You are about to initiate on a mouthwatering culinary adventure with my recipe for Cheesy Baked Lasagna with Bacon Bits. This dish combines layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese, with the delightful crunch of crispy bacon bits for an irresistible twist. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or impressing guests, this homemade lasagna is sure to be a hit!
Cheesy Baked Lasagna with Bacon Bits
This Cheesy Baked Lasagna with Bacon Bits is a mouthwatering twist on the classic comfort food. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, crispy bacon, and gooey mozzarella make this a must-have for hearty dinners or gatherings.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 min
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup bacon bits, plus more for topping
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup bacon bits until well combined.
- In a 9x13 baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, then noodles, then ricotta mixture. Repeat layers, ending with sauce.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and extra bacon bits.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Fat: 32 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Protein: 28 g
Rate This Recipe
Average Rating: 0 (0 votes)
Facebook PinterestLet’s begin with gathering all the ingredients. For this lasagna, you will need:
- 9-12 lasagna noodles, depending on the size of your baking dish
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup bacon bits (cooked crispy)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnishing (optional)
Once you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking!
Step 1: I start by cooking the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. I like to add a little salt to the water to enhance the flavor. Once cooked, I drain them and set them aside; I often lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 2: In a large skillet, I heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and add the diced onion. As the onion starts to soften, I add the minced garlic, stirring until fragrant. Then, I toss in the ground beef or sausage, cooking it until browned. After draining any excess fat, I mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, and season it all with salt and pepper. I let this simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, I combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This cheesy layer adds a creamy texture to the lasagna.
Step 4: Now, it’s time to assemble the lasagna! I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C), then in a large baking dish, I spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. I place a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a portion of the ricotta mixture, a layer of bacon bits, and more meat sauce. I repeat this process until I reach the top of the dish, finishing with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining meat sauce. I love to cover it all with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and I might add a few more bacon bits for extra flavor!
Step 5: I cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for about 25 minutes. After that, I remove the foil and bake it for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once done, I take it out of the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This way, it sets nicely and makes slicing easier.
To serve, I sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for a vibrant touch. Enjoy this Cheesy Baked Lasagna with Bacon Bits with a simple salad or garlic bread, and get ready to indulge in a comforting, flavorful dish that will leave you craving more!
