Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna is a timeless comfort food that many people love, and when you combine the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the rich layers of lasagna, you get an irresistible dish that’s both hearty and indulgent. The Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna combines seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, mozzarella cheese, garlic, and Parmesan, all layered between lasagna noodles to create a cheesy, savory meal that tastes like a cheeseburger in lasagna form.

This recipe will walk you through how to create each layer, add special touches, and incorporate ingredients that enhance the classic lasagna, like garlic and Parmesan, while bringing in all the juicy, comforting flavors of a cheeseburger. The best part is that this dish can be customized to fit dietary preferences or restrictions, and it’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep.

Instructions

1. Cooking the Lasagna Noodles

If you’re using traditional lasagna noodles, start by boiling them. Follow the package instructions:

1. Boil the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.

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2. Drain the Noodles: Once the noodles are done, drain them and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Lay the noodles flat on a clean surface or drizzle them with a little olive oil to keep them from sticking together.

3. No-Boil Noodles: If you’re using no-boil noodles, skip this step. No-boil noodles usually soften during the baking process, making them more convenient.

2. Making the Beef Mixture

1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

2. Add the Aromatics: Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

3. Season the Beef: Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to evenly coat the beef mixture with the seasonings.

4. Add Ketchup and Mustard: Stir in the ketchup and mustard. These condiments provide the tangy, slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of a cheeseburger.

5. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the beef broth or water, and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. This will add more flavor to the beef mixture.

6. Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook the beef mixture for a couple more minutes until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.

7. Set Aside: Once everything is well combined, set the beef mixture aside. This will be the filling for your lasagna.

3. Making the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

While the beef mixture is simmering, you can make the garlic Parmesan sauce to coat the lasagna and bring it all together.

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Make a Roux: Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes. This forms the base of your sauce.

3. Add Milk: Slowly whisk in the milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce) to create a smooth mixture. Continue to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Season the Sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

5. Simmer: Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a creamy consistency. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

6. Set Aside: Once your garlic Parmesan sauce is ready, set it aside. This sauce will be used to layer between the lasagna noodles.

4. Assembling the Lasagna

Now that all of the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the lasagna. The layering process is key to ensuring each bite is full of flavor.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little olive oil.

3. Layer the Ingredients:

   • First Layer: Start by spreading a thin layer of the garlic Parmesan sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. This will help prevent sticking and keep the noodles from drying out.
   • Add Noodles: Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Be sure to overlap the edges slightly to ensure full coverage.
   • Beef Layer: Add a generous portion of the beef mixture on top of the noodles, spreading it out evenly.
   • Cheese Layer: Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the beef, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
   • Sauce Layer: Spoon another layer of the garlic Parmesan sauce over the cheese.
   • Repeat the layers: Continue layering noodles, beef, cheese, and sauce until you run out of ingredients, making sure to end with a top layer of noodles covered in sauce.

4. Final Topping: Once your lasagna is fully assembled, top it with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for that golden, bubbly top.

5. Baking the Lasagna

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

2. Uncover and Bake Again: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.

3. Rest Before Serving: Once the lasagna is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice.

4. Serve and Enjoy: Slice your Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna into squares and serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: Pair this hearty dish with a fresh side salad, like a simple Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad with a balsamic vinaigrette. The crisp freshness of the salad balances the richness of the lasagna.

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for a truly indulgent meal.

• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a great side to add some greenery and balance the richness of the lasagna.

Variations and Customization

1. Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef with a plant-based protein, such as lentils or crumbled tofu. You can also use a mix of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms to create a vegetarian version.

2. Spicy Cheeseburger Lasagna: Add a little heat to the beef mixture by incorporating diced jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the garlic Parmesan sauce.

3. Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb version, substitute the lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant. This will cut down on carbs while still providing a substantial base for the lasagna.

4. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or provolone are all great substitutes for mozzarella. You could also add some blue cheese for a bold twist.

5. Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You may need to add extra seasonings to make up for the reduced flavor from the leaner meat.

Tips for Success

• Rest the Lasagna: Letting your lasagna rest after baking is essential. It allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and ensuring each serving holds its shape.

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the lasagna in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from the fridge, you may need to add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

• Freezing: This lasagna freezes well. You can freeze it before or after baking. To freeze, cover it tightly with aluminum foil and store it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Conclusion

Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of a cheeseburger and lasagna in one flavorful dish. From the savory beef mixture to the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce and gooey melted cheese, each bite offers a taste of indulgence. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, and it’s customizable to suit any preference, whether you’re making it vegetarian, spicy, or low-carb.

With this detailed guide, you’ll be able to prepare and serve a mouthwatering lasagna that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this cheeseburger-inspired lasagna is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

Yield: 8

Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe

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Lasagna is a timeless comfort food that many people love, and when you combine the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the rich layers of lasagna, you get an irresistible dish that’s both hearty and indulgent. The Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna combines seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, mozzarella cheese, garlic, and Parmesan, all layered between lasagna noodles to create a cheesy, savory meal that tastes like a cheeseburger in lasagna form.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup garlic breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lasagna Noodles (if using regular noodles):
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside. If using no-boil noodles, you can skip this step.
   
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
   Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
   Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Remove from heat.
   
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
   In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
   Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce on the bottom.
   Place a layer of lasagna noodles (or no-boil noodles) on top of the sauce.
   Spread half of the beef mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the creamy sauce.
   Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
   Repeat the layering process with the remaining noodles, beef, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
   
5. Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs:
   Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top of the lasagna.
   In a small bowl, mix the garlic breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle the mixture over the lasagna for a crispy, golden topping.
   
6. Bake the Lasagna:
   Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
   
7. Serve:
   Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve!

Notes

• Ground Beef Alternatives: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the lasagna. For a richer flavor, you could also mix in some sausage or bacon.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gouda, cheddar, or provolone would work well in place of or alongside the mozzarella.
• Vegetable Add-ins: To make the lasagna more veggie-packed, try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach in between the layers.
• No-Boil Noodles: No-boil noodles can save you time, but you may want to add a bit more sauce to ensure they cook properly in the oven.