Parmesan Garlic Bacon Lasagna (Printer-Friendly Version)

A hearty blend of beef, bacon, ranch-Parmesan sauce, and mozzarella layered with tender noodles for a satisfying meal.

# Ingredients Needed:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions, slightly under al dente

→ Protein

02 - 1 lb ground beef
03 - 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

→ Sauces and Dressings

04 - 2 cups marinara sauce
05 - ½ cup ranch dressing

→ Cheese

06 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

→ Seasonings

08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, breaking into small pieces. Add minced garlic and continue cooking until beef is fully browned and garlic is fragrant, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
02 - Stir marinara sauce into the browned beef and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
03 - In a medium bowl, mix ranch dressing, grated Parmesan, and crumbled bacon until well combined to create a creamy, tangy layer.
04 - Cook lasagna noodles just shy of al dente according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and lay flat on a kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
05 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of beef and marinara mixture on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
06 - Arrange 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce layer, overlapping slightly to cover the base. Top evenly with half the beef mixture, half the bacon ranch mixture, then sprinkle with one third of the mozzarella cheese.
07 - Add next 4 noodles. Spread remaining beef mixture, bacon ranch mixture, and another third of mozzarella evenly over noodles.
08 - Top with the last 4 noodles and finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese for complete coverage.
09 - Cover lasagna tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10 - Remove foil and continue baking for 10 minutes until cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
11 - Let lasagna rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set for cleaner cuts.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Cook bacon on a wire rack over a baking sheet for crispiness and less grease.
02 - Slightly undercook noodles since they will finish cooking during baking.
03 - Let lasagna sit for 10 minutes before baking to help flavors meld and noodles absorb moisture.