This Cheesy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Burger Lasagna is a fun twist on both lasagna and burgers! Layers of pasta, gooey cheese, juicy burger meat, crispy bacon, and garlicky goodness will make your taste buds dance.
Honestly, who doesn’t love bacon and cheese in one dish? I mean, it’s like a party in your mouth! 😄 I love serving it with a side salad for a little crunch and freshness to balance all that cheesy richness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: While traditional lasagna uses regular noodles, you can swap for whole wheat or gluten-free noodles. No-boil noodles work too, making prep easier!
Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken is a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a plant-based burger crumble.
Bacon: Turkey bacon is a lower-fat alternative. You can also use diced pancetta for a different flavor or skip altogether if you prefer. More cheese does the trick!
Cheese: I love a mix of cheeses for depth. If you want a lighter version, cottage cheese can replace ricotta. Dairy-free cheese works well for vegan options too.
How Do I Properly Layer Lasagna?
Layering lasagna can seem tricky, but it’s all about balance. Start by spreading a bit of sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking. Follow these steps for perfect layers:
- Place the first layer of noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping for coverage.
- Next, evenly distribute half of your meat mixture and add dollops of cheese mixtures (if using).
- Sprinkle cheese on top, along with bacon bits before adding the next layer.
- Repeat until you reach the top, finishing with noodles and a generous amount of sauce and cheese.
Cover with foil for the initial bake, which helps steam and cook the noodles thoroughly. Removing the foil allows the cheese to brown nicely!
Cheesy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Burger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Lasagna Noodles: 12 noodles
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (450g)
- Bacon: 8 slices, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- mozzarella Cheese: 1 ½ cups, shredded
- Parmesan Cheese: ¾ cup, grated
- Marinara or Pizza Sauce: 2 cups
- Ricotta Cheese (optional): 1 cup, whole milk
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Black Pepper: to taste
- Fresh Parsley: chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna takes about 30 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to bake, bringing you a total of around 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Noodles:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Cook the Bacon and Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet, as this adds great flavor!
3. Sauté the Garlic and Beef:
In the same skillet, add a little olive oil, then sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant. Next, add the ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the beef until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
4. Combine with Marinara:
Add 1 cup of marinara sauce to the beef mixture, stirring well to combine. Once mixed, remove the skillet from heat.
5. Mix the Ricotta Cheese:
If you’re using the ricotta cheese, mix it in a bowl with half of the Parmesan cheese and a pinch of black pepper. This mixture adds a creamy layer to your lasagna.
6. Assemble the Lasagna:
Take a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish and start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
7. Layer Meat and Cheese:
Spread half of the beef mixture evenly over the noodles. Add spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the beef, if using. Then, sprinkle a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the beef, along with some of the cooked bacon pieces.
8. Repeat the Layers:
Repeat the layering process: more noodles, the remaining beef, the ricotta mixture, cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and more bacon. Finish with another layer of noodles.
9. Final Layer and Bake:
Top the final layer of noodles with the remaining marinara sauce, then add more cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the leftover bacon on top.
10. Bake and Serve:
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Enjoy your deliciously rich, garlicky, smoky bacon burger lasagna! It’s sure to become a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Gluten-Free Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free ones. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times since they may vary.
Can I Prepare This Lasagna in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just add a bit of extra baking time if baking from cold. Alternatively, you can freeze it before baking and thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works perfectly. For a vegetarian alternative, consider using lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat substitute for a similar texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Lasagna?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or rewarm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
