This fun twist on lasagna layers noodles, creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and flavors of garlic and parmesan. It’s like a burger and a lasagna had a delicious baby!
The best part? You can serve a tasty meal without all the fuss of grilling burgers. I love how easy it is to make and how everyone just loves it. Who wouldn’t? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free lasagna sheets or even zucchini slices for a veggie twist.
Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute if you’re looking for a lighter option while still keeping the flavor. I often use a mix of beef and pork for more richness, too!
Bacon: If you’re not a fan of bacon or want to keep it lighter, you can skip it entirely or opt for turkey bacon for a leaner alternative. A good drizzle of olive oil can still give that tasty richness.
Cheeses: Ricotta is fantastic, but cottage cheese works as a substitute if you’re in a pinch. If you want to mix things up, try adding some pepper jack for a little kick instead of cheddar!
How Do I Cook the Perfect Lasagna Noodles?
Cooking lasagna noodles properly can make a big difference in the final dish! You want them to be ‘al dente’ (firm to the bite) so they hold up well when layered.
- Boil water in a large pot, and add a generous pinch of salt. This enhances the flavor of the noodles.
- Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want them slightly undercooked, as they’ll continue to cook while baking.
- Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
What’s the Best Way to Brown Ground Beef?
Browning ground beef well is essential for building flavor in your lasagna. Follow these simple steps to get it just right.
- Use a large skillet over medium heat and allow it to heat up.
- Add the beef and break it apart with a spatula. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
- Let it sit without stirring for a minute or two to develop a nice golden color, then stir and continue cooking until fully browned.
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna will take approximately 45 minutes to prepare, plus another 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can dig into this cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your lasagna bakes evenly and comes out perfectly cheesy and bubbly!
2. Cook the Noodles:
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain them and set aside. It’s important not to overcook them since they’ll be baking later.
3. Prepare the Bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and delicious. Once done, carefully remove the bacon bits and set them aside, leaving the tasty drippings in the skillet to add flavor to your ground beef.
4. Sauté the Vegetables and Beef:
In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the chopped onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it softens, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and continue cooking until browned.
5. Mix the Ricotta Filling:
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until it’s smooth and mixed thoroughly; this will be your creamy filling!
6. Assemble the Lasagna:
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and start assembling! Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Then, lay down three lasagna noodles next. On top of these noodles, spread half of the ricotta mixture, followed by half of the cooked ground beef and half of the bacon. Sprinkle a third of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
7. Build More Layers:
Now, repeat the layering process! Place down another three noodles, add the remaining ricotta mixture, the rest of the ground beef, and half of the remaining bacon. Top this with another third of the cheeses. Almost done!
8. Final Layers and Cheese:
For the final layer, place down the last three noodles, pour over the remaining marinara sauce, and top with the rest of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Finally, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top to make it extra cheesy!
9. Baking the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil, and let it bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, take the lasagna out of the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes to cool a bit. This helps everything set up nicely. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
Slice it up, serve, and enjoy your mouthwatering Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will make the lasagna a bit lighter while still providing great flavor. Just ensure you cook it thoroughly and season it well to enhance the taste since turkey tends to be milder than beef.
What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese blended until smooth, or even cream cheese mixed with a bit of sour cream to achieve a similar creaminess. Just adjust the salt and pepper as needed for flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Lasagna?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated all the way through.
