This hearty lasagna layers delicious noodles with juicy hamburgers, crispy bacon, and a creamy parmesan garlic sauce. It’s a fun twist that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Honestly, who wouldn’t love bacon and cheese in lasagna? It’s like a party in your mouth! 🎉 I usually pair it with a light salad to keep things balanced—because, you know… vegetables!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Standard dried lasagna noodles work great here. If you have fresh ones, no worries! Just adjust the cooking time as they typically need less time to bake.
Ground Beef: Ground beef is classic, but you could swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a meat substitute.
Bacon: Bacon adds flavor, but turkey bacon can be a healthier choice. You can also skip it for a vegetarian option or even use sautéed mushrooms for a meaty feel.
Cheese Blend: The mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses gives a wonderful flavor, but feel free to experiment. Pepper jack brings a nice kick, or try gouda for a smoky taste!
Italian Seasoning: If you lack Italian seasoning, a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme can substitute well. Fresh herbs would elevate the flavor even more!
How Do I Cook the Bacon Perfectly Without Burning it?
Cooking bacon can be tricky! Start by adding the chopped bacon to a cold skillet and then turn the heat to medium. This way, the fat renders out slowly, and the bacon gets crispy without burning.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to paper towels and let it drain while keeping the grease in the skillet.
This technique helps ensure you keep the yummy bacon flavor without getting any burnt bits!
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. With some quick cooking and layering, you’ll have this spectacular dish ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente (slightly firm). Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. Once it’s nice and crunchy, remove it from the skillet and let it drain on some paper towels. Make sure to leave the bacon grease in the pan for added flavor!
3. Sauté the Beef and Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook it until it’s evenly browned. After draining any excess fat, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Create the Sauce:
Now it’s time to add the flavor! Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing all those great flavors to mingle. Then, take it off the heat.
5. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, and the Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until well combined, then set this delicious cheese mixture aside.
6. Start Assembling the Lasagna:
Grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Then, place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. This will be the first layer!
7. Add Cheese and Bacon:
Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Next, sprinkle half of the crispy bacon on top, followed by another layer of meat sauce. Yum!
8. Repeat the Layers:
Continue layering by placing another set of noodles, then spreading the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, more bacon, and another layer of meat sauce. Finally, top it off with another layer of noodles and the remaining meat sauce.
9. Finish with Cheese:
Sprinkle the last bits of mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top of the final layer. Once that’s done, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
10. Bake Your Lasagna:
Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take your lasagna out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for color and flavor. Enjoy your hearty Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan with cheese varieties like provolone, gouda, or even a sharp white cheddar for added flavor. Just keep the same overall volume of cheese to maintain the creamy texture.
What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?
No worries! If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese as a substitute. Just blend it a bit to create a smoother consistency. Cream cheese can also work; just soften it before mixing.
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Enjoy!
