Get ready for a flavor-packed comfort food experience with Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna. This mouthwatering recipe combines layers of rich marinara sauce, creamy Parmesan garlic béchamel, crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese, all nestled between perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. It’s a delicious twist on classic lasagna, designed to satisfy your burger and pasta cravings in one indulgent dish. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a potluck, this recipe will be the talk of the table!

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Parmesan Garlic Béchamel:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the crumbled bacon, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Parmesan Garlic Béchamel

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. Cook the mixture until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce, a drizzle of béchamel, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
4. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
3. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Variation:

• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute the flour in the béchamel with a gluten-free alternative.

Cooking Notes:

• Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in the béchamel sauce. Pre-grated varieties may not melt as smoothly.
• To save time, prepare the meat sauce and béchamel a day ahead and refrigerate them until ready to use.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the dish.

Tips:

• To prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking together, drizzle them with a little olive oil after cooking.
• For evenly layered lasagna, spread the fillings all the way to the edges of the noodles.
• Letting the lasagna rest before cutting allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25g
• Sodium: 820mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I freeze Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna?
A: Yes! Assemble the lasagna but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 375°F for 1 hour, or until heated through.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can prepare and assemble the lasagna a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it when needed.

Q: What can I use instead of béchamel sauce?
A: You can substitute the béchamel with ricotta cheese mixed with an egg and Parmesan for a different texture and flavor profile.