This decadent mashup layers cheeseburger-inspired meat sauce, crispy bacon, and creamy parmesan béchamel between sheets of pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Ingredients (Serves 8-10)
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Parmesan Béchamel
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 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 fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
(Pro tip: Add pickle slices between layers for true burger vibes!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Meat Sauce
- Brown beef in a skillet; add onion and cook until soft (~5 mins).
- Stir in garlic, marinara, bacon, and spices; simmer 10 mins.
2. Prepare the Béchamel
- Melt butter; whisk in flour to make a roux (1-2 mins).
- Gradually whisk in milk; cook until thickened (~5 mins).
- Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan + garlic powder.
3. Assemble the Lasagna
- Layer in 9×13″ dish:
- Meat sauce → Noodles → Béchamel → Mozzarella/cheddar
- Repeat, ending with cheese + Parmesan on top.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil; bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 mins.
- Uncover; bake 15 more mins until golden and bubbly.
- Rest 10 mins before slicing.
FAQs & Tips
Q: Can I use no-boil noodles?
✅ Yes! Skip cooking the noodles; add ½ cup water to the meat sauce.
Q: How to prevent soggy lasagna?
➡️ Drain beef well and cook noodles al dente.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
✅ Assemble 1 day in advance; refrigerate (add 10 mins bake time if cold).
Q: What to serve with this?
🍽 Pair with:
- Garlic bread
- Crisp green salad
- Pickle spears (for the full burger effect!)
Q: How to store leftovers?
- Fridge: Up to 4 days (reheat in oven).
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (thaw overnight).
Why You’ll Love This
✨ All the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in lasagna form
✨ Creamy béchamel takes it to the next level
✨ Feeds a crowd with minimal effort
Nutrition (per serving): ~580 kcal | Protein: 35g
This over-the-top lasagna is comfort food meets gourmet burger—perfect for game day or Sunday dinner! 😋
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, broil the top 2-3 mins at the end! 🔥
