Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 6 strips bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)
• 8-10 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
2. Cook the beef mixture:
   Add olive oil if needed to the skillet with bacon fat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes). Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
3. Add sauce and bacon:
   Stir in marinara sauce and cooked bacon bits. Let simmer for about 5 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat.
4. Preheat oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Assemble the lasagna:
   In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
   Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
   Spread a layer of ricotta cheese (if using) over noodles.
   Sprinkle some cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
   Add another layer of meat sauce.
   Repeat layers (noodles, ricotta, cheeses, meat sauce) until ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of shredded cheeses and Parmesan on top.
6. Bake:
   Cover the lasagna with foil (to prevent cheese from burning) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Rest and serve:
   Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Would you like me to help with a shopping list or tips for substitutions? Or maybe how to make it a bit lighter or keto-friendly?