This fun twist on lasagna layers creamy cheese, garlic, bacon, and your favorite burger flavors in every bite! Plus, who doesn’t love bacon? 🍔🥓
I love how easy it is to make and serve—just pop it in the oven and relax! Perfect for a dinner that feels special without all the fuss. Trust me, the family will adore it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is key for your cheeseburger flavor. If you want a lighter option, consider using turkey or chicken. Using a mix of beef and pork can add extra flavor, too!
Bacon: What’s a cheeseburger without bacon? Feel free to use turkey bacon for a leaner option, or even pancetta if you’re looking for a gourmet twist.
Cheeses: I love the combo of cheddar and mozzarella for that gooey texture. If you want something different, swap in gouda or pepper jack for a spicy kick!
Ricotta Cheese: Traditional in lasagna, but you can substitute cottage cheese if you prefer a slightly lower-fat option. Cream cheese can also work for a richer flavor.
Marinara Sauce: It’s optional, but a homemade sauce works great if you have the time. Or, use your favorite jarred brand for convenience!
How Do You Layer Lasagna for the Best Results?
Layering lasagna can be tricky, but it’s important for even cooking! Start by spreading some sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to keep the noodles from sticking.
- Place the first set of noodles on top of the sauce. Make sure they slightly overlap.
- Follow with a layer of the ricotta mixture. This helps give creaminess.
- Top with meat sauce, ensuring it’s evenly spread.
- Add a generous sprinkle of cheese for that melty goodness.
- Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with noodles, sauce, and lots of cheese on top!
Don’t skip covering it with foil for the first part of baking. This prevents the top from burning and ensures everything cooks through nicely.
Easy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce (optional, or use a light tomato sauce)
- 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, and around 40-45 minutes to bake, plus an extra 10 minutes to let it rest before serving. In total, you’re looking at about an hour and 10 minutes before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your lasagna cooks evenly and gets that delicious bubbly top!
2. Prepare the Bacon:
In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat and cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on paper towels to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet, as it adds flavor!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook it over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat once it’s done.
4. Add Garlic and Seasoning:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Then, if you’re using marinara sauce, stir that in along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes before removing from heat.
5. Mix the Ricotta:
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and the chopped parsley if you’re using it. This will be your creamy layer.
6. Start Layering:
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Then, place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
7. Add the Cheese and Sauce Layers:
Next, 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 this. Repeat these layers, ending with noodles, meat sauce, and topping it off with the remaining cheeses.
8. Final Touches:
Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and the crispy bacon evenly over the top. This will give it a fantastic finish!
9. Bake Your Lasagna:
Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Let It Rest:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to slice and serve without it all falling apart.
Now, dig in and enjoy your cheesy, garlicky, bacon-packed cheeseburger lasagna!
FAQ for Easy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great lighter alternative. Just be sure to season more generously, as they tend to be milder in flavor compared to beef.
What’s a Good Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, cottage cheese makes an excellent substitute! You can also use cream cheese for a richer flavor. Just blend it to a smoother consistency before layering.
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to help keep it moist while reheating!
Can I Freeze This Lasagna?
Yes! This lasagna freezes well. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until heated through.
