Description
Rich layers of BBQ bacon cheeseburger lasagna blend classic American comfort foods into one irresistible dish. Melted cheese, crispy bacon, and ground beef create a hearty meal perfect for casual gatherings and weekend dinners you’ll crave repeatedly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 1 cup (240 ml) diced cooked bacon (about 6 slices)
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
- ½ cup (120 ml) shredded Parmesan cheese
- 9 lasagna noodles
- ½ cup (120 ml) BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup (60 ml) BBQ sauce (for drizzling)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) diced green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Bacon Preparation: Render bacon in a skillet until crisp and golden, then crumble into rustic fragments. Utilize the same pan to brown ground beef with onions and garlic until meat caramelizes and develops deep, rich flavors.
- Meat Enhancement: Drain excess grease and introduce BBQ sauce, transforming the meat mixture into a smoky, tangy foundation. Integrate crumbled bacon to amplify the flavor complexity.
- Cheese Mixture Creation: Blend ricotta, cream cheese, egg, and half the mozzarella and cheddar into a luxurious, creamy amalgamation. Season subtly with salt and pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.
- Layering Foundation: Spread a thin BBQ sauce base in the baking dish. Construct strategic layers alternating between lasagna noodles, seasoned beef mixture, cheese blend, and additional BBQ sauce, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Cheese Topping Finale: Crown the lasagna with remaining mozzarella and cheddar, creating a molten, golden landscape of cheese that promises a decadent culinary experience.
- Baking Process: Roast in a preheated 375F (190C) oven, initially covered with foil for 25 minutes to marry flavors. Uncover and continue baking 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbling, bronzed masterpiece.
- Resting and Serving: Allow lasagna to rest 10 minutes, enabling layers to set and flavors to intensify. Slice carefully and present with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread to complement the dish’s robust character.
Notes
Manage Bacon Carefully: Cook bacon until crisp but not burnt, as overcooked pieces can become bitter and lose their appealing texture.
Control Moisture Levels: Drain excess grease thoroughly from meat to prevent a soggy lasagna and ensure a perfect layered consistency.
Cheese Mixture Technique: Blend cheese ingredients at room temperature for smoother integration and more consistent flavor distribution throughout the dish.
Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based meat alternatives, use gluten-free noodles, and opt for low-fat cheese to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising the bold BBQ flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg