Cheesy Garlic Bacon Burger Lasagna Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles work best, but you can use no-boil noodles for quicker prep. If gluten-free is your thing, look for gluten-free lasagna noodles!

Ground Beef: I love using 80/20 beef for its balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re aiming for a healthier option, try ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute instead.

Bacon: Crispy bacon adds incredible flavor. Turkey bacon can be a lighter alternative, or you can skip it entirely for a vegetarian version, though it will change the overall taste!

Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are the stars here, but feel free to swap them with your favorites like Gouda or provolone. For a stronger flavor, add blue cheese or feta.

Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought marinara for convenience or make your own for a fresher taste. A range of tomato sauces works well too, but choose one without added sugar for a healthier dish.

How Do I Ensure My Lasagna Layers are Perfect?

Layering is key to a delicious lasagna! Here’s how to do it right:

• Start with a thin layer of meat sauce to prevent sticking.
• Use cooked, cooled noodles. This makes layering easier and helps with even cooking.
• Spread the ricotta mixture carefully to distribute flavors without making it too watery.
• Alternate between noodles, cheese layers, and sauce to build a nice balance throughout.
• Finish with plenty of cheese on top to create that gorgeous, gooey crust.

Following these tips will give you a beautifully layered lasagna that everyone will love! Enjoy your cheesy creation!

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bacon Burger Lasagna

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Lasagna:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 8 slices bacon, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

For the Cheesy Layers:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

For the Sauce and Filling:

• 2 cups marinara sauce or tomato pasta sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Cheesy Garlic Bacon Burger Lasagna will take about 20 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to bake, plus 10 minutes for resting before serving. So, plan to spend around 1 hour and 15 minutes in total.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Noodles:

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain them and set aside for later use.

2. Cook the Bacon:

In a large skillet over medium heat, throw in the chopped bacon. Cook it until crisp, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on paper towels to drain. Keep the bacon grease in the skillet for cooking the beef!

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

Add olive oil if necessary to the bacon grease left in the skillet. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté until it is translucent, which should take around 3-4 minutes. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Brown the Ground Beef:

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook until the beef is browned and completely cooked through, which will take about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

5. Make the Meat Sauce:

Stir in the marinara sauce along with the crispy bacon pieces. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes before removing the skillet from heat.

6. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:

In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, half of the Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until smooth.

7. Assemble the Lasagna:

In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Next, layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread one third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle a layer of both cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Follow with another layer of one third of the meat sauce.

8. Repeat the Layers:

Repeat the layers two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, cheddar and mozzarella, and meat sauce. For the last layer, top it with the remaining Parmesan cheese and add some extra cheddar or mozzarella if you’d like more cheesy goodness!

9. Bake the Lasagna:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

10. Let It Rest:

Once done, pull the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut!

11. Garnish and Enjoy:

Garnish with some freshly chopped parsley or basil for that extra touch and dig in! Enjoy your delicious, cheesy garlic bacon burger lasagna!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Different Types of Meat?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken work great. For a vegetarian version, consider using a plant-based ground meat substitute or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prep the lasagna a day in advance! Assemble it fully and cover it tightly with foil. Store it in the refrigerator and bake it the next day, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

What Can I Substitute for the Cheese?

If you’re looking for dairy-free options, try using plant-based cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor to dishes while being dairy-free. For a lower-fat version, you can opt for part-skim cheeses or low-fat ricotta.