Name: Easy Lasagna Cups - Quick & Delicious Beef Pasta Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 6-8 sheets of lasagna noodles, cooked and cut into 1-inch squares

Lasagna Cups are the ultimate comfort food, miniaturized into perfect, portable portions that have everyone raving! Forget the fuss of a traditional lasagna; these individual delights offer all the rich, savory satisfaction without the slicing or serving struggle. What makes these Lasagna Cups so incredibly beloved? It’s the irresistible combination of tender pasta, creamy ricotta cheese, robust meat sauce, and melted mozzarella, all baked into a delightful cup shape. Each bite is a harmonious explosion of classic lasagna flavors, intensified by the individual baking that ensures perfectly crispy edges and a wonderfully gooey center. They’re not just a meal; they’re a fun, interactive way to enjoy a beloved classic, making them ideal for parties, weeknight dinners, or even a special treat. Prepare to fall in love with this genius twist on a timeless favorite!

Ingredients:

1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6-8 sheets of lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions and cut into 1-inch squares

Preparing the Lasagna Cups: The Savory Foundation

Browning the Beef and Aromatics

Begin extract by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for ensuring your Lasagna Cups bake evenly and develop a lovely golden-brown finish. In a large skillet, I like to use a cast-iron one for its excellent heat retention, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 1/2 lb of ground beef. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. You want to cook it until it’s no longer pink, and some nice crispy bits start to form. This browning process adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the filling.

Once the beef is well-browned, carefully drain off any excess grease. It’s important to remove most of the fat to prevent the Lasagna Cups from becoming greasy. Add the 1/2 cup of chopped yellow onion to the same skillet. Sauté the onion with the beef for about 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes softened and translucent. The sweetness of the onion will meld beautifully with the savory beef. Now, it’s time to introduce the garlic. Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste.

Simmering the Flavorful Meat Sauce

Pour in the 1 cup of marinara sauce, stirring to combine it with the beef, onion, and garlic mixture. This is where the magic really starts to happen. Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. These dried herbs are essential for that classic Italian flavor profile. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but you can’t take it away, so start conservatively and adjust as needed. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for at least 10-15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly, creating a rich and flavorful filling for your Lasagna Cups.

Assembling the Lasagna Cups: Layering Perfection

Preparing the Noodle Base

While your meat sauce is simmering, prepare your lasagna noodles. You should have already cooked your 6-8 lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Overcooked noodles will become mushy, so aim for a slight bite. Once cooked, drain them well and let them cool slightly. Then, cut them into approximately 1-inch squares. Having these pre-cut noodles makes assembly a breeze and ensures each Lasagna Cup has a good noodle-to-filling ratio. You can use a muffin tin or a mini muffin tin for this recipe, depending on the desired size of your Lasagna Cups. Lightly grease the cups of your chosen tin with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Layering the Delicious Components

Now comes the fun part: assembly! Take one or two of the cooked lasagna noodle squares and place them at the bottom of each greased muffin cup. Don’t worry if they don’t perfectly fill the cup; they will shift and settle as they bake. Next, spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the prepared meat sauce over the noodles in each cup. Distribute the meat sauce as evenly as possible among all the muffin cups.

On top of the meat sauce, add a dollop of the 1/2 cup of whole milk ricotta cheese. You can use a spoon to gently spread it out, or just drop it in; it will melt and spread a bit as it bakes. Sprinkle a generous amount of the 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. This cheese is key for that irresistible gooey texture. Finally, finish each Lasagna Cup with a sprinkle of the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a salty, nutty finish that complements the other flavors perfectly.

Baking and Enjoying Your Lasagna Cups: The Grand Finnon-alcoholic ale

Baking to Golden Perfection

Place the prepared muffin tin onto a baking sheet. This is a good practice to catch any potential drips and makes it easier to transfer the hot tin in and out of the oven. Carefully place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The edges of the noodles should also look slightly crispy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, as oven temperatures can vary, and you don’t want the cheese to burn.

Resting and Serving

Once baked, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven. Let the Lasagna Cups rest in the tin for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period is important because it allows the cheese to set slightly, making the Lasagna Cups easier to remove from the tin and preventing them from falling apart. After resting, you can use a small offset spatula or a thin knife to gently loosen the edges of each Lasagna Cup and lift them out of the muffin tin. Serve these delightful Lasagna Cups warm. They are perfect as a fun appetizer, a delicious snack, or even a light meal served with a side salad. Enjoy the individual portions of classic lasagna flavor!

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make these delightful Lasagna Cups! This recipe offers a fun, individual-sized twist on a classic comfort food. They are perfect for portion control, easy entertaining, or even a delicious make-ahead meal prep option. The creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and gooey mozzarella baked into a tender pasta shell create a truly satisfying bite every time.

For serving suggestions, these Lasagna Cups are fantastic on their own, or you can pair them with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete and hearty meal. They also make a wonderful addition to a buffet or potluck spread.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You can easily make these vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sauce. You could also experiment with different cheeses like provolone or a sharp cheddar.

The beauty of Lasagna Cups lies in their versatility and their undeniable deliciousness. I encourage you to give them a try and discover how simple and rewarding they are to make. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions about Lasagna Cups:

Q1: Can I make Lasagna Cups ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the Lasagna Cups up to 24 hours in advance. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q2: How do I store leftovers?

Leftover Lasagna Cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Q3: Can I use different types of pasta for Lasagna Cups?

While lasagna noodles are traditional and work best for layering, you could experiment with other small pasta shapes like rotini or penne, but it will change the structure of the “cup” significantly. For the classic layered effect, stick to lasagna noodles, broken into pieces to fit your muffin tin.