This fun twist on lasagna combines layers of gooey cheese, tasty bacon, and juicy burgers, all brought together with rich garlic and parmesan flavors. It’s a hearty and delicious meal that’s hard to resist!
You’ll love how this dish makes everyone smile at dinner. Who can say no to bacon and cheese? I usually serve it with a simple salad. It feels like a party on a plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef for a less greasy result. If you want to make it healthier, ground turkey or even lentils can work well as substitutes, providing similar texture.
Bacon: Feel free to swap in turkey bacon or veggie bacon if you’re looking for a lighter option. Both will bring a similar smoky flavor to the dish!
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are fantastic for this recipe, but you could also use pepper jack for some heat, or any blend of your favorite cheeses. Cream cheese could substitute ricotta for creaminess.
Ricotta Cheese: If ricotta isn’t available, you might try cottage cheese or a blended tofu for a vegan option. Both provide similar texture, though you may want to add more seasoning.
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: If you can’t find no-boil noodles, you can use regular lasagna noodles. Just boil them according to the package instructions first.
How Do I Get My Onions Just Right?
Cooking onions perfectly can brighten the entire dish. Aim for translucent and slightly caramelized onions. Here’s how to do it:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning them. If they cook too fast, they’ll go from raw to burnt!
- Stir occasionally, giving them a gentle chance to brown evenly.
- Cook until they are soft and see-through, around 3-4 minutes is usually enough.
This small step can elevate your flavors significantly!
What’s the Best Way to Layer Lasagna?
Layering is key to keep everything together and balanced. Here’s how I approach it:
- Start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom, keeping it from sticking.
- Lay down 3 noodles for the first layer, ensuring they slightly overlap for stability.
- Alternate between meat mixture, ricotta, and cheese layers, building up until all ingredients are used.
- Finish with noodles, a good amount of meat sauce, and pile on the cheese to create a golden crust!
These steps ensure your lasagna slices beautifully and remains packed with flavor!
Easy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef and Bacon Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Lasagna Layers:
- 8 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for freshness)
- 1/2 cup milk (to thin ricotta if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 50 minutes to bake. You’ll spend the first part cooking the beef and bacon, mixing your cheeses, and layering everything. It’s easy and super satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get everything nice and hot while you prepare the layers.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the slices of bacon until they are crispy. Once done, remove them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off the grease. Crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces, but save about 1 tablespoon of the grease in the skillet for flavor.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the leftover bacon grease and sauté until it’s translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, roughly 7-8 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. After that’s done, mix in half of the crumbled bacon, and then remove the skillet from the heat.
5. Mix the Ricotta Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley (if you’re using it), and milk. Mix everything until it’s smooth and well combined.
6. Start Layering:
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and start with a thin layer of the beef mixture at the bottom. Then, lay down 3 of the no-boil lasagna noodles over that.
7. Add the Cheese Mixture:
Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Next, sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top of the ricotta.
8. Continue Layering:
Add another layer of the beef mixture, followed by 3 more noodles. Spread the remaining ricotta mixture on top, and then cover with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
9. Finish It Off:
For the last layer, place the final 2 noodles on top, then add the remaining beef mixture, and sprinkle the rest of the crumbled bacon over the top.
10. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven for 35 minutes. After that time, take off the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Let It Rest:
After baking, let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps everything set nicely, making for easier portions.
Enjoy your rich, savory, and cheesy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna! It’s a dish everyone will love. Serve it up with a simple salad, and you have a fantastic meal ready! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef and will work perfectly in this lasagna. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll have a delicious dish!
Can I Make This Lasagna Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use a mix of your favorite veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You can also add some beans for an extra protein boost.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat in the microwave or bake in the oven until warmed through.
Can I Freeze This Lasagna?
Yes, you can! This lasagna freezes well. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed when you’re ready to enjoy it!
