Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

This Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna takes comfort food to the next level. With layers of tender lasagna noodles, savory bacon-crisped beef, and creamy garlic-infused cheese sauce, this dish brings together the ultimate flavors of indulgence. Topped with extra cheese for a perfectly golden finish, it's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Whether garnished with pickles, tomatoes, or enjoyed as is, it's guaranteed to impress!

Ranah
Updated on Wed, 21 May 2025 13:52:16 GMT
A white plate with a slice of lasagna on it. Pin it
A white plate with a slice of lasagna on it. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

This indulgent parmesan garlic bacon cheeseburger lasagna brings together two comfort food favorites in one decadent dish. I created this recipe when my family couldn’t decide between burgers or Italian for dinner, and it’s become our most requested special occasion meal ever since.

I first made this on a rainy Sunday afternoon when my teenagers had friends over. What began as a kitchen experiment has turned into our signature dish for gatherings. The combination of burger flavors with lasagna structure creates something truly special.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Provides the classic burger base. Choose 80/20 for best flavor and moisture
  • Bacon: Adds smokiness and that irresistible flavor. Thick cut works best here
  • Onion and garlic: Create the aromatic foundation. Fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference
  • Worcestershire sauce: Gives that authentic burger umami. A splash goes a long way
  • Ketchup: Contributes subtle sweetness and tanginess. Use your favorite brand
  • Butter and flour: Create the roux for our cheese sauce. European butter tastes richer
  • Whole milk and heavy cream: Make the sauce luxuriously smooth. Full fat is essential
  • Cheddar cheese: Brings that classic burger cheese flavor. Sharp or medium both work beautifully
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty complexity and depth. Freshly grated melts much better
  • Lasagna noodles: Hold everything together. Traditional or no boil both work well
  • Mozzarella: Provides that stretchy cheese pull we all love. Low moisture gives best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Bacon:
Start with a cold large skillet and arrange bacon pieces evenly. Heat to medium and cook until the fat renders and bacon becomes crispy around edges, about 6 minutes. The bacon flavor infuses the entire dish, so take care not to burn it. Reserve those precious bacon drippings for cooking the beef.
Sauté the Aromatics:
Add diced onion to the bacon fat and cook on medium heat until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. The garlic should become aromatic but not brown, which would make it bitter.
Brown the Beef:
Add ground beef to the onion mixture and break apart with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and paprika, then drizzle Worcestershire sauce over meat. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains, about 7 minutes. The meat should be nicely browned with crispy edges for maximum flavor.
Create the Cheese Sauce:
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until bubbling. Sprinkle flour over butter and whisk constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk and cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Add cheeses one handful at a time, ensuring each addition melts completely before adding more.
Layer with Precision:
Begin with a thin layer of cheese sauce spread evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds flavor to the bottom noodles. Arrange three lasagna noodles side by side without overlapping. Cover noodles with one third of the meat mixture, spreading to the edges. Ladle cheese sauce generously over meat. Sprinkle a portion of mozzarella before repeating the layers twice more.
Bake to Bubbly Perfection:
Cover tightly with foil and bake for exactly 25 minutes. The foil traps steam to cook the noodles properly. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese develops an irresistible golden brown crust. Let stand for a full 10 minutes before cutting to allow layers to set properly.
A white plate with a slice of lasagna on it. Pin it
A white plate with a slice of lasagna on it. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

The smoked paprika is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power when I accidentally grabbed it instead of regular paprika one evening. The subtle smokiness perfectly complements the bacon and reminds everyone of grilled burgers even though this dish never sees a grill.

Make Ahead Options

This cheeseburger lasagna is perfect for meal prep and actually improves with time. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to cook, allow the lasagna to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure it heats through properly.

Dietary Modifications

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use reduced fat dairy products throughout. The flavor profile remains largely the same with significantly reduced calories and fat. For a gluten free option, use gluten free lasagna noodles and replace the flour in the cheese sauce with cornstarch slurry made by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water before adding to the warm milk mixture.

Perfect Pairings

Balance the richness of this hearty dish with a crisp side salad dressed with vinaigrette. A simple arugula salad with lemon juice and olive oil provides the perfect peppery contrast to cut through the creamy cheese sauce. For beverages, a bold red wine like Zinfandel stands up beautifully to the robust flavors, while a cold craft beer complements the burger inspiration behind the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheeses like Gouda, Gruyere, or Swiss for added flavor. Modify the recipe to your liking!

→ What can I add for a fresher topping?

Try adding diced pickles, tomatoes, or even green onions for a bright, burger-inspired twist.

→ Can this lasagna be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if cold.

→ How can I make this vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and increase the cheese for a hearty flavor.

→ What side dishes pair well with this lasagna?

A fresh side salad or steamed vegetables are great to balance the dish’s richness. Garlic bread is also a fantastic complement.

Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna

Rich layers of cheesy lasagna with Parmesan, bacon, and a savory garlic twist.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Ranah

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American-Italian

Yield: 8 Servings (1 large lasagna)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Meat Filling

01 680g ground beef
02 6–8 slices bacon, chopped
03 1 small onion, finely diced
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 tsp salt
06 ½ tsp black pepper
07 1 tsp smoked paprika
08 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 1/4 cup ketchup

→ Cheese Sauce

10 2 tbsp butter
11 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
12 2 cups whole milk
13 1 cup heavy cream
14 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
15 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 1 tsp garlic powder
17 Salt and pepper to taste

→ Assembly

18 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
19 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
20 Extra Parmesan and cheddar for topping
21 Optional: pickles or diced tomatoes for topping

Instructions

Step 01

In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the bacon fat, sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef, salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until browned. Stir in the ketchup (if using). Return bacon to the skillet and mix well. Set aside.

Step 02

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Cook until slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Add garlic powder, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 03

Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer as follows: A thin layer of cheese sauce, 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of the meat mixture, cheese sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat layers (noodles → meat → sauce → cheese) twice more. Finish with extra mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan on top.

Step 04

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  1. Garnish with diced pickles, tomatoes, or green onions for a burger-style twist.
  2. Serve with a side salad to balance the richness.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter)
  • Contains gluten (lasagna noodles, all-purpose flour)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 580
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 41 g
  • Protein: 30 g