Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna

This Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna combines two beloved classics into one hearty, protein-packed dish that’ll have your family asking for seconds. Growing up in the Midwest, I watched my grandmother layer her famous lasagna every Sunday, but it was my own kids who inspired this creative twist. One evening, after a particularly busy week, I found myself staring at leftover bacon and ground beef, thinking about how much my family loved both cheeseburgers and lasagna. What if I could bring those flavors together? That experiment turned into our family’s new favorite dinner – a dish that carries all the comfort of Grandma’s original but with the bold, savory flavors everyone craves.

The aroma of garlic, bacon, and melted cheese fills your kitchen as this beauty bakes, and the look on your family’s faces when you slice into those perfect layers makes every minute worth it. Time to get our hands floury!

What Makes This Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna So Special

This isn’t your typical lasagna, and that’s exactly why it works. I’ve made countless lasagnas over the years, but this bacon cheeseburger version has become my go-to when I need something that feels both familiar and exciting. The combination of classic Italian layering technique with All-American cheeseburger flavors creates something truly memorable.

Here’s why this recipe belongs in your rotation:

• Protein powerhouse: With approximately 35-40 grams of protein per serving from the beef, bacon, and three types of cheese, this dish keeps everyone satisfied for hours
• Uses everyday ingredients: No hunting for specialty items – just grab what you’d normally have for burgers and lasagna
• Makes incredible leftovers: Actually tastes better the next day when the flavors have melded together overnight
• Perfect for meal prep: Assemble it ahead and bake when you’re ready, or freeze portions for busy weeknights
• Crowd-pleaser guarantee: I’ve served this at potlucks and family gatherings – it disappears every single time
• Combines comfort with convenience: All the satisfaction of a homemade lasagna with the familiar, crave-worthy taste of a bacon cheeseburger

After testing this recipe dozens of times with my own family and friends, I can promise you’ll have a new signature dish.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground beef forms the hearty base of this lasagna, providing that classic burger flavor while contributing substantial protein – I always choose 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture without making the dish too greasy.

Bacon adds smoky, salty depth that elevates every bite beyond ordinary lasagna, and cooking it until crispy before crumbling ensures those wonderful bacon flavors distribute evenly throughout the layers.

Marinara sauce brings the Italian foundation that ties everything together, and I prefer using a quality jarred sauce with visible herbs and garlic to save time without sacrificing flavor.

Ricotta cheese creates the creamy, luxurious texture between the noodles that makes lasagna so comforting – mixing it with an egg helps it set properly and prevents the layers from sliding apart.

Parmesan cheese contributes a sharp, nutty flavor that intensifies as it bakes, and I always use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated because it melts more smoothly and tastes significantly better.

Mozzarella cheese provides that irresistible cheese pull and golden, bubbly top we all love – using whole milk mozzarella rather than part-skim makes a noticeable difference in richness.

Garlic infuses the meat sauce with aromatic depth that makes your kitchen smell absolutely incredible, and I’ve learned that cooking it just until fragrant prevents any bitter taste.

Lasagna noodles provide the structure that holds all these delicious layers together – cooking them to al dente is crucial since they’ll continue softening in the oven.

How to Make Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna

Step 1. Betty always starts by preheating her oven to 375°F while gathering ingredients – this ensures even baking and gives you time to organize your workspace without rushing.

Step 2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, and drain off excess grease to prevent a greasy lasagna.

Step 3. I’ve learned that adding the diced onion and minced garlic after draining the beef prevents them from becoming oily, and cooking them for about 5 minutes until softened brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 4. After years of making this, I discovered that simmering the marinara sauce with the crumbled bacon for a full 10 minutes allows those smoky bacon flavors to infuse throughout the sauce.

Step 5. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan, oregano, and black pepper until smooth – the egg helps bind everything and creates a sturdy layer that won’t slip.

Step 6. Betty’s tip: spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish prevents the noodles from sticking and adds flavor to every bite.

Step 7. Layer four cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them for full coverage, then spread half the ricotta mixture evenly across the noodles and top with 1 cup of mozzarella.

Step 8. Repeat the layering process – meat sauce, noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and another cup of mozzarella – building those beautiful layers that make lasagna so satisfying.

Step 9. For the final layer, I arrange the last four noodles, spread the remaining meat sauce generously on top, then finish with the last cup of mozzarella and remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan for a golden, cheesy crown.

Step 10. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown – let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing so the layers set properly and you get those perfect, clean cuts.

Keeping This Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna Fresh

I typically store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 4 days. In fact, my family often prefers the leftovers because the flavors have had time to meld together overnight, creating an even richer taste. Make sure the lasagna has cooled completely before covering it to prevent condensation from making the top layer soggy.

Betty’s freezing method works beautifully for this recipe. You can freeze the entire assembled lasagna before baking (just add 20-25 minutes to the covered baking time when cooking from frozen), or freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Individual portions are perfect for quick weeknight dinners when you don’t want to defrost the whole dish.

For the best texture, I reheat lasagna in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil for an additional 5-10 minutes to crisp up the top. If you’re reheating a single portion, the microwave works in a pinch – just cover it loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, but the oven method really preserves that fresh-baked quality with those crispy cheese edges we all love.

Perfect Partners for This Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheesy lasagna and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Garlic bread or cheesy garlic breadsticks: There’s nothing better for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate, and the garlicky flavor complements the Parmesan and garlic in the lasagna beautifully. Try my Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream for another garlic-forward dish your family will love.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add nutritional balance and a slightly charred flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory meat and cheese. My Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe offers similar flavor profiles.
• Classic coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw provides the same kind of contrast you’d get with a burger – it’s that perfect sweet-and-sour element that brings the cheeseburger theme full circle.
• Dill pickle spears: Keeping with the cheeseburger inspiration, pickles on the side add a bright, acidic pop that cleanses your palate between rich, cheesy bites.
• Steamed or sauteed green beans: My family’s favorite side – simple green beans with a bit of butter and garlic keep the meal balanced without competing with the bold lasagna flavors.

If you love this cheesy, meaty combination, you’ll also enjoy my Cheesy Ground Beef and Potatoes or Creamy Beef and Shells recipes for similar comfort food vibes.

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