These lasagna cups are a fun and delicious twist on classic lasagna. They deliver all the delicious, creamy, and indulgent flavors of traditional lasagna in a perfectly portioned, bite-sized cup. Made by layering cooked lasagna noodles, rich beef and marinara sauce, and a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture in a muffin tin. Baked to golden perfection, these lasagna cups are perfect for serving at dinner parties, family meals, or as a delicious appetizer or fun snack. This recipe is versatile and can be easily customized with different fillings or toppings to suit your taste. Serve them straight out of the oven for a warm, comforting meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Cups Recipe
- Perfect for Parties: These handheld portions are a crowd-pleaser and make serving a breeze.
- Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients and a straightforward method make these a go-to recipe.
- Customizable: Add your favorite meats, veggies, or cheeses to make them your own.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch in advance and reheat when needed.
Ingredients for Lasagna Cups
To make these mouthwatering Lasagna Cups, you’ll need:
- 1/2 lb ground beef (or any ground meat of your choice)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6-8 lasagna noodles, cooked and cut into small squares
- Cooking spray for greasing the muffin tin
How to Make Lasagna Cups
1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line with paper liners for easy removal.
2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4: Assemble the Lasagna Cups
- Place a small square of cooked lasagna noodle at the bottom of each muffin cup.
- Add a spoonful of the beef mixture followed by a spoonful of the cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layers until each muffin cup is filled, finishing with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella on top.
5: Bake the Lasagna Cups
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6: Cool and Serve
Let the lasagna cups cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm and enjoy!
Variations and Customization Ideas
- Vegetarian Lasagna Cups: Swap the ground beef for sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Spicy Lasagna Cups: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a kick of heat.
- Three-Cheese Lasagna Cups: Mix in provolone or fontina with the ricotta and mozzarella for a richer taste.
- Chicken Lasagna Cups: Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter option.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve Fresh: These mini lasagnas taste best straight from the oven. Pair them with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze individual lasagna cups by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
Expert Tips for the Best Lasagna Cups
- Don’t Overfill: Leave a little room in each muffin cup to prevent overflow.
- Use Quality Cheese: High-quality cheese melts better and adds richer flavor.
- Try Fresh Herbs: For a burst of freshness, garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these lasagna cups ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the cups, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I use instead of lasagna noodles?
You can substitute with wonton wrappers for a lighter, crispier texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or a suitable substitute.
Are these lasagna cups kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the cheesy, bite-sized portions. You can also sneak in extra veggies for added nutrition.
More Appetizer Recipes For Your Party
Conclusion
These Lasagna Cups are the ultimate appetizers for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a comforting meal, their cheesy layers and savory goodness will be a hit. Plus, they’re easy to make, customize, and store. Give this recipe a try and enjoy lasagna in a fun, bite-sized form!
Easy Lasagna Cups Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef (or any ground meat of your choice)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6-8 lasagna noodles, cooked and cut into small squares
- Cooking spray for greasing the muffin tin
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line with paper liners for easy removal.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Lasagna Cups:Place a small square of cooked lasagna noodle at the bottom of each muffin cup.Add a spoonful of the beef mixture followed by a spoonful of the cheese mixture.Repeat the layers until each muffin cup is filled, finishing with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella on top.
- Bake the Lasagna Cups: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the lasagna cups cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- These Petite Lasagna Cups are a fun and delicious way to enjoy lasagna in perfectly portioned servings.
- Customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Let the lasagna cups cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin to keep them intact.
