Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna

This Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food mashup that combines two family favorites into one incredible dish. The first time I made this creation, my kids actually cheered at the dinner table. Now it's our go-to special occasion meal that brings everyone running to the kitchen before I've even called for dinner.

I originally created this when my teenage son asked why we couldn't have burgers AND lasagna for his birthday dinner. The challenge led to this recipe, and five years later, it's still requested for every celebration.

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles: Provide the perfect foundation for layering all these rich flavors
• Ground beef: Creates that classic cheeseburger taste and hearty texture
• Bacon: Brings smoky flavor and irresistible crunch throughout each layer
• Garlic and onion: Build the aromatic base just like in a perfect burger
• Heavy cream: Creates a velvety sauce that's far more indulgent than traditional tomato
• Three cheese blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan: For maximum melty goodness
• Italian seasoning: Ties everything together with subtle herbal notes
• Butter: Adds richness to the base flavors as you build the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the noodles:

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until they reach al dente texture. Watch carefully as they cook because overcooking will make them tear during assembly. After draining, lay them flat on a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking.

Build the flavor base:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until translucent before adding garlic. Continue cooking for 1 minute more until fragrant but not browned.

Brown the beef:

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains, about 7 minutes. Drain the excess fat carefully to prevent greasy lasagna.

Season the meat:

Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the cooked beef mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the meat. Let it cook for another minute to allow the flavors to bloom.

Create the cheese sauce:

In a separate saucepan, pour in the heavy cream and warm over low heat. Gradually add the Parmesan and cheddar cheeses, whisking constantly to prevent clumping. Continue whisking until completely smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Layer the components:

Start with a thin layer of cheese sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add lasagna noodles, then beef mixture, crumbled bacon, and mozzarella cheese. Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over each layer.

Complete the assembly:

Continue layering until all ingredients are used, making sure to end with a generous layer of cheese on top for that perfect golden crust. Press down slightly on the final layers to compact the lasagna.

Initial bake:

Cover the dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn't touch the cheese on top. Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together and the layers to set.

Final golden finish:

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 to 20 more minutes until the cheese on top turns a beautiful golden brown with slightly crispy edges. Watch carefully during the final minutes to prevent burning.

Rest before serving:

Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting. This crucial step lets the layers set so you can get clean, picture perfect slices that hold together on the plate.

Pin it

The bacon truly makes this dish extraordinary. I accidentally discovered that cooking the bacon until just barely crisp rather than fully crunchy gives the perfect texture in the final dish. My husband, who initially questioned the concept of a cheeseburger lasagna, now requests this dish for his birthday every year.

Make-Ahead Options

This lasagna actually improves when made ahead of time. Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before you plan to serve it, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 10 minutes to the covered baking time. The resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the noodles to absorb some of the sauce, resulting in more distinct layers when sliced.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of this cheeseburger lasagna lies in its adaptability. Try adding classic burger toppings between layers such as diced dill pickles, a layer of sliced tomatoes, or even chopped lettuce added just before serving for freshness and crunch. For a spicy variation, incorporate diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the meat mixture. Some families love adding a thin layer of ketchup and mustard between layers for that authentic burger experience, while others prefer adding mushrooms sautéed in butter for an earthy dimension.

Pin it

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty lasagna with lighter sides to balance the rich flavors. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Garlic bread might seem excessive given the pasta base, but somehow it works beautifully for soaking up any extra cheese sauce on your plate. For a full burger experience, offer small dishes of ketchup, mustard, and relish at the table so everyone can customize their portion. This dish pairs surprisingly well with a cold beer for adults or chocolate milkshakes for the kids to complete the burger joint experience at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

→ What’s a good substitute for bacon?

You can use turkey bacon or even vegetarian bacon bits if you want a non-pork alternative without losing the smoky flavor.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack, depending on your taste preferences.

→ How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

Ensure you thoroughly drain the ground beef and pat the bacon dry before layering. Also, slightly undercook the noodles to prevent excess moisture.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Let the lasagna cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or wrap it tightly in foil before freezing. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.