01 -
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small, uniform pieces. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and aromatic, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain excess fat, stir in the marinara sauce, and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
02 -
Combine ranch dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, and crumbled bacon in a bowl, stirring until evenly incorporated to form a rich, tangy mixture.
03 -
Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, stopping just before al dente to prevent overcooking. Drain and rinse under cool water, then arrange flat on a clean kitchen towel to avoid sticking.
04 -
Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent noodles from sticking.
05 -
Arrange 4 lasagna noodles over the meat sauce, overlapping slightly if needed to cover the base. Spread half of the remaining meat sauce evenly over the noodles. Dollop half of the bacon ranch mixture gently on top, avoiding blending. Sprinkle one third of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over this layer.
06 -
Add another 4 noodles. Layer with the remaining meat sauce and bacon ranch mixture. Top this with another third of mozzarella cheese.
07 -
Cover with the final 4 noodles and spread the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top layer for complete coverage.
08 -
Cover the assembled dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling, with the center reaching 165°F (74°C).
09 -
Allow the lasagna to rest for 5 to 10 minutes post-baking to let the layers set, ensuring clean slicing and optimal flavor before serving.