This mouthwatering lasagna layers juicy hamburger, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a burst of garlic flavor. It’s like a comfort food hug in every bite!
Honestly, who could resist combining all these tasty things? It’s perfect for a family dinner, and leftovers are the best—if there’s any left that is! 😄
I love how easy it is to whip up this cheesy delight. Just cook, layer, and bake! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional noodles work great, but you can swap them for no-boil lasagna noodles to save time. Just note that you’ll need a bit more sauce for those since they absorb more liquid.
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef for this dish, but turkey or even a plant-based ground meat is an excellent substitute for a lighter option or for vegetarians.
Bacon: Bacon adds flavor, but you can use turkey bacon or leave it out if you’re looking to reduce fat. You might want to boost the flavor with a bit more seasoning if omitting the bacon.
Cheeses: Ricotta is classic for lasagna, but cottage cheese works too if you need a lighter option. If cheddar isn’t your favorite, feel free to use mozzarella for a gooey texture!
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is fine, but homemade enhances flavor! You can also use alfredo sauce for a creamy twist or mix both sauces for a delightful blend.
How Do I Layer My Lasagna Like A Pro?
Layering lasagna properly is key to achieving the right balance of flavors and textures. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a little marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer noodles first, then the ricotta mixture. Spread it evenly, ensuring every noodle gets some love.
- Next, add your meat and bacon mixture, followed by cheese. Repeat until you run out of ingredients, finishing with extra sauce and cheese on top.
- Finally, the last layer of noodles should be covered with sauce to prevent drying out while baking.
Letting lasagna sit before cutting helps it hold its shape, so don’t skip that cooldown period!
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna takes about 45 minutes of prep time, along with 40-45 minutes of baking time. In total, you’re looking at approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s always good to get that oven ready while you prepare the other ingredients!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet but keep about a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the bacon fat. Sauté them until the onion becomes translucent, around 3-4 minutes. The aroma will be delightful!
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then season the mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
5. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well blended and creamy. This will add a lovely richness to your lasagna!
6. Boil the Noodles:
Next, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, until they’re al dente. Once cooked, drain them and lay them flat on a clean surface to cool slightly—this helps avoid sticking.
7. Start Layering:
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. Then, layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Now, it’s time for the layers: spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the meat mixture, half of the crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of one-third of the cheddar cheese. Yum!
8. Repeat the Layers:
Repeat the layering process again: add another layer of 3 noodles, then the remaining ricotta mixture, the rest of the meat, the rest of the bacon, and another third of the cheddar cheese.
9. Top It Off:
Finish with the final 3 noodles on top. Cover these with the remaining marinara sauce, and sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheeses over everything for that glorious cheesy finish!
10. Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully bubbly and golden.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing it up. Garnish with some fresh parsley if you like, and enjoy your delicious homemade Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Noodles Instead of Regular Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! Whole wheat noodles are a great, healthier alternative. Just make sure to cook them slightly longer than regular noodles, as they may take a bit more time to soften. Follow the package instructions for best results!
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Lasagna?
Yes, you can easily make this lasagna vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a meat alternative, like lentils or chopped mushrooms. You can also add extra vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftover lasagna for up to 3 months! Just make sure it’s fully cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Can I Prepare This Lasagna in Advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, wrap it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you start with it cold from the fridge.
