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Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna

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This layered lasagna combines the satisfying flavors of crispy beef bacon, seasoned ground beef, and a parmesan-garlic béchamel for a comforting meal. The savory meat sauce is simmered with onion, spices, and smoky bacon, while the creamy béchamel threads parmesan and garlic throughout every bite. Each layer gets a generous sprinkling of mozzarella and cheddar, and the pasta absorbs the robust flavors of the sauce. Finished with bubbling cheese and fresh parsley, this casserole strikes a balance of creamy, meaty, and cheesy notes. Perfect for sharing with family or friends at the dinner table.

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Barbara Chef
Updated on Mon, 23 Jun 2025 18:41:06 GMT
A plate of food with bacon and cheese. Pin it
A plate of food with bacon and cheese. | gracefulflavors.com

This Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna brings together everything you crave about a juicy cheeseburger in cozy layered form. Beef bacon adds smoky crunch while a silky parmesan béchamel and two cheeses give each bite incredible savoriness. With layers of pasta, hearty meat sauce, and a creamy cheesy topping, it is pure comfort in a pan.

I made this for a big family movie marathon and everybody wiped the pan clean. The crispy beef bacon tastes amazing with creamy béchamel and rich marinara—such a winner for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: use 80 twenty percent for great flavor and juiciness
  • Beef bacon: brings smoky crispy bites for cheeseburger vibes
  • Small onion, diced: choose firm onions with no soft spots
  • Fresh garlic: for depth, mince yourself for best sharpness
  • Marinara sauce: use your favorite jarred brand for convenience
  • Italian seasoning blend: dried oregano, thyme, and basil for savory notes
  • Smoked paprika: quality paprika gives a hint of warmth and color
  • Unsalted butter: for the béchamel, pick high-quality butter for richness
  • All-purpose flour: creates the creamy thick sauce base
  • Whole milk: full-fat gives smooth texture and flavor
  • Parmesan cheese: freshly grated melts best and adds natural saltiness
  • Garlic powder: rounds out the béchamel and adds aromatic lift
  • Lasagna noodles: use classic or oven-ready noodles for ease
  • Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: shred your own for melty gooey results
  • Salt and pepper: for seasoning, taste as you go
  • Fresh parsley: for color and brightness, optional but recommended

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet cook ground beef over medium heat until well browned breaking it up as it cooks to render plenty of flavor. Add diced onion and stir frequently sautéing for around five minutes until onions are tender and lightly golden. Stir in minced garlic and let it cook for another minute to release all its aroma. Pour in marinara sauce add beef bacon Italian seasoning smoked paprika and season well with salt and black pepper. Simmer everything gently for ten minutes stirring now and then until the flavors come together and the sauce thickens a bit. Set aside.
Make the Parmesan Garlic Béchamel:
In a medium saucepan melt unsalted butter over medium heat then whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Gently cook the mixture while stirring for one or two minutes which removes any raw flour taste and deepens the sauce. Pour in whole milk gradually while whisking constantly so no lumps form. Cook sauce for about five minutes until it thickens enough to coat a spoon. Off the heat stir in grated parmesan cheese and garlic powder letting them melt gradually. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should be creamy with a gentle cheesy aroma.
Assemble the Lasagna:
Cook the lasagna noodles just until al dente so they hold up during baking. Preheat your oven to three seventy five degrees. In a nine by thirteen inch baking dish spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of noodles over the sauce then spoon over a layer of béchamel spreading it edge to edge. Scatter a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and cheddar over the béchamel. Repeat these layering steps until you have used all the sauce noodles and cheese aiming for at least three layers. Finish with a blend of mozzarella cheddar and top with grated parmesan for a crispy crust.
Bake and Rest the Lasagna:
Cover the dish tightly with foil so the lasagna steams as it bakes keeping it moist. Bake for thirty minutes then uncover and bake for another fifteen minutes until the top gets bubbly and golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for at least ten minutes before slicing so the layers stay intact and the cheese sets.
A stack of meat and cheese sandwiches. Pin it
A stack of meat and cheese sandwiches. | gracefulflavors.com

The beef bacon is my favorite part because it adds nostalgic cheeseburger flavor but with a seriously crispy edge that you just cannot get from regular bacon. I remember my dad sneaking crispy bacon pieces into his famous Sunday lasagna and now I do the same but with this cheeseburger twist. It always brings back memories of big family dinners at our old red kitchen table.

Storage Tips

Let your lasagna cool to room temperature then cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to four days. For longer storage freeze individual portions wrapped well in foil and then plastic wrap. Reheat in the oven until heated through so the cheese melts perfectly again.

Ingredient Substitutions

Regular pork bacon can stand in for beef bacon if you like that classic flavor. For a richer cheese crust swap a cup of mozzarella for provolone or use a white cheddar for sharper taste. Gluten free lasagna noodles or even sliced zucchini are great if you want to skip wheat noodles. If marinara sauce is not on hand, mix tomato sauce with a touch of extra dried herbs and garlic for a close homemade version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty lasagna with a fresh green salad tossed with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness. Roasted broccoli or garlic green beans also make a perfect side. I love adding a big bowl of pickles or a dish of classic coleslaw at the table to lean into old school cheeseburger comfort.

A stack of lasagna with cheese and bacon. Pin it
A stack of lasagna with cheese and bacon. | gracefulflavors.com

Cultural Historical Context

Lasagna has always been a comfort food for families looking to stretch a meal and blend culinary traditions. Here we take American cheeseburger flavors—beef bacon cheddar—plus Italian pasta and béchamel for an all-in-one family favorite. Cheeseburger lasagna is a true mashup recipe born for potlucks and weeknight gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the lasagna from getting watery?

Be sure to simmer the meat sauce until thick and cook the béchamel to a creamy consistency. Letting the lasagna rest before slicing also helps keep layers firm and prevents excess moisture.

→ Can I use pork bacon instead of beef bacon?

Yes, pork bacon can be substituted for beef bacon if you prefer its flavor. Cook it until crispy and crumble before adding to the sauce.

→ Which type of pasta is best for this dish?

Classic lasagna noodles, cooked al dente, work best. Oven-ready noodles can also be used but may affect layering and texture.

→ Is it possible to prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Bake when ready to serve, allowing extra time if chilled.

→ What cheese blend works well for the topping?

A mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan creates a gooey, flavorful topping that complements the smoky bacon and creamy béchamel.

→ Can this dish be frozen after baking?

Yes, cool the lasagna completely, then wrap tightly. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna

Hearty lasagna layered with bacon, parmesan garlic béchamel, ground beef, and melty cheese.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: One 9×13-inch pan

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Meat Sauce

01 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 1 small onion, diced
03 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 cup crispy cooked beef bacon, crumbled
05 24 ounces marinara sauce
06 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 Salt, to taste
09 Black pepper, to taste

→ Parmesan Garlic Béchamel

10 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
12 2 cups whole milk
13 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 2 teaspoons garlic powder
15 Salt, to taste
16 Black pepper, to taste

→ Assembly

17 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
18 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
19 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
20 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
21 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef until it is well browned. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Mix in marinara sauce, crumbled beef bacon, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, then set aside.

Step 02

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw taste. Gradually add whole milk, whisking steadily, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in grated Parmesan and garlic powder, then season with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat.

Step 03

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce across the bottom. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top, followed by béchamel sauce, then scatter mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Continue layering sauce, noodles, béchamel, and cheeses, finishing with a layer of cheeses. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top.

Step 04

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  1. Allowing the dish to rest before slicing ensures clean portions and helps retain structure.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk, wheat, and cheese (dairy, gluten)