BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Lasagna

Welcome to a culinary delight that will have your taste buds singing—the irresistible Ooey Gooey BBQ Bacon Mac Cheese lasagna! This playful mashup of Southern barbecue flavors and Italian pasta bake tradition is a real showstopper that guarantees to bring smiles to the table. Imagine layers of creamy mac and cheese, smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, all hugged by tender lasagna noodles. Each bite is a harmonious blend of gooey cheese and savory goodness, making this dish a surefire hit at family gatherings or potlucks.

Picture this: the aroma of extra sharp cheddar mingling with barbecue-scented meat wafting through your kitchen, drawing everyone in for a sneak peek before dinner even begins. The way the cheese pulls and stretches as you serve up a slice of this decadent lasagna is pure foodie magic. Whether you stick to the classic ground beef or opt for a lighter twist with ground turkey, the ooey gooey texture and rich flavors remain the star of the show. Serve it up with a side of tangy coleslaw or a crisp salad for a delightful contrast, and you have a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So go ahead, dive into this comfort food extravaganza and revel in every smoky, cheesy, and bacon-filled bite!

Quick Benefits

• Perfect Balance of Flavor: The blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses offers a delicious balance of flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Versatile Protein Options: Easily swap out ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter alternative without compromising on taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance for easy prep, allowing the flavors to meld together for an even tastier dish.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Lasagna Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: This dish combines creamy mac and cheese, smoky BBQ, and savory bacon in a unique and delicious way.
• Gooey and Cheesy Layers: Each bite offers layers of gooey cheese, tender pasta, and irresistible barbecue flavor, making it a real showstopper.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for family gatherings or impressing friends with an over-the-top dish that is sure to be a hit.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The cheesy, smoky, and gooey texture of this lasagna is sure to draw everyone to the table with happy faces.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients like using ground turkey or a plant-based meat, experimenting with different cheeses, or using whole wheat or gluten-free noodles.
• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish up to one day early, cover, and refrigerate for convenience, ensuring a fresh and delicious meal.
• Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers can be tightly wrapped and frozen for up to two months, allowing you to enjoy this dish at a later time.
• Versatile Pairings: Serve with coleslaw, salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal that complements the richness of the dish.
• Improved Flavors: The lasagna actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together, offering a delicious meal even as leftovers.
• Easy Substitutions: You can use simple substitutes like ground turkey, different cheeses, or a homemade BBQ sauce if needed, making it adaptable to your preferences.

Ingredients for BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Lasagna

Pasta

• 8 lasagna noodles
• 190 grams elbow macaroni

Sauce and Dairy

• 200 grams shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 240 milliliters whole milk
• 240 milliliters barbecue sauce
• 30 milliliters olive oil
• 16 grams all-purpose flour
• 43 grams unsalted butter
• 200 grams shredded cheddar cheese

Meats

• 450 grams ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, chopped

Seasonings and Garnish

• 1 gram ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• 5 grams fine sea salt

Pro Tips for BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Lasagna

Pro Tip 1: When making this Ooey Gooey BBQ Bacon Mac Cheese lasagna, using extra sharp cheddar cheese will provide a nostalgic tang and depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level. The sharpness of the cheddar complements the smoky BBQ and savory bacon perfectly, making each bite a true delight.

Pro Tip 2: To enhance the flavors of this dish, consider mixing up the cheeses. Experiment with Monterey Jack or gouda in addition to the cheddar and mozzarella for added creaminess. This will create a more complex and rich flavor profile, elevating the ooey gooey texture and taste of your lasagna.

Pro Tip 3: For efficient meal prep, boil the lasagna noodles in plenty of salted water and lightly toss them with oil if assembling later. You can also prepare the lasagna up to one day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just remember to remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to achieve that golden, bubbly cheese topping that everyone loves.

How to Make BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Lasagna

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 190°C.

Step 2: Cook Macaroni

Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Cook ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Stir in barbecue sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Make Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour to create a roux and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook, stirring, until sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Add Cheeses to Sauce

Stir in shredded cheddar and half of the mozzarella until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated.

Step 7: Boil Lasagna Noodles

Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente, then drain well.

Step 8: Assemble Lasagna

1. Grease a 23 x 33 cm baking dish.
2. Lay lasagna noodles on the bottom.
3. Spread half of the meat mixture over the noodles.
4. Add half of the macaroni and cheese mixture.
5. Sprinkle 100 grams of mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat layers, ending with remaining mozzarella.

Step 9: Bake

Place foil over dish and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 10: Finish Baking

Uncover and bake for an extra 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Allow to rest for a few minutes before cutting. Top with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Ooey Gooey BBQ Bacon Mac Cheese lasagna, allow it to cool completely before transferring the leftovers to airtight containers. You can store the lasagna in the refrigerator for up to four days, where the flavors will continue to meld and develop. For longer storage, tightly wrap portions of the lasagna and freeze them for up to two months. When ready to enjoy the frozen lasagna, reheat it covered with foil in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it is hot all the way through, preserving its ooey gooey texture.

Experiment with different ingredients such as ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter twist on the dish, or try varying the cheese blend by incorporating Monterey Jack or gouda for added creaminess. You can also make the dish ahead of time by assembling it up to one day early, covering it, and refrigerating it until ready to bake. Remember to remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown and bubble for the perfect finishing touch. Garnish each slice with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a lighter option, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative, keeping the dish flavorful while reducing the overall fat content. This substitution allows the barbecue flavor and creamy cheese to remain the stars of the dish.

For a different flavor profile, consider experimenting with different cheese combinations. Monterey Jack or gouda can provide added creaminess or a slightly different taste to the dish, giving you the opportunity to customize the flavor to your liking while maintaining the gooey texture that makes this dish so irresistible.

If you find yourself without barbecue sauce, a quick homemade substitute can be made by mixing ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. This alternative will provide a similar smoky and tangy flavor profile to complement the richness of the cheese and meat, ensuring your dish still delivers on that unique and delicious barbecue essence.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try layering the Ooey Gooey BBQ Bacon Mac Cheese Lasagna into individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a personalized touch. This way, each guest gets their own perfectly portioned and Instagram-worthy dish that is both comforting and indulgent. Top each mini lasagna with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

To elevate the presentation further, serve the Ooey Gooey BBQ Bacon Mac Cheese Lasagna in a hollowed-out bread bowl. Simply carve out the center of a round loaf of bread, leaving a sturdy edge to hold the cheesy goodness. Fill the bread bowl with the lasagna, allowing the gooey cheese to spill over the edges. Not only does this creative serving idea add a rustic charm to the dish, but it also provides a delicious option for scooping up every last bit of cheesy goodness with a piece of the bread bowl.

FAQs for BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese Lasagna

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Cheddar and mozzarella provide the ideal balance of flavor and meltability, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack or gouda for added creaminess.

Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey make great alternatives, allowing the barbecue flavor and creamy cheese to shine through.

How should I cook the lasagna noodles before assembling the dish?

Boil the lasagna noodles in plenty of salted water, stirring occasionally, and toss the cooked noodles lightly with oil if assembling the dish later.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to one day early, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving for the best texture and freshness.

Conclusion

As you finish up preparing your Ooey Gooey Bbq Bacon Mac Cheese lasagna, take a moment to appreciate the layers of flavors and love that have gone into creating this decadent dish. The ooey gooey cheese, savory bacon, and smoky BBQ all come together in a harmonious symphony of taste that is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.

Whether you’re serving this dish to your family, friends, or hosting a gathering, the magic of this lasagna is bound to bring smiles and satisfaction to all who indulge in its deliciousness. So go ahead, slice into that cheesy goodness, savor each bite, and revel in the joy of sharing a truly memorable meal. Here’s to many more gatherings filled with laughter, good company, and of course, more servings of Ooey Gooey Bbq Bacon Mac Cheese lasagna!