Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner that combines two beloved comfort foods into one incredible dish. With layers of cheesy ground beef, crispy bacon, savory garlic, and rich parmesan, it delivers all the flavors you crave in a satisfying lasagna format. For another quick pasta favorite, try this Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef – Ready in 30 Minutes.

Ingredients

This Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna combines sizzling bacon, savory beef, and creamy cheeses layered between tender pasta for an unforgettable comfort food experience.

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 1 lb ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Timing

Prep Time	25 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 10 minutes

Context: This Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna comes together about 20% faster than similar layered pasta dishes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Garlic Bacon

Cook 1 pound of thick-cut bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, leaving 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pan. Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the drippings and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Crumble the bacon and set aside.

Step 2 — Brown the Ground Beef

In the same skillet, add 1.5 pounds of ground beef and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in the garlic-infused bacon drippings. Season with 1 teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, and onion powder.

Step 3 — Make the Burger Sauce

Combine 1 cup ketchup, ½ cup yellow mustard, ¼ cup mayonnaise, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Mix this burger sauce into the cooked ground beef, ensuring it’s fully incorporated. Simmer for 3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 4 — Prepare the Cheese Layers

In a separate bowl, mix 16 ounces of ricotta cheese with 1 beaten egg, ½ cup grated Parmesan, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. In another bowl, combine 3 cups of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This creates distinct creamy and melty cheese layers for your Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna.

Step 5 — Assemble the Lasagna

Spread ½ cup of the meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top with half the ricotta mixture, half the remaining meat sauce, half the crumbled bacon, and one-third of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of noodles, meat sauce, and the remaining shredded cheese.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Step 7 — Rest and Serve

Let the Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set for clean cuts. Serve warm, garnished with pickle slices and diced tomatoes for a true cheeseburger experience.

Nutritional Information

Calories	680
Protein	38g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	38g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	1420mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean Ground Turkey — Lighter protein with a mild flavor that still absorbs the garlic and bacon essence.
• Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Lasagna Noodles — Higher fiber or gluten-free option to make this Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna suitable for dietary needs.
• Zucchini or Eggplant Slices — Low-carb vegetable layers that mimic pasta while adding freshness.
• Low-Fat Cheese or Dairy-Free Cheese — Reduces saturated fat or accommodates lactose intolerance without sacrificing the cheeseburger flavor.
• Turkey Bacon or Plant-Based Bacon — Lower in fat and sodium while providing that smoky, savory crunch.
• Low-Sodium Broth and Tomato Sauce — Cuts down on salt while maintaining a rich, savory base for the lasagna.
• Greek Yogurt or Cashew Cream — Creamy, tangy substitute for richer dairy components in the cheeseburger lasagna sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp side salad featuring romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna.
• Serve alongside garlic breadsticks or toasted garlic bread for an extra garlicky kick that complements the main dish.
• Offer pickles, sliced red onions, and special burger sauce on the side for a build-your-own burger experience.
• Perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners where comfort food is the star.
• Plate individual portions in shallow bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant, restaurant-quality presentation.
• Accompany with a cold beer or robust red wine like Zinfandel to balance the savory, cheesy flavors.

This Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that brings together classic burger elements in a comforting, shareable format.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using lean ground beef that dries out. Fix: Opt for 80/20 beef to ensure a juicy, flavorful Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna.
• Mistake: Overcooking the bacon until it’s brittle. Fix: Cook bacon until just crispy so it retains texture when baked into the layers.
• Mistake: Adding raw minced garlic that burns and turns bitter. Fix: Sauté garlic briefly in the beef drippings to mellow its flavor.
• Mistake: Using no-cook lasagna noodles without extra sauce. Fix: Ensure your sauce is slightly thinned to hydrate the noodles fully during baking.
• Mistake: Skipping the seasoning of each component. Fix: Season the beef, sauce, and cheese layers individually for a balanced taste.
• Mistake: Overloading with cheese causing a greasy result. Fix: Use a blend of melty and sharp cheeses in moderate amounts for optimal melt and flavor.
• Mistake: Assembling the lasagna with hot filling. Fix: Let the meat sauce cool slightly to prevent the noodles from overcooking prematurely.
• Mistake: Not letting the Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna rest after baking. Fix: Allow it to set for 15 minutes so the layers hold together when sliced.
• Mistake: Using a watery tomato sauce that makes the dish soggy. Fix: Simmer your sauce to reduce excess liquid before assembling.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature, causing the top to burn. Fix: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for even cooking without scorching.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap; freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in fridge if frozen. Reheat in oven at 350°F until internal temperature reaches 165°F, or microwave individual portions until steaming hot.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F when reheating.

Conclusion

This Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food mashup. If you love this recipe, try our Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Lasagna Recipe for another delicious twist. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

Print

FAQs

Can I prepare Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble this Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. This makes it perfect for easy meal prep.

What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

A blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar works wonderfully to create a rich, melty topping. You can also mix in some cream cheese for extra creaminess in your Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna.

How can I make this lasagna less greasy?

To reduce grease, cook the bacon until crisp and drain it well on paper towels. Also, drain the cooked ground beef thoroughly after browning to ensure your Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna isn’t overly oily.