Four-Cheese Garlic Bacon Lasagna

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Noodles:
   Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook Bacon and Beef:
   In a skillet, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside. Discard most of the fat. In the same skillet, sauté the ground beef with garlic until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of marinara and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Prepare Cheese Filling:
   In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, ½ cup Parmesan, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Spread ½ cup marinara on the bottom of the baking dish.
   • Add 3 noodles, half the ricotta mixture, a third of the meat, bacon, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
   • Repeat the layers.
   • Finish with noodles, remaining marinara, the last of the meat, and all remaining cheese and bacon.
6. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Cool and Garnish:
   Rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra fresh basil.

Variations:

• Add Veggies: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions between layers.
• Spicy Kick: Mix red pepper flakes into the beef for a little heat.
• Cheese Twist: Swap provolone for fontina or gouda for a smoky richness.

Tips:

• Letting the lasagna rest before slicing ensures cleaner portions.
• Add a dash of garlic powder to the cheese blend for extra punch.
• Drizzle garlic-infused olive oil over the top before baking for an irresistible finish.

This is the lasagna that sets the bar for indulgent comfort food—perfectly balanced, boldly flavored, and made to impress.