Name: Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 small onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp smoked paprika; Salt & pepper to taste; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tsp garlic powder; Salt & pepper to taste; 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente; 2 cups shredded mozzarella; 1 cup shredded cheddar; ½ cup grated Parmesan (for topping); 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe

This Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe is that irresistible, hearty twist on lasagna you didn’t know you were craving. Picture layers of juicy ground beef, a garlicky Parmesan béchamel, and gooey mozzarella, all cozied up between perfectly cooked noodles. Every bite delivers that familiar cheeseburger comfort, but with a creamy, Italian-inspired punch. It’s the kind of dinner that’ll pull everyone to the table—and probably have them going back for seconds!

Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This lasagna comes together with familiar, easy-to-find ingredients, each one essential for building bold flavor and indulgent texture. From rich cheeses and hearty beef to a velvety sauce, every component adds its own magic to the final dish.

Ground beef (80/20): Gives that classic cheeseburger savoriness and the perfect amount of juiciness.
Onion: Diced finely, it melts into the meat for a sweet, aromatic foundation.
Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse both the sauce and béchamel with deep, savory flavor.
Marinara sauce: Lends sauciness and a hint of tomato tang to complement the beef.
Italian seasoning: Adds a herby background that makes everything taste a little more “lasagna.”
Smoked paprika: Boosts earthiness and gives a tiny whisper of smoky warmth.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage—don’t skip them!
Unsalted butter: Creates the rich base for the creamy Parmesan garlic béchamel.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the béchamel so it hugs every layer.
Whole milk: Makes the sauce sumptuously smooth and velvety.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings umami punch to the sauce and a golden crunch to the top.
Garlic powder: Doubles up on the garlic flavor for extra punch in the béchamel.
Lasagna noodles, cooked al dente: The true backbone, holding every layer with just the right bite.
Shredded mozzarella: Melts into stretchy, irresistible layers of cheese.
Shredded cheddar: Adds cheeseburger character and a pop of sharp flavor.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for a hint of freshness and a burst of color.

How to Make Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Meat Sauce

Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, using a spatula to break it up into crumbles. Once it’s mostly cooked, toss in the diced onion and let things get nicely softened—this boosts the sweetness and aroma. Add the minced garlic, stirring for just a minute so it infuses the meat without burning. Now, pour in the marinara, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and smoked paprika, and season to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently so all the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly. When finished, set aside—your lasagna’s foundation is ready!

Step 2: Make the Parmesan Garlic Béchamel

While the meat sauce is doing its thing, melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for a minute or two. You want just enough time to cook away any floury taste, but don’t let it brown. Slowly whisk in your milk, a little at a time, to keep the sauce smooth and lump-free. As it thickens, stir in the Parmesan and garlic powder; you’ll notice the sauce transforming into a creamy, deeply flavored béchamel. Finish with a pinch of salt and pepper, then take it off the heat. Congratulations, you’ve just made the magic layer!

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start with a scoop of meat sauce—this keeps the noodles from sticking. Layer noodles over the sauce, then slather on a generous amount of béchamel. Sprinkle on mozzarella and cheddar for that luscious, melty body. Repeat with meat sauce, noodles, béchamel, and cheeses, crafting three glorious layers in all. Finish with a flourish of Parmesan on top—it will bake up golden and crispy, just like the top of a cheesy burger bun.

Step 4: Bake and Rest

Cover your masterpiece tightly with foil (to keep that moisture in) and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover, then bake another 15 minutes to let the cheese bubble up and take on tempting golden spots. For best results, let the finished Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the layers hold together. Now comes the hardest part: resisting the urge to sneak a bite right away!

How to Serve Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

Top your piping hot lasagna with a shower of chopped fresh parsley for color and an herby pop. Extra grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes take the flavor up another notch. If you’re serving for a special occasion, consider a drizzle of olive oil or a grating of lemon zest for a finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This rich, hearty lasagna shines next to something green—think a simple salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, or garlicky sautéed spinach. Some good, crusty bread is a must for sopping up every bit of that melty cheese and saucy goodness. If you’re keeping it classic, a side of roasted broccoli is unbeatable.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family meal, serve big, rustic squares straight from the baking dish. To dress it up, plate individually and sprinkle with finely chopped herbs, or present with a swirl of basil oil on the side. For parties, slice into appetizer portions and serve with mini forks—perfect finger food for game days or potlucks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. It’ll last up to four days in the fridge, and the flavors get deeper with time. Let it cool completely before refrigerating to keep the texture just right.

Freezing

This lasagna is a dream for the freezer. Assemble the dish (but don’t bake), cover well with foil and freeze for up to two months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed. You can also freeze cooked leftovers in single-serve portions for wise, delicious future meals.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts to keep the pasta and cheese from drying out. Add a splash of milk to maintain that creamy béchamel magic as it warms.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great in the Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe if you’re looking for a lighter option. You might want to add a dash more seasoning, as leaner meats can use a flavor boost.

What kind of marinara sauce is best?

Pick a marinara you love the taste of, since it’s a big part of the dish. A simple, classic style without lots of added sugar is perfect. If you like a little extra kick, try one with roasted garlic or chili flakes.

Can I assemble this lasagna ahead of time?

You sure can! Build the Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe up to a day in advance, cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the oven time since you’ll be baking from cold.

Is it okay to use no-boil noodles?

Yes, no-boil lasagna noodles work well. Just make sure to use slightly more sauce so they have enough moisture to cook all the way through in the oven.

Does the Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe taste good as leftovers?

It tastes incredible! The flavors have even more time to mingle, and the structure holds up beautifully. Some say it’s even better the next day—if you can make it last that long!

Final Thoughts

Dive into the ultimate comfort food mashup with this Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something amazing any night of the week. Gather your loved ones and experience the magic—sometimes, a familiar favorite with a fresh twist is exactly what you need. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!

Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Parmesan Garlic Cheeseburger Lasagna recipe. Layers of savory meat sauce, creamy Parmesan garlic béchamel, and gooey cheeses come together in this delicious twist on classic lasagna.

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute. Add marinara, crumbled bacon, Italian seasoning, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside.
Make the Parmesan Garlic Béchamel – Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Lasagna – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13” baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Top with lasagna noodles, then a layer of béchamel, mozzarella, and cheddar. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
Bake and Rest – Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

You can customize the cheese blend to your preference, such as adding different types of cheeses or adjusting the ratios.
Feel free to add cooked bacon or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American