This Cheesy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna is a fun twist on classic lasagna! It layers savory beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese all wrapped up in tasty noodles.
Honestly, who wouldn’t love cheesy goodness packed with bacon? It’s like your favorite burger and lasagna fell in love! I love serving it with a side salad for a balanced meal—just to pretend I’m being healthy! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef for a less greasy lasagna. If you’re in the mood for something different, you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds great flavor. I usually opt for thick-cut bacon for extra crunch. If you want to lighten it up, turkey bacon is a suitable swap, but remember it won’t have the same richness.
Cheese: I love a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for that perfect melty texture. If you’re dairy-free, use vegan cheese or a nut-based cheese for the same gooey goodness.
Marinara Sauce: You can use your favorite store-bought marinara, but homemade is always a treat! If you’re avoiding tomatoes, a white sauce or pesto could give an interesting twist.
How Can I Make Sure My Lasagna Layers Are Perfect?
Layering lasagna correctly is crucial for a tasty result! Start with a thin layer of sauce to keep the noodles from sticking. Here’s how to do it:
- Begin with a layer of sauce in the baking dish.
- Place the noodles flat, making sure to cover the bottom without overlapping.
- Add a layer of meat sauce followed by a mix of cheeses.
- Repeat these layers twice and end with noodles topped with sauce and cheese.
- This helps each layer meld together beautifully during baking.
Don’t rush–keeping the layers even and consistent helps with cutting clean pieces later! After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing; this helps the layers hold together when you serve.
Cheesy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or pasta sauce
For the Noodles and Cheese Layers:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, adds creaminess)
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna will take approximately 15 minutes to prep and about 45 minutes to cook. You’ll have a rich, cheesy dinner ready in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so your lasagna doesn’t stick.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté them until they smell fantastic and the onion turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step really builds flavor!
3. Cook the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbled, using a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Combine with Sauce and Bacon:
Next, stir in the jar of marinara sauce and half of the crumbled bacon into the beef mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing all those yummy flavors to blend. Then remove it from the heat!
5. Mix the Cheeses:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. If you’re using ricotta cheese for added creaminess, mix that in as well. This cheesy blend is going to make your lasagna extra delicious!
6. Assemble the Lasagna:
To start assembling, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your greased baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Then, spread one-third of the meat sauce over the noodles and sprinkle one-third of the cheese mixture on top.
7. Repeat Layers:
Repeat the layering two more times: noodles, meat sauce, and cheese mixture. You should end with a final layer of noodles topped with the rest of the meat sauce and remaining cheese on top.
8. Add Bacon and Bake:
Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon evenly over the top of the lasagna. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake it for an additional 15 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.
9. Let It Rest:
Once it’s out of the oven, let your lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time is key to achieving perfect slices when serving.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, slice up your delicious Cheesy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna and enjoy your cheesy, garlicky masterpiece!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just be sure to season it well, as turkey can be milder in flavor. You may also need to reduce cooking time slightly to avoid drying it out.
Can I Make This Lasagna Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Substitute the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can add black beans or lentils for additional protein, keeping the rest of the ingredients the same for that cheesy goodness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Lasagna in Advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead of time and keep it in the fridge, covered, until ready to bake. Just increase the baking time slightly if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
