Lasagna is one of the most comforting and crowd-pleasing dishes in Italian cuisine—rich layers of pasta, cheese, meat, and sauce baked to perfection. But what if you could enjoy all that deliciousness in a bite-sized, handheld version? Enter Lasagna Cups—a fun, creative take on the traditional recipe that’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or meal prepping. Easy to make, mess-free to serve, and packed with flavor, these mini lasagnas are a modern solution to a timeless favorite.
Why Lasagna Cups?
Lasagna Cups take everything we love about classic lasagna and turn it into an accessible, portable treat. Made in muffin tins using wonton wrappers or small pasta sheets as the “crust,” these savory bites deliver layers of meaty sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella in every mouthful.
Here’s why they’re a game-changer:
- Perfect Portions: No more messy slices—each cup is a single, self-contained serving.
- Versatile and Customizable: From traditional beef to vegetarian or even low-carb versions, you can tailor these cups to any taste.
- Ideal for Entertaining: Serve them at gatherings, lunchboxes, or potlucks—they travel well and reheat beautifully.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a traditional-style batch of Lasagna Cups:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (optional, for creamier ricotta layer)
- 24 wonton wrappers or cooked lasagna noodles, cut to fit muffin tin
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 lasagna cups (serves 4–6)
How to Make Lasagna Cups
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned. Drain excess grease. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes.
2. Make the Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, and the egg (if using). Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the Cups
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Place a wonton wrapper (or noodle piece) into each muffin cup, pressing to fit.
Add about a tablespoon of the meat sauce to each cup, followed by a dollop of the ricotta mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat with a second layer—another wrapper, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella.
4. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or fresh basil before serving. Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread.
Nutritional Information (Per Cup)
Estimates based on traditional ingredients:
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 320mg
Values may vary based on meat and cheese choices. For a lighter version, use ground turkey, low-fat ricotta, and part-skim mozzarella.
Presentation Tips
Lasagna Cups are naturally eye-catching with their golden edges and gooey centers, but you can make them even more appealing:
- Serve on a Platter: Arrange them on a white platter for a vibrant contrast.
- Add Freshness: A sprinkle of basil chiffonade or microgreens adds color and freshness.
- Mini Flags or Picks: Perfect for parties—label different varieties (beef, veggie, spicy) for guests.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini in place of meat.
- Low-Carb: Swap the wrappers for thin slices of grilled eggplant or zucchini.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for more heat.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add a slice of provolone or a sprinkle of goat cheese for extra richness.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Lasagna Cups are ideal for batch cooking:
- Make Ahead: Assemble the cups and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezer Friendly: Bake, cool completely, and freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
- Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.
A Modern Comfort Food Favorite
Lasagna Cups are more than just a clever kitchen trend—they’re a practical, family-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re hosting a game night, packing school lunches, or just craving lasagna without the prep of a full casserole, these cups offer convenience and comfort in every bite.
With their hearty filling, cheesy goodness, and crisp edges, Lasagna Cups are destined to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Try them once, and you’ll see—they’re not just cute; they’re downright irresistible.