This Cheesy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna is a fun twist on two classics! Layers of pasta, cheesy goodness, and crispy bacon make it impossible to resist.
If you love both burgers and lasagna, you’ll be in heaven! I enjoy serving it with a side salad to balance all that cheesy fun. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
No-boil lasagna noodles: These are super convenient because they save time! If you can’t find them, traditional lasagna noodles can be used—just follow package instructions for boiling. I prefer the no-boil option for its ease!
Ground beef: While I love using ground beef for that classic cheeseburger flavor, lean turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version. You can also try plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian alternative.
Bacon: The crispy texture of bacon adds so much flavor! You can substitute turkey bacon or omit it altogether if you want to keep it healthier. A few mushrooms could also give that umami kick instead of bacon.
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella are perfect for that gooey texture. If you want something different, Monterey Jack adds a nice taste. You can also go for dairy-free cheese options if you’re avoiding dairy.
Sour cream and cream cheese: These provide creaminess to the dish. Greek yogurt can be a healthier swap, giving you that same creamy texture with added protein.
What’s the Best Way to Layer Lasagna for Even Cooking?
Layering lasagna can seem tricky, but it’s key to making sure everything cooks evenly and stays together nicely! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom. This prevents the noodles from sticking.
- Place the noodles flat, ensuring they aren’t overlapping to cook evenly.
- Spread about a third of the cheese mixture and then sprinkle half of your meat mixture on top. Repeat the layers.
- Finish with noodles topped with leftover cheese, which will create a lovely browned top.
Remember to let it rest after baking. This helps set the layers and makes slicing much easier! Enjoy your lasagna masterpiece!
Cheesy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 15 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or tomato sauce (if preferred slightly saucier)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and around 45 minutes to bake. After cooking, let it rest for about 10 minutes. So, you’ll spend roughly an hour in total—perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be hot and ready for your lasagna when it’s time to bake!
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the leftover bacon fat. Cook it over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Season the Meat:
Stir in the minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the crispy bacon pieces.
5. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble the Lasagna:
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the cheese mixture on the bottom of the dish. Next, arrange 3 lasagna noodles over this layer.
7. Layer It Up:
Spread about one-third of the cheesy cream mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the burger-bacon mixture. Then sprinkle some shredded cheddar and the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Repeat the Process:
Continue layering by adding another set of noodles, the remaining cream mixture, the rest of the meat mixture, and top again with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Finish with the last 3 lasagna noodles on top.
9. Add Toppings:
Spread the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top noodles and sprinkle any leftover cheddar cheese for extra gooeyness.
10. Bake with Care:
Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.
11. Rest and Serve:
Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing it up. Garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy your delicious creation!
This Cheesy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna is a perfect blend of comfort food flavors, bringing joy and satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Regular Lasagna Noodles Instead of No-Boil?
Absolutely! If you prefer regular lasagna noodles, you can use them—just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions before assembling your lasagna.
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna in advance! Assemble it the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can add a little splash of water to help keep it moist.
Can I Customize the Fillings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. You can also use turkey or chicken instead of beef, or switch the cheeses to your favorites. The options are endless!
