bbq bacon cheeseburger lasagna

Directions

Prepare the Meat Mixture:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
2. Cook the Beef and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.
3. Add BBQ Sauce: Once the beef is cooked, stir in 1 ½ cups of BBQ sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Add Bacon: Stir the cooked bacon back into the beef mixture.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

1. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Assemble the Lasagna:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
2. Layer the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the beef and bacon mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the beef mixture. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the remaining beef mixture. Sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the beef.
3. Continue Layering: Repeat the layering process with another layer of noodles, ricotta mixture, beef mixture, and cheese. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the rest of the beef mixture, and the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
4. Bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Garnish: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions, extra BBQ sauce, and crispy bacon crumbles for added flavor.
2. Serve: Serve this decadent BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled veggie or plant-based ground “beef” and skip the bacon for a vegetarian version of this lasagna.
• Extra Crunch: For more texture, you can sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips or fried onions between the layers.
• Homemade BBQ Sauce: If you have the time, make your own BBQ sauce for even more flavor. Use brown sugar, vinegar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to make a smoky-sweet sauce.