texture, or use a combination of cream cheese and sour cream for a richer flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Lasagna?
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance! Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled!
