Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna (Printer-Friendly)

Layers of beef, bacon, and parmesan béchamel combine for a rich, hearty baked dish.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Meat Sauce

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
02 - 1 small onion, diced
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 cup crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
05 - 24 oz marinara sauce
06 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
07 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
08 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Parmesan Garlic Béchamel

09 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
11 - 2 cups whole milk
12 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 2 tsp 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 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
19 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Incorporate marinara sauce, crumbled bacon, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
02 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in whole milk and cook until sauce thickens, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in grated Parmesan and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
03 - Preheat oven to 375°F. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Layer with lasagna noodles, followed by béchamel, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a cheese layer. Sprinkle additional Parmesan over the top. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
04 - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
05 - Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after baking before slicing and serving.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - Cooking the sauce at a gentle simmer enhances flavor melding. Allow rest time to improve slice integrity.