Introduction
Welcome to the ultimate flavor experience where bold indulgence meets home-cooked comfort. Parmesan Garlic Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna is a luxurious, layered casserole dish that fuses the juiciness of a bacon cheeseburger with the richness of traditional lasagna. If you’re tired of the same old pasta nights or just craving something that satisfies every craving in one bite, this recipe is a culinary jackpot.
Layered with juicy seasoned ground turkey, crispy turkey bacon, luscious Parmesan garlic cream sauce, melted cheese, and lasagna noodles, this dish is a bold twist on two American classics. It’s hearty, creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a freezer-friendly meal prep.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just dipping your toes into gourmet meal-making, this dish will easily become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients:
For the Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground turkey
- 8 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
For the Parmesan Garlic Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Bacon
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Remove from heat, let it cool, and crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Turkey Burger Mixture
In the same skillet, add olive oil, then sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the ground turkey and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, tomato paste, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then mix in the crumbled turkey bacon. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Make the Parmesan Garlic Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer until thickened—about 5 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm on low heat.
Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, laying the noodles flat on parchment to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of Parmesan garlic sauce on the bottom. Layer 3 lasagna noodles side by side.
Top with ⅓ of the turkey bacon cheeseburger filling, a few spoonfuls of Parmesan garlic sauce, and a sprinkle of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Repeat layers two more times: noodles, meat mixture, sauce, cheese.
Finish with a final layer of cheese and a drizzle of remaining sauce over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Variation
- Keto Option: Replace lasagna noodles with thin slices of grilled zucchini or eggplant.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap ground turkey and bacon for plant-based protein alternatives and veggie bacon.
- Tex-Mex Flair: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
COOKING Note:
Make sure not to overcook the turkey mixture to maintain juiciness. The lasagna gets baked, so slightly undercooking the turkey during stovetop sautéing ensures it doesn’t dry out.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve hot with a side of garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or even a bowl of roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus. Pair it with a light red wine or a sparkling lemonade to balance the richness.
Tips:
- Use a glass baking dish for even heating and visibility of layers.
- Let the lasagna sit for at least 10-15 minutes after baking to ensure clean slices.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Grate your own cheese for better melt and flavor—it makes a big difference!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 580 | Protein: 41g | Sodium: 930mg | Saturated Fat: 11g | Unsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0g | Carbohydrates: 39g | Fiber: 3g | Cholesterol: 110mg
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, but turkey bacon is leaner and complements the ground turkey better for a balanced flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake when ready to serve.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Use an oven preheated to 350°F or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of milk before reheating to retain creaminess.
Can I use pre-made Alfredo sauce instead of homemade?
You can, but the Parmesan garlic sauce in this recipe is specifically designed to enhance the cheeseburger flavor. Homemade yields the best results.
What’s the best cheese combination for this lasagna?
Cheddar for sharpness, mozzarella for meltability, and Parmesan for depth. You can also experiment with Gouda, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
Conclusion
This Parmesan Garlic Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna is more than just a meal—it’s a full-on flavor celebration. With every bite, you get the rich creaminess of Parmesan sauce, the smokiness of bacon, the juiciness of turkey, and the nostalgia of your favorite burger layered into a decadent pasta dish. Perfect for wowing dinner guests or simply elevating your weeknight meals, this lasagna is a masterpiece of flavor, texture, and culinary creativity.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or storing it for future cravings, this dish delivers every single time. One forkful is all it takes to fall in love with this hearty, cheesy, garlicky slice of heaven.