This lasagna is a tasty twist on a classic! Layers of pasta, ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese come together for a delicious meal that’s full of flavor.
What I love most is how all those yummy ingredients meld together. You can’t go wrong with bacon and cheese, right? It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles work great, but you can swap for gluten-free noodles if needed. No-cook varieties also save time but check the box for cooking times!
Ground Beef: Lean ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version, while plant-based meat crumbles suit veggie lovers. I’ve tried it with turkey, and it still tastes amazing!
Bacon: For a healthier option, use turkey bacon or even crispy vegetable bacon. The crunch will still add texture and flavor. I often mix half regular and half turkey bacon for a balanced taste.
Cheeses: Ricotta is traditional, but cottage cheese works too. If you’re out of cream cheese, try mascarpone cheese for a rich flavor. Don’t forget, mozzarella blends wonderfully with the other cheeses for that melty goodness!
How Do I Cook the Perfect Layers?
The key to a smooth lasagna is in layering correctly. Start with the cheese mixture at the bottom; this prevents the noodles from sticking. Make sure the noodles overlap slightly while layering – this helps with stability!
- Spread cheese mixture thinly, then add noodles, followed by the meat mixture.
- When repeating layers, you can add extra veggies like spinach for nutrition and color.
- Make your last layer with cheese to ensure you get that golden topping you want!
And remember, allow the lasagna to rest before serving. This helps the layers set so each piece looks perfect on the plate!
Easy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty lasagna takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes to bake, plus an additional 10 minutes of resting time. Total, you’re looking at about an hour of fun cooking, with a delicious dinner waiting at the end!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ground Beef and Garlic:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, add olive oil or butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute, just until it smells amazing! Now, add the ground beef, sprinkle in the salt and pepper, and cook it until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Mix in the Bacon:
After draining the beef, stir in the crumbled bacon. Remember to save some bacon for the topping later on! This adds a delicious crunch to your lasagna.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a separate medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. This spread will be one of the star ingredients!
4. Start Assembling Your Lasagna:
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of your cheese mixture on the bottom. Now, layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles over this cheese spread. Next, take half of your ground beef and bacon mixture and spread it over the noodles.
5. Add More Cheese:
Dollop and spread half of your ricotta/cream cheese mixture over the meat. Then, sprinkle a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over this layer. Yum!
6. Repeat the Layers:
Now, repeat the layering process! Add another set of noodles, the remaining meat mixture, the remaining cheese mixture, and finish with more shredded cheeses on top.
7. Bake and Finish:
Top off your lasagna with the leftover bacon crumbles and extra Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish loosely with foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Let It Rest Before Serving:
Once it’s out of the oven, give your lasagna 10 minutes to rest. This makes it easier to cut and serve. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color!
And there you have it! Enjoy your rich and savory Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna. It’s sure to impress family and friends!
FAQ: Easy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses a blend of ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, you can mix it up. Feel free to substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or try different cheeses like Gouda or provolone for extra flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or heat individual portions in the microwave until hot.
Can I Freeze This Lasagna?
Yes! You can make this lasagna ahead and freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake according to the recipe, adding extra time if needed.
Can I Make It Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can replace the ground beef with your favorite plant-based meat crumbles or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a hearty, vegetarian version that’s still delicious!
