Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna (Printer-Friendly)

Layers of seasoned beef, bacon, ranch-Parmesan sauce, and mozzarella create a bold, smoky, and satisfying meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions

→ Protein

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

→ Sauces and Dairy

04 - 2 cups marinara sauce
05 - ½ cup ranch dressing
06 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

→ Seasonings

08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, breaking it into small pieces. Add minced garlic and continue cooking until beef is fully browned and fragrant, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
02 - Stir marinara sauce into the browned beef and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
03 - In a medium bowl, combine ranch dressing, grated Parmesan, and crumbled bacon until well blended.
04 - Boil noodles according to package instructions, stopping just before al dente. Drain, rinse with cool water, and lay flat on a towel to prevent sticking.
05 - Preheat oven to 375°F. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of beef mixture on the bottom. Lay 4 noodles over sauce, overlapping slightly if needed.
06 - Spread half of the remaining beef mixture evenly over noodles, followed by half of the bacon ranch mixture. Sprinkle with one third of the mozzarella cheese.
07 - Add next layer of 4 noodles, top with remaining beef, remaining bacon ranch mixture, and another third of mozzarella cheese.
08 - Place last 4 noodles on top and cover with remaining mozzarella cheese to ensure full coverage.
09 - Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10 - Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
11 - Let lasagna rest 5 to 10 minutes to set the layers before slicing. Serve warm for optimal flavor and texture.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Slightly undercook noodles during boiling to avoid mushiness after baking.
02 - Resting allows for cleaner slices and better flavor melding.
03 - Cooking bacon on a wire rack in the oven yields crispier, less greasy pieces.