Description
Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna is a flavorful twist on the classic Italian comfort food, combining savory ground beef and pork with crispy bacon, creamy ricotta, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Layered with herb-infused marinara sauce and perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, this dish offers a rich, cheesy, and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 lasagna noodles
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 8 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 can (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the grease in the skillet.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Brown the meats: Add ground beef and pork to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Combine sauce and bacon: Return the skillet to heat, stir in marinara sauce and the crispy bacon. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Prepare ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble lasagna – layer 1: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella cheese.
- Assemble lasagna – layer 2: Add another layer of meat sauce, then 3 more noodles, remaining ricotta, another third of mozzarella, and more meat sauce.
- Assemble lasagna – final layer: Place the last 3 noodles on top, cover with remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it does not touch the cheese. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and finish baking: Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest the lasagna: Let the lasagna sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing to set.
- Serve: Cut into squares, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure noodles are cooked al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon so excess grease stays in skillet for flavor in the sauce.
- Do not let the foil touch the cheese during baking to prevent sticking and tearing.
- Letting the lasagna rest before cutting helps it set and keeps the layers intact.
- Fresh herbs like parsley enhance presentation and add brightness to the rich dish.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna, lasagna recipe, Italian comfort food, baked pasta dish, cheesy lasagna, bacon recipes
