Description
Experience a delicious twist on classic lasagna with BBQ Bacon Lasagna, featuring layers of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and a creamy cheese mixture, all enhanced by your favorite BBQ sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for impressing family and friends at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet, leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the BBQ sauce and cooked bacon. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Season the cheese mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to dry.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles over the meat mixture, slightly overlapping them.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of the meat mixture. Make sure to spread it evenly.
- Repeat the layering process: add another 3 noodles, the remaining cheese mixture, and then another layer of the meat mixture.
- Top with the final 3 noodles, and spread the remaining meat mixture over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the lasagna.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese to prevent sticking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the lasagna into squares. I like to use a spatula to lift each piece out of the dish.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the delicious layers of BBQ, bacon, and cheesy goodness!
Notes
- Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce to your taste; a smoky or spicy variety can add an extra kick.
- This lasagna can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes