Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna (Print Version)

Savory layers of beef, bacon, ranch-Parmesan sauce, and melty mozzarella make this casserole irresistible.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 lasagna noodles, cooked until just under al dente

→ Meat and Protein

02 - 1 pound ground beef
03 - 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled

→ Cheeses and Dairy

04 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Sauces and Condiments

06 - 2 cups marinara sauce
07 - 1/2 cup ranch dressing

→ Aromatics and Seasoning

08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - Salt, to taste
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef while breaking it into small pieces. Add minced garlic and continue cooking until beef is deeply browned and garlic is fragrant, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine ranch dressing, grated Parmesan, and crumbled bacon. Mix thoroughly to form a creamy, savory blend.
03 - Boil lasagna noodles per package directions, stopping just before fully tender. Drain and rinse with cool water to prevent sticking, then arrange flat on a towel.
04 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of beef mixture on the bottom to prevent sticking. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles in a single layer, slightly overlapping as needed.
05 - Evenly distribute half the remaining beef mixture over the noodles. Spoon and gently spread half the bacon ranch mixture on top. Sprinkle with one third of the mozzarella cheese.
06 - Place 4 more noodles over the first layer. Repeat layering with remaining beef mixture, then rest of the bacon ranch mixture, and another third of the mozzarella cheese.
07 - Top with last 4 noodles. Evenly distribute the remaining mozzarella cheese across the surface for full coverage.
08 - Cover baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is golden and lasagna is bubbling. Ensure internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
09 - Let lasagna rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow layers to set before slicing and serving warm.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For evenly crisp bacon, bake strips on a wire rack set over a sheet pan. Undercook noodles slightly in boiling water to ensure perfect consistency after baking. Allowing the finished lasagna to rest ensures clean slices and defined layers.