Name: Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb bacon, chopped; 1 small onion, diced; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 tsp garlic powder; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for a mild kick); 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese; 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained; 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for added creaminess); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup additional Parmesan cheese (for topping); Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

What happens when you take the savory richness of a cheeseburger, layer it with creamy Parmesan garlic sauce, crispy bacon, and the classic comfort of lasagna noodles? You get this irresistible Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna—a crowd-pleasing, belly-warming fusion dish that delivers indulgence in every forkful.

This isn’t your Nonna’s lasagna—it’s a bold, flavor-packed twist perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you’re craving serious comfort food. With layers of smoky bacon, seasoned beef, cheesy white sauce, and plenty of melty mozzarella, it’s a true feast for lasagna lovers and burger fans alike.

Ingredients

For the Meat Layer:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder

For the Parmesan Garlic Cheese Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for a mild kick)
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

For the Lasagna Assembly:

9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup additional Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the meat layer

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pan.

Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the cooked bacon. Set the mixture aside.

Step 2: Make the Parmesan garlic sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until slightly golden.

Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture begins to thicken (about 3–4 minutes). Add the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir until smooth, then add 1 cup of mozzarella or cheddar. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is thick and creamy. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Cook the lasagna noodles

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet or clean towel to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the lasagna

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, begin layering:

Layer 1: Spread a few spoonfuls of the cheese sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add 3 noodles.
Layer 2: Spread half the meat mixture over the noodles. Drizzle with 1/3 of the cheese sauce.
Layer 3: Dot with ricotta if using. Add a sprinkle of mozzarella.
Layer 4: Add 3 more noodles, the remaining meat, and another 1/3 of the sauce.
Layer 5: Add the last 3 noodles, top with remaining cheese sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake and serve

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for color and freshness.

Variations

Burger Bar Style: Add layers of diced pickles, tomato slices, or jalapeños for extra cheeseburger flavor.
Spicy Twist: Use pepper jack cheese or add a dash of hot sauce to the meat or cheese sauce.
Low-Carb Version: Swap lasagna noodles for sliced grilled zucchini or low-carb pasta sheets.
Loaded Option: Add a layer of crispy fried onions just before serving for crunch.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and substitute the beef with meatless crumbles or sautéed mushrooms.

Cooking Notes

Cheese Sauce Tips: Stir constantly to avoid lumps, and don’t rush the thickening—it should coat a spoon before removing from heat.
Don’t skip the rest: Letting the lasagna rest after baking ensures clean slices and better structure.
Craving crunch? Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and herbs on top before baking.
Double it up: Make one to eat now and freeze another! Assemble fully, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or ranch to balance the richness.
Add garlic bread or Texas toast for dipping into the cheesy layers.
Serve with a light lager or iced tea for the ultimate comfort combo.
For a Southern twist, pair with creamed corn, collard greens, or sweet tea.

Tips for Success

Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
Layer evenly to avoid dry corners or sauce pooling.
Save a little extra sauce to drizzle on individual slices if reheating leftovers.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Rest Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 560
Protein: 28g
Fat: 34g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 880mg

Note: Based on 8 servings; may vary with ingredient choices and portion size.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Absolutely. Freeze assembled (unbaked) or cooled baked lasagna. Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat covered.

Q: What kind of bacon works best?
A: Thick-cut or hickory-smoked bacon adds the most flavor, but any type will work.

Q: Can I use store-bought Alfredo instead of homemade sauce?
A: You can, but the homemade garlic-Parmesan sauce brings much more flavor and freshness.

Conclusion

The Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna is what happens when comfort food levels up. It’s rich, gooey, cheesy, smoky, and downright unforgettable. Whether you’re making it for a hungry crowd or treating yourself to leftovers all week long, this lasagna delivers big flavor and warm satisfaction.

So next time you’re torn between lasagna and a bacon cheeseburger—why not have both? 🍔🧄🧀