Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna

This epic Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna combines two comfort food favorites into one mind-blowing dish. When burger cravings meet pasta night, this fusion creation satisfies both worlds with layers of savory beef, smoky bacon, and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce all stacked between tender pasta sheets.

I created this recipe during a rainy weekend when we couldn't grill outdoors but desperately wanted burgers. My teenager declared it "better than actual cheeseburgers" and now requests it for every birthday dinner.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: forms the hearty base with authentic burger flavor choose 80/20 for best flavor balance
• Bacon: adds smokiness and that unmistakable burger joint taste thicker cut works best
• Onion: provides sweetness that balances the richness yellow or white varieties work equally well
• Ketchup and mustard: creates authentic burger flavor without complicated seasonings
• Butter: the foundation for the silky garlic Parmesan sauce use unsalted to control seasoning
• Garlic: fresh minced cloves offer more punch than powder look for firm heads with tight skin
• Flour: thickens the sauce without lumps when cooked into a proper roux first
• Milk: creates silky sauce texture whole milk produces the richest results
• Parmesan cheese: adds nutty depth to the sauce freshly grated melts more smoothly
• Lasagna noodles: traditional style holds up to hearty toppings no need for no boil variety
• Mozzarella and cheddar: recreates that perfect burger cheese pull shred from blocks for best melting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bacon Preparation:

Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until each piece turns crispy and renders its fat. This takes about 5 minutes with frequent stirring to ensure even cooking. The bacon fat becomes your flavor base for the next step so don't discard it.

Beef Mixture Creation:

Add ground beef and diced onions directly to the bacon fat remaining in the pan. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon while it browns and the onions soften. This process takes approximately 7 minutes until no pink remains. The meat should develop some caramelized edges for maximum flavor.

Burger Flavor Infusion:

Drain most excess fat but leave about a tablespoon for flavor. Stir in ketchup and mustard which instantly transforms plain ground beef into burger magic. Fold in half the crispy bacon pieces you set aside. Let this mixture simmer for 2 minutes to marry the flavors while you stir occasionally.

Parmesan Sauce Beginning:

Melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat until it bubbles slightly but doesn't brown. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant which happens quickly about 45 seconds. Watch carefully as garlic burns easily and becomes bitter.

Roux Development:

Sprinkle flour over the melted butter and garlic mixture stirring constantly with a whisk. Continue cooking for a full 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste while maintaining constant motion to prevent burning. The mixture will look like a thick paste and smell pleasantly nutty.

Sauce Thickening:

Pour in milk in a slow steady stream while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue stirring as the sauce comes to a gentle simmer and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This transformation takes about 4 minutes of patient stirring.

Cheese Integration:

Remove sauce from heat once thickened and immediately add Parmesan cheese stirring until completely melted and incorporated. The sauce should be velvety smooth and coat a spoon without running off too quickly. Season with salt and pepper to taste remembering the cheese adds saltiness.

First Layer Assembly:

Spread a thin layer of Parmesan garlic sauce across the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish ensuring the corners are covered. This prevents noodles from sticking and burning. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles side by side covering the sauce layer completely.

Layer Building:

Spread one third of the meat mixture evenly over the noodles pressing gently with the back of a spoon to create an even layer. Sprinkle one third of both mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the meat. Pour one third of the remaining Parmesan sauce over the cheese layer spreading to the edges.

Repeat Layering:

Create two more identical layers following the same pattern noodles meat cheese sauce. On the final top layer arrange the remaining crispy bacon pieces across the entire surface pressing gently so they adhere to the cheese beneath.

Covered Baking:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil taking care not to let it touch the top cheese layer. Bake in your preheated oven for exactly 25 minutes which allows flavors to meld while preventing the top from browning too quickly.

Final Browning:

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 additional minutes until the cheese develops a beautiful golden brown color with some darker spots and the edges bubble vigorously. This uncovered baking creates that irresistible crispy cheese texture around the edges.

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The magic of this dish truly lies in the Parmesan garlic sauce. When my daughter was younger and going through a picky phase she would eat anything covered in this sauce. I started making extra just to keep in the refrigerator for vegetables and plain pasta. The combination of real butter garlic and Parmesan creates something far greater than the sum of its parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, no-boil noodles work well. Ensure they are fully covered in sauce while layering to soften them during baking.

→ Can I substitute Parmesan cheese?

While Parmesan adds a distinct flavor, you can use Romano or Grana Padano as alternatives for a similar taste.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red chili flakes to the meat mixture or sauce for a spicy kick.

→ Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as instructed when ready to serve.

→ What side dishes pair well with this lasagna?

Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complement the rich flavors.