Lasagna with Bacon and Macaroni Cheese Layers

Ingredients:

• For the Mac and Cheese:
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Lasagna:
  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 6 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mac and Cheese:
   • Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
   • Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Reduce heat to low and add cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Mix in the cooked macaroni.
2. Cook the Meat Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
   • Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
   • Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay out on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a baking dish (9×13 inches), spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
   • Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
   • Spread a layer of mac and cheese over the noodles.
   • Add a layer of meat sauce on top of the mac and cheese.
   • Drop dollops of ricotta cheese over the meat sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and crumbled bacon.
   • Repeat layers, ending with a layer of lasagna noodles and meat sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake:
   • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

⏰ Prep Time: 30 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 45 minutes
🍴 Servings: 8-10

Enjoy your Lasagna with Bacon and Macaroni Cheese Layers—a hearty and flavorful twist on a classic dish! 🍝🥓🧀