This Cheesy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna is a dream come true for all comfort food lovers! It layers pasta with juicy burger goodness, crispy bacon, and melted cheese.
I mean, who wouldn’t want a lasagna that tastes like a cheeseburger? It’s a fun twist that’ll make your dinner table a little more exciting—perfect for impressing friends or family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness. If looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken. Just keep in mind that they may be a bit drier.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a fantastic crunch and flavor. If you want to replace it, turkey bacon is a healthier alternative, or you can skip it altogether if you’re looking for a meat-free version.
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: These are super convenient! If you can’t find them, regular lasagna noodles work too, but you’ll need to boil them first. As a personal preference, I love the texture of no-boil noodles.
Cheeses: I use sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a rich flavor mix. If you’re lactose intolerant, dairy-free cheese blends are a good alternative. Another option is to mix in some goat cheese for a unique twist!
Milk/Cream: Whole milk provides a creamy base, but you can use skim milk or even a plant-based milk if you prefer. Just make sure it’s unsweetened for the right flavor balance.
How Do I Achieve a Creamy Sauce Without Clumps?
Making a smooth sauce can be tricky, but follow these steps to avoid clumps:
- Always start with a roux: melt butter and whisk in the flour until smooth and bubbly before adding liquid.
- Slowly whisk in the milk or cream, and keep stirring as it heats to prevent it from sticking.
- Let it bubble for just a few minutes. Once thickened, remove it from heat before mixing in cheese.
This method produces a velvety sauce perfect for layering in your lasagna!
Cheesy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 6-8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 9-12 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup marinara or pasta sauce (optional, for added flavor)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups whole milk or cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty lasagna takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and around 40 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour for this deliciousness to come together, but it’s well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when your lasagna is ready to bake.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Once done, remove it from the skillet, crumble it, and set it aside. If you want to enhance the flavor of the ground beef, you can reserve some of the bacon grease in the skillet.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking it until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Add the Sauce:
If you’re using marinara sauce, stir it into the beef mixture and let it cook together for a few minutes, then remove it from heat.
6. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Then, slowly add the milk or cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat, stir in half of the Parmesan cheese, and add a pinch of salt.
7. Assemble the Lasagna:
Start by spreading a thin layer of the creamy Parmesan sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 3-4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, followed by about one-third of the beef mixture, and then sprinkle one-third of the bacon, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses evenly over that. Drizzle with a little of the Parmesan sauce.
8. Repeat Layers:
Continue the layering process two more times, alternating noodles, beef mixture, bacon, cheeses, and sauce. Finish the last layer with noodles, the remaining cheeses, bacon, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
10. Let It Rest:
Once out of the oven, allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This helps it set up nicely.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired, and then serve your Cheesy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna. Enjoy this cheesy, comforting delight with family and friends!
This hearty lasagna is sure to be a hit, combining the bold flavors of cheeseburgers, crispy bacon, and a creamy garlic sauce into one delicious layered masterpiece!
FAQ for Cheesy Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef! Just keep in mind that turkey may be a bit drier, so you might want to add a splash of broth or extra sauce for moisture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if you bake it straight from the fridge.
Is It Possible to Freeze This Lasagna?
Yes, this lasagna freezes well! Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
