Bacon Cheeseburger Pan Lasagna

Bacon Cheeseburger Pan Lasagna is the best of comfort food in one epic sheet pan It brings together the richness of a classic cheeseburger with the homey goodness of lasagna for a hearty family dinner I often make this when the weekend calls for something easy and next-level satisfying with leftovers that everyone fights over for lunch

I first made this when my boys wanted cheeseburgers and I craved lasagna The whole table went silent the first time we tasted it Now we plan movie nights around this dish and there are never any leftovers

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: This is your meaty cheeseburger base Look for beef that is bright red with minimal fat for a cleaner bake
• Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra smoky flavor and bigger bites
• Yellow onion: Look for a firm heavy onion with papery skin Nothing beats sweet onion flavor in the beef
• Chopped garlic: Fresh garlic wakes up every bite and keeps the flavors deep
• Condensed cheddar cheese soup: The magic that gives every layer melty cheesiness Go for a brand you love
• Milk: This loosens the soup into a spreadable sauce Whole milk brings creaminess
• Onion powder: Lifts the savoriness without overpowering
• Yellow mustard: Adds just enough tang to tie in the bacon cheeseburger spirit Try classic yellow for the right balance
• Condensed cream of bacon soup: This makes the ricotta layer rich and unexpectedly savory
• Ricotta cheese: Smooths out every bite and makes the dish fork-tender Choose fresh creamy ricotta for best results
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Buy a block and shred your own for meltier cheese
• Oven-ready lasagna noodles: No need to boil These give you perfect layers with less fuss
• Salt and pepper: Season every layer for full flavor

Instructions

Prep the Beef Base:

Add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat and break it apart with a wooden spoon Add the diced onions and stir letting the onion sweat and beef brown until no pink remains Keep stirring occasionally so nothing sticks You want every bit browned for max flavor Add garlic and stir for two minutes letting it bloom in the fragrant fat Turn off the heat and set aside

Whisk the Cheddar Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the cheddar cheese soup milk onion powder yellow mustard salt and pepper This mixture should be smooth and pourable but thick enough to coat a spoon

Layer the Bottom:

Spoon one third of the cheddar mixture onto the bottom of a half sheet pan and spread it into an even layer This creates a creamy base to pick up the flavors from the pan

First Layer of Noodles:

Lay oven-ready lasagna noodles in a single layer over the cheddar base Snap noodles as needed to fit the edges neatly

Mix the Ricotta Blend:

In another bowl combine ricotta cheese and the can of cream of bacon soup Whisk or stir until completely smooth This keeps every bite creamy and ties in the bacon flavor

Build the Middle Layer:

Spoon half the ricotta mixture over your first layer of noodles spreading to the corners Add half of the cooked beef and onion mixture and gently spread for even coverage Top this with half of the shredded cheddar cheese covering every inch

Second Noodle and Ricotta Layers:

Arrange another layer of lasagna noodles to cover the filling Pour the remaining ricotta mixture over these noodles spreading evenly Pour the rest of the cheddar soup mixture over this and smooth to cover every edge

Top it Off:

Add the remaining beef mixture to the top gently spreading for an even layer

Bake Covered:

Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to lock in steam and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes Make sure the foil is crimped around the edges to keep everything moist

Finish and Top with Bacon:

Remove the foil Sprinkle the last of the shredded cheddar cheese across the hot lasagna Scatter the chopped bacon on top for that signature cheeseburger bite Slide the pan back into the oven uncovered and bake 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the bacon crisps

Rest and Serve:

Let the pan lasagna rest about ten minutes so the layers set Slice carefully and serve hot to catch every cheesy ribbon

Cheddar cheese is the star for me I love how it melts into gooey ribbons that pull up when you serve a big slice It always reminds me of the first time the pan hit the table and everyone cheered for seconds

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days Warm slices in the oven at 300 degrees for ten minutes or zap in the microwave covered for a fast lunch I have even frozen individual portions for easy weeknight dinners and they taste great

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground turkey for the beef if you want something lighter and just as flavorful Try smoked gouda or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a twist If you can only find regular lasagna noodles simply boil them first until pliable

Serving Suggestions

Serve each slice with crisp pickles and a little shredded lettuce on the side for more of that burger shop flair A fresh tomato salad or classic coleslaw also pair beautifully with the richness

Cultural Context

Pan or sheet lasagna recipes take their inspiration from large family gatherings and casual American comfort food This one bridges a love for big backyard burgers and communal Italian bakes making it perfect for potlucks or celebrations

Seasonal Adaptations

In warmer months add thin-sliced tomato between the noodles and beef to brighten the flavors Use smoked bacon in the fall for an extra cozy twist In winter swap cheddar for extra sharp or layer in caramelized onions for sweetness

This pan lasagna has become my birthday tradition because it feeds a crowd Everyone makes requests for extra bacon or extra gooey cheese and it always disappears fast The recipe is now legendary in our family for holiday movie marathons

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep bacon crispy in lasagna?

Add bacon pieces on top during the last stage of baking so they don't become too soft and retain their texture.

→ Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready?

Yes, but boil them beforehand according to package instructions before layering.

→ What can I substitute for cheddar cheese soup?

You can use homemade cheese sauce or another creamy cheese-based soup for a similar texture and flavor.

→ Can this dish be assembled in advance?

Absolutely. Assemble fully, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking; add extra cooking time if cold.

→ How do I prevent the lasagna from sticking to the pan?

Spread a layer of cheese mixture at the bottom and consider lightly greasing the sheet pan before assembling.

→ Is it possible to make this dish spicy?

Add chopped jalapeños to the beef or use pepper jack cheese for added heat according to taste.