Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Bacon Lasagna Burger is an unapologetically indulgent creation that brings together two comfort food icons in one unforgettable bite. Juicy beef patties, crispy bacon, rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese are layered together to mimic the flavors of classic lasagna, all stacked inside a hearty burger bun. This recipe was developed for those moments when you want something fun, over-the-top, and deeply satisfying. I tested different cheese combinations and sauce ratios to make sure the burger stayed balanced rather than messy or overwhelming. The result is a burger that tastes unmistakably like lasagna while still holding its own as a proper sandwich. It is perfect for cookouts, game days, or whenever you want to impress guests with a creative twist on familiar flavors.
Print
The Bacon Lasagna Burger – A Bold Fusion of Comfort Classics
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
Description
An over-the-top indulgent burger stacked with a juicy beef patty, crispy bacon, layers of cheesy lasagna, and rich marinara sauce, all sandwiched between toasted buns.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 slices bacon
- 4 burger buns
- 2 cups prepared lasagna (with noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting buns)
Instructions
- Form ground beef into 4 patties and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy; set aside.
- Grill or pan-sear burger patties over medium-high heat until desired doneness.
- During the last minute of cooking, place mozzarella cheese on patties to melt.
- Reheat lasagna and marinara sauce until hot.
- Butter and toast burger buns until golden.
- Assemble burgers by placing a patty on the bottom bun, topping with a generous portion of lasagna, marinara sauce, and crispy bacon.
- Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use leftover lasagna for convenience.
- Secure burgers with skewers if stacking high.
- Serve with a fork and plenty of napkins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef forms the foundation of the burger, providing rich flavor and juiciness.
Salt enhances the natural taste of the beef and balances the other components.
Black pepper adds subtle warmth and depth to the patties.
Garlic powder reinforces the Italian-inspired flavor profile.
Cooked bacon adds smoky crunch and savory contrast to the rich cheeses.
Burger buns hold all the layers together and provide structure.
Marinara sauce delivers classic tomato flavor and moisture reminiscent of lasagna.
Ricotta cheese creates a creamy, mild layer that softens the bold flavors.
Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and adds signature stretch and richness.
Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish that ties the lasagna flavors together.
Butter or oil is used for toasting the buns and cooking the patties.
Optional fresh basil or parsley adds freshness and visual appeal.
Directions
Begin by forming the ground beef into evenly sized patties. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Preheat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat and cook the patties until well browned on both sides and cooked to your preferred doneness. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with mozzarella cheese and allow it to melt fully.
While the burgers cook, warm the marinara sauce gently in a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, stir together ricotta cheese and Parmesan until smooth and well combined.
Toast the burger buns lightly with butter or oil until golden. To assemble, spread a generous spoonful of ricotta mixture on the bottom bun. Place the cheesy beef patty on top, followed by crispy bacon and a spoonful of warm marinara sauce. Finish with fresh herbs if desired and top with the remaining bun.
Serve immediately while hot and melty.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 burgers. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 15 minutes, making it a quick yet impressive meal.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover burger components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat patties and sauce gently on the stovetop before assembling. Assembled burgers are best enjoyed fresh.
Variations and Customizations
The Bacon Lasagna Burger can be customized in many ways without losing its identity. For extra richness, add a layer of béchamel sauce in place of some of the ricotta. If you enjoy heat, stir crushed red pepper flakes into the marinara or add spicy Italian seasoning to the beef.
You can also swap the beef for a blend of beef and Italian sausage to intensify the lasagna flavor. I tested this variation, and it delivered a deeper, more aromatic profile that worked exceptionally well with the cheeses.
For a lighter version, use turkey patties and part-skim ricotta. You can also turn this into a slider-style dish for parties by using smaller buns and patties. These options allow flexibility while keeping the bold lasagna-inspired character intact.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 780 |
| Protein (g) | 42 |
| Carbs (g) | 36 |
| Fat (g) | 52 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 22 |
| Fiber (g) | 3 |
| Sugar (g) | 6 |
| Sodium (mg) | 1,120 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Balance the layers
Avoid overloading with sauce to keep the burger sturdy.
Melt control
Cover the skillet briefly to help the cheese melt evenly.
Bun choice
Use sturdy buns that can handle moisture and weight.
Crispy bacon
Cook bacon until crisp to maintain texture against the soft cheeses.
FAQs
Does this burger really taste like lasagna?
Yes, the combination of marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan closely mimics classic lasagna flavors.
Can I make this on a grill?
Yes, grill the patties and assemble the burgers just before serving.
Can I prepare components ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce, ricotta mixture, and bacon can be prepared in advance.
What buns work best?
Brioche or Italian-style buns provide the best balance of softness and strength.
Can I make this without bacon?
Yes, omit the bacon for a classic lasagna burger version.
Is this burger freezer-friendly?
Freezing assembled burgers is not recommended, but cooked patties freeze well.
Conclusion
The Bacon Lasagna Burger is a fun, bold recipe that merges the comfort of Italian pasta with the satisfaction of a classic burger. Rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it is a memorable dish perfect for casual entertaining or whenever you want to serve something truly unique.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!