There are recipes that make you smile just thinking about them - this Bacon Cheeseburger Pan Lasagna is one of those! It's everything we love about juicy cheeseburgers and cozy lasagna baked together in one glorious pan. Layers of seasoned beef, smoky bacon, and creamy cheddar sauce melt into tender noodles for a meal that feels both playful and nostalgic.
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The Story Behind the Recipe
This recipe was born on one of those "let's make lasagna night special" kind of evenings. I wanted something hearty but a little unexpected - and when the sizzling smell of bacon met that creamy cheddar sauce, I knew we were onto something magical.
It's the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into an event. I still remember the first time I served it at a Sunday game day - the whole pan disappeared, and everyone was asking for seconds and the recipe. Since then, it's been our go-to for birthdays, potlucks, and cozy nights in.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
✨ Cheeseburger meets lasagna - two favorites in one.
✨ Feeds a crowd easily - baked right on a sheet pan.
✨ Simple to prep ahead - ideal for gatherings or meal prep.
✨ Rich, creamy, smoky flavor - the bacon truly makes it shine.
✨ Family-approved comfort food - easy to love, even easier to make!
What It Tastes Like
Imagine all the best parts of a backyard burger - the savory beef, the sharp cheddar, the smoky bacon - layered between sheets of tender lasagna noodles and baked until bubbling. Every slice gives you that perfect balance of creamy cheese sauce, meaty depth, and crisp bacon on top.
It's indulgent but balanced, hearty yet playful - and the smell when it's baking? Absolutely irresistible!
Benefits of This Recipe
- Uses pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Great for feeding a crowd or family meal prep.
- Freezes and reheats beautifully.
- Comforting, nostalgic, and a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
🥩 Meat and Protein
- 900 g lean ground beef
- 8 slices cooked bacon, cut into large pieces
🧅 Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
🧀 Cheese and Dairy
- 425 g ricotta cheese
- 340 g shredded cheddar cheese
🥣 Sauces and Condiments
- 2 cans (297 g each) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 240 ml whole milk
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 can (297 g) condensed cream of bacon soup
🍝 Dry Goods
- 1 package oven-ready lasagna noodles
🧂 Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Tools You'll Need
- Half sheet pan (46 × 33 cm)
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Aluminium foil
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
💡 Swap ground turkey or chicken for beef if you want something lighter.
💡 Use gluten-free noodles to make it celiac-friendly.
💡 If you can't find cheddar cheese soup, whisk up a quick sauce with cheddar, milk, and a bit of flour.
💡 Add pickles, diced tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to give it your own cheeseburger flair!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it's ready to bake while you prep.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Add diced onion and continue cooking until softened. Stir in garlic and let it cook for another minute for that deep, savory aroma.
Step 3: Mix the Cheddar Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cheddar cheese soup, milk, onion powder, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. The mustard gives it that subtle cheeseburger tang.
Step 4: Build the Base
Spread ⅓ of the cheddar sauce across your greased sheet pan. Add a layer of oven-ready noodles on top, fitting them snugly without overlapping too much.
Step 5: Make the Ricotta Mixture
In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese and cream of bacon soup. Stir until creamy and uniform.
Step 6: Layer the Goodness
Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then top with half the beef mixture and half the shredded cheddar.
Repeat: noodles → ricotta mixture → cheddar sauce → remaining beef.
Step 7: Cover and Bake
Seal tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to let the noodles soften and flavors meld.
Step 8: Add Bacon and Cheese
Remove the foil, scatter on the remaining shredded cheddar and the cooked bacon pieces, and return to the oven uncovered for 15 more minutes - until the top is golden, bubbly, and irresistible.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers hold together beautifully.
What to Serve with It
🍅 Chopped pickles or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard for true cheeseburger flavor.
🥗 Crisp salad or sliced cherry tomatoes for a fresh bite.
🍞 Garlic bread or buttered rolls for soaking up that sauce.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pan Lasagna
⭐ Break noodles as needed to fit the pan with no gaps.
⭐ Bake bacon on a rack for extra crispness before topping.
⭐ Always let it rest before slicing - perfect layers every time!
⭐ Make ahead and chill overnight for even deeper flavor the next day.
Storage Instructions
Let your lasagna cool completely, then:
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic and foil.
- Reheat: In the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual slices.
It actually tastes even richer the next day - the flavors have time to deepen!
General Information
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Dish
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 10
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use regular lasagna noodles?
Yes! Just boil them according to package instructions before layering.
→ What can I use instead of cheddar cheese soup?
A homemade cheese sauce made with milk, flour, and shredded cheddar works perfectly.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Bake as directed.
→ Does it freeze well?
Yes! You can freeze before or after baking. Thaw overnight and bake until hot and bubbly.
→ How do I keep the noodles from drying out?
Cover tightly with foil during the first bake to lock in steam and moisture.
Conclusion
This Bacon Cheeseburger Pan Lasagna brings together the best of both worlds - the fun of a cheeseburger and the comfort of homemade lasagna. It's indulgent, filling, and absolutely guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy.
If you're looking for a new family-favorite comfort recipe, this one's it. Every slice tastes like a warm, cheesy memory. ❤️
When you make it, snap a photo and tag @myhomemaderecipe on Pinterest or Instagram - I love seeing your versions!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per Serving)
Calories: 610
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fat: 38g
Sodium: 980mg
Sugar: 5g
(Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands.)
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