This tasty lasagna combines layers of cheesy goodness, crispy bacon, and savory garlic. The blend of parmesan and beef makes each bite a delightful treat!
You might want to keep an extra fork handy for seconds—trust me, it’s that good! I love serving it with a simple salad for a fun dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles work great for this dish, but you could opt for whole wheat or gluten-free noodles if needed. No-cook noodles are also an option, saving you some prep time.
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef for less grease, but turkey or chicken are excellent lighter alternatives. If you want a vegetarian twist, consider finely chopped mushrooms or lentils instead!
Bacon: Bacon adds a fantastic smoky flavor. For a healthier choice, turkey bacon or pancetta can be used. If you need a meat-free option, you can skip it altogether or use sautéed mushrooms for a similar texture.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta gives creaminess to the lasagna. If you’re out, cottage cheese works too! Just blend it a bit for a smoother consistency. Vegan alternatives include cashew or tofu-based ricotta.
Cheese Varieties: I love combining cheddar and mozzarella for that cheesy stretch. Feel free to use cheese blends or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Don’t hesitate to try vegan cheese if you’re dairy-free!
How Do I Cook Bacon Perfectly for My Lasagna?
Cooking bacon to perfection elevates your lasagna with its crispy goodness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a large skillet on medium heat. Add chopped bacon and let it cook slowly to render the fat.
- Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally until it’s crispy, around 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the bacon on paper towels to soak up extra grease, keeping just enough fat in the pan for flavoring the onions.
- Don’t rush this step; crispy bacon will add great texture to the lasagna.
What’s the Best Way to Layer My Lasagna For Even Cooking?
Layering is key to a successful lasagna! Follow these simple steps for even cooking:
- Start with a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Add noodles and alternate with layers of your ricotta mixture, beef, bacon, and cheese, ensuring each layer has a nice spread of ingredients.
- Finish with your final layer of noodles and generously top with sauce and cheese to lock in moisture.
- This method helps each ingredient shine and keeps your lasagna moist and fluffy!
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna will take about 20 minutes to prepare and approximately 40 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at a total of about 1 hour for prep and baking. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your lasagna is ready to go in!
2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside for later use.
3. Prepare the Bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. After it’s crispy, remove it from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels, keeping the bacon fat in the skillet to add flavor.
4. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these over medium heat until the onion is nice and translucent—about 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Cook the Ground Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
6. Mix the Ricotta Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it well until everything is smooth and creamy.
7. Start Layering:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place 4 of the lasagna noodles over the sauce.
8. Add the First Layer of Ingredients:
Now, evenly spread half of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles. Follow this with half of the ground beef mixture, half of the crispy bacon, and a layer of cheddar cheese. Yum!
9. Repeat the Layers:
Repeat the layering process one more time: noodles, ricotta, beef, bacon, and cheddar.
10. Final Layering:
Top it all off with the remaining lasagna noodles and pour the rest of the marinara sauce on top. Sprinkle the mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese over everything.
11. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that time, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook!
12. Cool and Serve:
Once your lasagna is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing it into squares. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use No-Cook Lasagna Noodles in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer no-cook lasagna noodles, you can skip the boiling step. Just layer them directly in the dish with the sauce; they will soften during baking. You might want to add a little extra sauce to ensure they cook through properly.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as alternatives. Blend cottage cheese until smooth for a similar texture, or mix cream cheese with a bit of milk to reach the desired consistency. Both substitutes will work well in this lasagna!
How to Store Leftover Lasagna?
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it! Allow the lasagna to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Lasagna?
Definitely! Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Just make sure to cook any added vegetables to remove extra moisture before layering them in to prevent a soggy lasagna!
