### BBQ Beef and Bacon Lasagna

#### Recipe Description
Indulge in a delicious twist on traditional lasagna with this BBQ Beef and Bacon Lasagna. Layers of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella and cheddar cheeses come together in a rich BBQ sauce, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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### Full Ingredients
– **1 pound** ground beef
– **1 pound** bacon, chopped
– **1 medium** onion, diced
– **3 cloves** garlic, minced
– **2 cups** BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
– **1 can (15 oz)** ricotta cheese
– **2 cups** shredded mozzarella cheese
– **1 cup** shredded cheddar cheese
– **1 large** egg
– **12** lasagna noodles
– **1 teaspoon** Italian seasoning
– **Salt and pepper** to taste
– **Fresh parsley**, chopped (for garnish)

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### Full Instructions

#### Preparing the Meat Mixture
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
2. In the same skillet, leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the BBQ sauce and cooked bacon. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.

#### Preparing the Cheese Mixture
1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Season the cheese mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

#### Cooking the Lasagna Noodles
1. While the meat and cheese mixtures are being prepared, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the lasagna noodles to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
3. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.

#### Assembling the Lasagna
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the BBQ meat mixture on the bottom. This will prevent the noodles from sticking.
3. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the meat mixture, slightly overlapping them.
4. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of the BBQ meat mixture. Make sure to spread it evenly.
5. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the meat mixture.
6. Repeat the layering process: add another 3 noodles, the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, the remaining BBQ meat mixture, and another layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
7. For the final layer, place the last 3 noodles on top. Spread any remaining BBQ meat mixture over the noodles and top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

#### Baking the Lasagna
1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese to prevent sticking.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together and the cheese to melt.
3. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
4. Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

#### Serving the Lasagna
1. Using a sharp knife, cut the lasagna into squares. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

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### Notes
– Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce to your taste; a smoky or spicy variety can add an extra kick.
– This lasagna can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

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### Prep Time
– **30 minutes**

### Cook Time
– **45 minutes**

### Total Time
– **1 hour 15 minutes**

### Yield
– **8 servings**