Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna (Print Version)

Rich layers of parmesan, garlic, bacon, and cheese blend in this comforting, golden oven-baked classic.

# Ingredients:

→ Meat Sauce

01 - 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend
02 - 1 small onion, diced
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 cup crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
05 - 24 ounces marinara sauce
06 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Parmesan Garlic Béchamel

09 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 - 2 cups whole milk
12 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 2 teaspoons garlic powder
14 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Assembly

15 - 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
16 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
17 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
18 - 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

# Steps:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Incorporate marinara sauce, crumbled bacon, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes. Set aside off the heat.
02 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook the roux for 1 to 2 minutes to remove any raw flavor. Gradually whisk in whole milk and continue stirring until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Fold in grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat when sauce is smooth and incorporated.
03 - Preheat oven to 375°F. In a 9 by 13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles on top, followed by béchamel, mozzarella, and cheddar. Repeat layering sequence until ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese layer. Scatter grated Parmesan over the top.
04 - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Notes:

01 - Resting the lasagna before slicing ensures clean portions and better presentation.