What the heck is this?
Okay, so imagine this: you’re standing in your kitchen, staring at leftover lasagna in one hand and a burger craving in the other. That’s literally how this masterpiece was born. We’re talking about a thick, juicy beef patty stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh basil, topped with marinara sauce and more cheese, all sandwiched between two crispy garlic bread “buns.” It’s like Italian comfort food had a baby with American backyard grilling, and honestly? It’s everything you never knew you needed. My brother-in-law, who’s usually a “plain burger, no fancy stuff” guy, took one bite and was like, “Dude, this is insane.” Yeah, it really is.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two comfort food legends in one epic creation
- Perfect for when you can’t decide between Italian or American
- Impressive enough for dinner parties but easy enough for weeknight madness
- Uses ingredients you probably already have
- Melty, gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite
- Way more fun than regular burgers (and Instagram-worthy AF)
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Lasagna Burger Patties:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend is perfect)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
For the Garlic Bread Buns:
- 4 thick slices of Italian bread or brioche buns
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (good quality stuff)
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Sliced tomatoes (optional but recommended)
- Arugula or spinach for some green action
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Mix That Magic
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, basil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and beaten egg.
Mix gently with your hands — don’t overwork it or you’ll get tough burgers.
Form into 4 thick patties, making a slight indent in the center (they’ll puff up while cooking).
Step 2: Prep the Garlic Bread Buns
Mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and parmesan in a small bowl.
Spread this heavenly mixture on one side of each bread slice.
Set aside for now — we’ll toast these babies later.
Step 3: Grill Time
Heat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the patties for about 6-7 minutes on the first side without pressing down on them (let them do their thing).
Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes for medium doneness. These are thick boys, so they need time.
In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of fresh mozzarella and let it melt.
Step 4: Toast Those Buns
While burgers rest, toast the garlic bread slices butter-side down in a pan or on the grill until golden and crispy.
You want them sturdy enough to hold all this goodness without falling apart.
Step 5: Assembly Time
Place a garlic bread slice (toasted side up) on each plate.
Add a handful of arugula or spinach if using.
Top with the cheesy burger patty.
Spoon marinara sauce over the top — don’t be shy.
Add tomato slices and fresh basil leaves.
Crown with another garlic bread slice (toasted side down).
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crispy fries or onion rings — go full indulgent
- A simple side salad helps cut through all that richness
- Pair with a cold beer or a glass of Chianti
- Have extra napkins ready — this is a messy, beautiful situation
Switch It Up
Go Veggie: Use plant-based ground meat and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture and use spicy marinara Different Cheese: Try provolone or fontina instead of mozzarella Breakfast Style: Add a fried egg on top and call it brunch Mini Version: Make slider-sized patties for parties
Make-Ahead Tips
- Form the patties a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge
- Garlic butter can be made 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge
- Cook the patties and store them — just reheat and add fresh cheese
- Don’t assemble until ready to serve or the bread gets soggy
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the ricotta — it keeps the burgers super juicy
- Make sure your garlic bread is sturdy enough to handle the weight
- Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes after cooking for maximum juiciness
- Warm your marinara sauce slightly before serving
- Use a meat thermometer — 160°F for well-done, 155°F for medium
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead? A: Absolutely! Just add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to the mix since turkey is leaner.
Q: What if I can’t find good Italian bread? A: Thick brioche buns work great, or even Texas toast. Just make sure it’s sturdy.
Q: Can I make these on a regular pan? A: Yup! Just use a large skillet over medium heat. They might take a minute or two longer.
Q: How do I know when they’re done? A: Internal temp should hit 160°F, or when the juices run clear and there’s no pink in the center.
Q: Can I freeze the patties? A: For sure! Form them, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before cooking.
Print
The Lasagna Burger That’s About to Break Your Brain
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Okay, so imagine this: you’re standing in your kitchen, staring at leftover lasagna in one hand and a burger craving in the other. That’s literally how this masterpiece was born. We’re talking about a thick, juicy beef patty stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh basil, topped with marinara sauce and more cheese, all sandwiched between two crispy garlic bread “buns.” It’s like Italian comfort food had a baby with American backyard grilling, and honestly? It’s everything you never knew you needed. My brother-in-law, who’s usually a “plain burger, no fancy stuff” guy, took one bite and was like, “Dude, this is insane.” Yeah, it really is.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna Burger Patties:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend is perfect)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
For the Garlic Bread Buns:
- 4 thick slices of Italian bread or brioche buns
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (good quality stuff)
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Sliced tomatoes (optional but recommended)
- Arugula or spinach for some green action
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, basil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and beaten egg.
Mix gently with your hands — don’t overwork it or you’ll get tough burgers.
Form into 4 thick patties, making a slight indent in the center (they’ll puff up while cooking).
Mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and parmesan in a small bowl.
Spread this heavenly mixture on one side of each bread slice.
Set aside for now — we’ll toast these babies later.
Heat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the patties for about 6-7 minutes on the first side without pressing down on them (let them do their thing).
Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes for medium doneness. These are thick boys, so they need time.
In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of fresh mozzarella and let it melt.
While burgers rest, toast the garlic bread slices butter-side down in a pan or on the grill until golden and crispy.
You want them sturdy enough to hold all this goodness without falling apart.
Place a garlic bread slice (toasted side up) on each plate.
Add a handful of arugula or spinach if using.
Top with the cheesy burger patty.
Spoon marinara sauce over the top — don’t be shy.
Add tomato slices and fresh basil leaves.
Crown with another garlic bread slice (toasted side down).
Notes
- Serve with crispy fries or onion rings — go full indulgent
- A simple side salad helps cut through all that richness
- Pair with a cold beer or a glass of Chianti
- Have extra napkins ready — this is a messy, beautiful situation
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~650 kcal
- Fat: ~38g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~42g