Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe

This parmesan garlic bacon cheeseburger lasagna recipe is a mouthwatering mashup that combines the best of two worlds—cheeseburgers and lasagna. I first whipped up a version of this dish during a snowy winter evening, inspired by my Nonna’s love of layers and my own craving for a hearty cheeseburger. It’s rich, layered, and so indulgently satisfying that it’s become a family favorite for chilly Sundays and dinner parties alike.

Imagine crispy bacon nestled between layers of seasoned beef, a velvety Parmesan garlic béchamel, gooey cheese, and pasta. It’s not traditional, but it’s undeniably comforting—just like grandma’s cooking with a modern American twist.

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🧀 Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Parmesan Garlic Béchamel:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• ½ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

🍽️ Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. Add marinara, crumbled bacon, Italian seasoning, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside.

2. Make the Parmesan Garlic Béchamel

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13” baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Top with lasagna noodles, then a layer of béchamel, mozzarella, and cheddar. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan.

4. Bake and Rest

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

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⏲️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

🔥 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approx. 8 servings)

• Calories: 490 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 730mg
• Sugar: 5g
• Fiber: 3g

🌟 Tips & Variations

• Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or jalapeños to the meat sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles in place of lasagna noodles.
• Prep Ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and bake when ready.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap tightly and freeze unbaked. Defrost in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute meat with seasoned lentils or plant-based ground.

🍷 Pairing Ideas

Pair this rich lasagna with a bold red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, or a crisp lager if you prefer beer. For sides, a crisp Caesar salad or roasted garlic green beans provide contrast.

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💬 Reader FAQs

Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?
Yes! Just add ½ cup extra sauce or béchamel to compensate for absorption.

What if I don’t have Amaretto?
Oops, wrong recipe—no Amaretto here! But bacon is non-negotiable!

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute flour with gluten-free flour blend.

Can I use store-bought garlic Alfredo sauce instead of making béchamel?
You can, though the homemade version brings much more depth and freshness.

🔗 External Resources

1. Lasagna Assembly Tips from Bon Appétit
2. Food Safety Guidelines for Ground Beef
3. Nutrition Data: Bacon
4. Béchamel Sauce Techniques – Serious Eats

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