This Cheesy Parmesan Bacon Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna is like a party on a plate! Layers of pasta meet juicy beef, crispy bacon, rich cheese, and garlic for a mouthwatering treat!
Who knew lasagna could be this fun? I love how each bite combines all my favorite flavors. Perfect for sharing, or just sneaking seconds when no one is watching! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional noodles work best, but if you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free lasagna sheets. You can even use zucchini slices for a lighter option if you want to skip the pasta.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef adds great flavor, but you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a healthier version. A plant-based meat option can also work if you want a vegetarian lasagna.
Bacon: For a smoky flavor, crispy bacon is ideal. If you prefer less grease, turkey bacon is a great substitute. You could even skip it altogether for a meatless dish.
Cheeses: Cheddar is delicious, but feel free to mix in your favorites like pepper jack for some heat. If you’re dairy-free, there are fantastic vegan cheese alternatives available nowadays!
Ricotta Cheese: If ricotta is hard to find, cottage cheese can substitute well. Just blend it a bit for a smoother texture. For a lighter version, use a blend of Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, too.
How Do I Layer the Lasagna Perfectly?
Layering is key to a successful lasagna! Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce in your baking dish to prevent sticking. Here’s a quick rundown:
- First layer: 4 noodles on top of the sauce.
- Next, spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Follow with one-third of your meat sauce, then add one-third of both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with noodles topped by the remaining meat sauce.
End with a generous sprinkle of the remaining cheeses and bacon. Make sure to cover with foil when baking to keep it moist initially!
Cheesy Parmesan Bacon Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna takes about 30 minutes to prepare and approximately 40 minutes to bake. After it’s done cooking, you should let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. In total, expect around 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Noodles:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. After cooking, drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Cook the Meat Mixture:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion; sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become fragrant and the onion turns translucent. Then, add in the ground beef, season it with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Be sure to break it up as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat.
3. Combine the Sauce:
Stir the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Mix in half of the crumbled bacon, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to marry the flavors together.
4. Mix the Ricotta:
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan and the chopped parsley if you’re using it. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
5. Assemble the Lasagna:
To begin assembling, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place 4 lasagna noodles on top of this sauce. Then, evenly spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the meat sauce. Sprinkle one-third of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top of that layer.
6. Repeat the Layers:
Continue layering—repeat the lasagna noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and cheese until you have three layers. For the top layer, finish with a final set of noodles covered by the remaining meat sauce.
7. Add the Final Touches:
Now, sprinkle the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan cheeses, and the rest of the crumbled bacon over the top layer.
8. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This will help it set up nicely for slicing. Cut into squares and serve to your family or friends. Enjoy this cheesy, flavor-packed, cheeseburger-style lasagna!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! No-boil lasagna noodles are a great time-saver. Just layer them directly into the dish without pre-cooking. You may want to increase the sauce amount slightly to ensure they cook through properly.
Can I Prepare This Lasagna in Advance?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time! Simply cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to increase the baking time a bit if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftover Lasagna?
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven, or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Lasagna?
Yes! You can freeze assembled but uncooked lasagna. Just cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen—which will take about 60-75 minutes—or thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
