Rich Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna with Savory Beef Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve the ultimate crispy bacon topping, reserve a small handful of the cooked bacon bits before mixing the rest into the meat sauce. Sprinkle these reserved bits over the top cheese layer during the last five minutes of baking. This keeps them incredibly crispy and adds a wonderful texture contrast to the soft, melted cheese and tender pasta layers below.

If you find your lasagna is browning too quickly on top before the center is hot, simply tent a piece of aluminum foil over the dish. This allows the heat to continue penetrating the center without burning the cheese.

Additionally, seasoning your pasta water generously with salt when boiling the noodles ensures that every component of the dish is perfectly seasoned from the inside out.

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Lasagna: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic and bacon mixture to give the meat sauce a spicy, warming kick.
• Three-Cheese Bacon Lasagna: Incorporate a layer of creamy ricotta cheese mixed with fresh herbs between the meat and noodle layers for a richer, creamier texture.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze tightly wrapped baked or unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Reheat

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 2 minutes, or cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Alternatively, you can wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before refrigerating.

Lasagna actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld and the structure firms up, making it incredibly easy to slice into neat, beautiful portions.

This lasagna is an excellent make-ahead option. You can fully assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to twenty-four hours before baking.

When you are ready to serve, simply bake it according to the recipe instructions, adding about ten extra minutes to the covered baking time to account for the cold temperature of the dish straight from the fridge.

Serving ideas

Serve this rich and savory lasagna alongside a crisp, green garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing and the crunch of the fresh vegetables provide a perfect, refreshing contrast to the decadent, cheesy layers of the pasta. A side of warm, buttery garlic bread is also an excellent accompaniment for soaking up any extra marinara sauce.

For presentation, garnish the finished lasagna with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese right before slicing.

Use a sharp chef's knife to cut clean squares, and use a wide spatula to lift each slice carefully onto individual serving plates. Pair this comforting meal with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot to complement the rich beef.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Rich Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna with Savory Beef

Prep 25 minCook 55 minRest 15 minTotal 1 h 35 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 8 slices bacon, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 lb ground beef
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Place the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the bacon becomes crispy and renders its fat, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until it is highly fragrant.
2. Add the ground beef directly to the skillet with the bacon and garlic. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if desired, then pour in the marinara sauce. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer gently over low heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place four cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Sprinkle a generous portion of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles. Repeat this layering process twice more, ending with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
4. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Ensure the internal temperature of the ground meat layer reaches at least 160°F (71°C) before removing it from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra crispy bacon bits.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

650

Protein

38 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

41 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

1120 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.