BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna

Ingredients

For the meat mixture:

• 1 1/2 lb ground beef

• 6-8 slices bacon, chopped

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup BBQ sauce

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1/2 cup beef broth

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the cheese mixture:

• 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

For assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the meat sauce
Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside on paper towels. In the same skillet, cook ground beef until browned, then drain excess fat.

Step 2: Build the sauce
Add chopped onions and garlic to the beef, cooking until onions are soft and translucent. Stir in BBQ sauce, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes to let flavors meld.

Step 3: Make cheese mixture
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Cook noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook lasagna noodles until al dente according to package directions. Drain and lay flat on baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Assemble lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread thin layer of meat sauce. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top, then spread 1/3 of cheese mixture over noodles. Add 1/3 of remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with cooked bacon. Repeat layers twice, ending with meat sauce on top.

Step 6: Add final cheese and bake
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over top. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and serve
Let lasagna rest 10 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set.