Imagine the soul-satisfying layers of a classic lasagna fused into a juicy, bacon-packed burger. That’s exactly what The Bacon Lasagna Burger delivers—a tower of savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and rich marinara all sandwiched between a bun. It’s indulgent, it’s creative, and it’s downright irresistible. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just hungry for something bold, this is your new go-to.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve always had a soft spot for comfort food, and this burger hits all the right notes. It’s got that crispy bacon bite, that melty cheese pull, and the herbaceous hit of basil that keeps every bite balanced. Plus, it’s baked, not fried, which keeps it moist without the mess. Think of it as your favorite lasagna—reimagined for the grill (and your hands).
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
Ingredient Swaps and Notes
- Ground beef: Swap with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter version.
- Ricotta cheese: Cottage cheese works in a pinch for a lower-fat option.
- Marinara sauce: Use a good quality jarred brand or make it homemade—try the one in our classic spaghetti recipe for full flavor.
- Mozzarella: A mozzarella–provolone blend gives an extra stretchy texture.
- Fresh basil: Substitute with a pinch of dried basil if fresh isn’t available.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bacon, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and divide into 8 equal portions. Shape into thin, even patties.
- Make the cheese filling: In another bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh basil.
- Assemble the burgers: Spread a thin layer of marinara in the bottom of a baking dish. Lay down 4 patties. Top each with a spoonful of the cheese mixture and a dollop of marinara. Cap with the remaining patties.
- Top and bake: Spoon the rest of the marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and finish: Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Serve: Place each lasagna burger on a toasted bun and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Use parchment paper or lightly oil the baking dish to avoid sticking.
- Chill the patties for 15 minutes before baking if you want them to hold shape better.
- Toast the buns lightly for a sturdier base that soaks up the sauce without getting soggy.
- Double the cheese filling if you want an extra-gooey center.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This beast of a burger pairs beautifully with:
- Beer Cheese Dip and pretzels as a pregame appetizer
- A crisp Caesar salad or Italian chopped salad to balance the richness
- Cold strawberry mojitos or a bold red sangria
- Or serve it alongside some cheesy chicken sliders if you’re feeding a crowd
Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftover cooked lasagna burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes for best results.
- Freezing: Assemble uncooked patties (with cheese filling), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If this lasagna burger rocked your world, don’t miss these other cheesy, comforting favorites:
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara & Garlic Butter
- Classic Spaghetti with Homemade Sauce
- This Dorito Casserole is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- This Beer Cheese Dip is My Favorite Party Starter
Final Thoughts
The Bacon Lasagna Burger isn’t just a clever idea—it’s a full-blown flavor bomb. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a comfort food night. Give it a try and let your creativity run wild with fillings and sauces.
Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments! And don’t forget to follow us on social for more bold recipes, comfort food classics, and over-the-top kitchen creations.
Leave a Reply