1. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. This is essential for getting that perfect sear on the burger.
2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands—don’t overwork the meat to keep it tender.
3. Form four equal-sized patties. Make a small indentation in the center of each to prevent puffing during cooking.
4. Wrap each patty with two slices of bacon, securing the ends by tucking them underneath or using toothpicks if needed. This step is crucial—Mama Lou always said bacon is the crown jewel of any dish!
5. Place the bacon-wrapped patties on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the bacon is crispy and the burger reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
6. While the burgers cook, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses in a small bowl. Set aside.
7. Once the burgers are nearly done, spoon a generous layer of marinara sauce over each patty and top with a slice of provolone cheese. Close the grill or cover the skillet to melt the cheese, about 2 minutes.
8. Lightly toast the brioche buns with a bit of olive oil for a golden, crispy texture.
9. To assemble, spread a spoonful of the cheese mixture onto the bottom bun, place the bacon lasagna burger on top, then add fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
10. Top with the bun and serve immediately, savoring every bite of this layered masterpiece.

One of my fondest memories is the day Ouma and I finally perfected this recipe. We were testing the cheese blend, debating whether to add more mozzarella or Parmesan, and laughing over how much sauce to slather on without turning the burger soggy. It was messy but magical, and the taste? Absolutely worth every splatter.