This Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna is a decadent and flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish. It combines a rich meat sauce with a creamy, cheesy béchamel, crispy bacon, and plenty of garlic, all layered between perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. This lasagna is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a memorable meal.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of savory meat sauce, smoky bacon, and garlic-infused béchamel creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Rich and Creamy: The béchamel sauce, loaded with Parmesan cheese, adds a luxurious creaminess that elevates this lasagna to a whole new level of indulgence.
- Comfort Food at its Finest: This lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to adjust the ingredients and flavors to your liking. Add vegetables to the meat sauce, use different cheeses, or experiment with different herbs and spices.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This lasagna can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you’re ready to serve it, making it a great option for entertaining.
Ingredients:
→ 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
→ 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
→ 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)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Combine the Meat Sauce Ingredients: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Add the crumbled bacon, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3: Simmer the Meat Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meat sauce simmer for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Prepare the Parmesan Garlic Béchamel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a roux. This step is crucial for a smooth béchamel.
Step 5: Create the Béchamel Sauce: Slowly whisk in the whole milk, a little at a time, ensuring that each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. Be patient and whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 8: Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom. This will prevent the noodles from sticking.
Step 9: Layer the Ingredients: Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the meat sauce, overlapping them slightly to cover the entire bottom of the dish.
Step 10: Add Béchamel and Cheese: Spread a layer of the Parmesan garlic béchamel over the noodles. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and shredded cheddar cheese over the béchamel.
Step 11: Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layers of meat sauce, noodles, béchamel, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese until all the ingredients are used. Finish with a final layer of cheese on top.
Step 12: Add Parmesan Topping: Sprinkle the top of the lasagna with the remaining ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 13: Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This will help to cook the lasagna evenly and prevent the top from burning.
Step 14: Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 15: Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the layers to set and make it easier to cut.
COOKING Rating: Intermediate
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing accompaniment to the rich lasagna.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini, can add a healthy element to the meal.
Tips:
- To prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking together after cooking, rinse them with cold water and lay them out on a clean kitchen towel.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made marinara sauce. However, homemade marinara sauce will always have a richer flavor.
- For a spicier lasagna, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- To make this lasagna vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- If you want to prepare the lasagna ahead of time, assemble it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, estimated)
Calories: 650-750 Protein: 40-50g Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion
This Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna is a truly exceptional dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of rich flavors, creamy textures, and comforting warmth makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or even just yourself, this lasagna is sure to be a memorable and satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version of this classic dish. Enjoy!
Q&A:
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat in the meat sauce?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage. Each type of meat will impart a slightly different flavor to the lasagna, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.
Q2: Can I freeze this lasagna?
A: Yes, this lasagna freezes very well. To freeze, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish and let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed in the recipe, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Q3: What can I do to prevent the lasagna from being too watery?
A: There are a few things you can do to prevent a watery lasagna. First, make sure to drain off any excess grease from the ground beef after cooking. Second, don’t overcook the lasagna noodles, as they will release moisture during baking. Third, let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and the moisture to redistribute.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?
A: Definitely! Adding vegetables to the meat sauce is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the lasagna. Some good options include mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, and onions. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the onion and garlic in the meat sauce.
Q5: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
A: Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. However, you may need to add a little more liquid to the meat sauce or béchamel sauce to ensure that the noodles cook properly. Follow the instructions on the package of the no-boil noodles.
