BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Meat Layer

01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 cup diced cooked bacon (about 6 slices)
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Cheese Mixture

09 - 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning

→ Lasagna Layers

12 - 9 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
13 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
14 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
15 - 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

→ Topping

16 - 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (for drizzling)
17 - 2 tbsp diced green onions (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Add the cooked bacon, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant. Stir in the BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
03 - In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and set aside.
04 - Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by ⅓ of the remaining meat mixture. Sprinkle with ⅓ of the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
05 - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
06 - Drizzle the top with BBQ sauce and sprinkle with green onions, if desired. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Notes:

01 - Use smoked Gouda or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
02 - Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
03 - Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave.