If you’re looking to elevate a classic lasagna recipe with a touch of smoky flavor, this Bacon-Infused Lasagna is the perfect dish for you. Combining the rich, savory goodness of ground beef and the crisp smokiness of bacon, this lasagna brings a hearty twist to a traditional favorite. Layered with a creamy cheese mixture and a tangy tomato sauce, every bite is indulgent and comforting. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this bacon-inspired dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
For the Lasagna Noodles:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Toppings:
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (with additional cheese for garnishing)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or nonstick spray.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, fry the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving some of the bacon grease in the pan. In the same pan, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, and oregano. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Add the cooked bacon back into the sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, dried parsley, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles (about 4 noodles). Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Add another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the process for two more layers: noodles, cheese, sauce. Finish with a final layer of noodles and top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the extra mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Next, take off the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let it Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the lasagna sit for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Conclusion:
This Bacon-Infused Lasagna elevates a classic Italian comfort dish with its smoky and rich flavors. The crispy bacon introduces a delightful crunch, while the cheesy layers guarantee a creamy, indulgent experience in every mouthful. Ideal for serving a large group or for meal prep throughout the week, this lasagna is bound to win over the whole family. Pair it with some garlic bread or a crisp salad for a perfect meal!
Smoky Bacon-Infused Lasagna Delight
A comforting and flavorful twist on traditionallasagna, featuring layers of tender noodles, smoky bacon, rich meat sauce, andcreamy cheese. Perfect for hearty family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna Noodles:
- 12 lasagna noodles cooked and drained
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 slices bacon chopped
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Toppings:
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese with additional cheese for garnishing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or nonstick spray.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, fry the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving some of the bacon grease in the pan. In the same pan, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, and oregano. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Add the cooked bacon back into the sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, dried parsley, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles (about 4 noodles). Spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Add another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the process for two more layers: noodles, cheese, sauce. Finish with a final layer of noodles and top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the extra mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Next, take off the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let it Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the lasagna sit for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.