Name: Lasagna Cups Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 large onion, chopped; 1/2 pound ground beef; 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 1 small zucchini, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 6 ounces tomato paste (1 can); 8 ounces tomato sauce + 1/2 can water to wash out can; 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can); 1 tablespoon dried basil; 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon sugar; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons whole milk; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated; 3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, grated & divided; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 egg; 21 lasagne pasta sheets

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 7 reviews

If you are looking to wow your family or guests with a fun, bite-sized twist on a classic, you simply have to try this Lasagna Cups Recipe. Imagine all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna perfectly layered into individual, handheld portions bursting with rich tomato sauce, melty cheese, and tender pasta. It’s a playful, approachable way to serve an Italian favorite that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to make. These lasagna cups are perfect for a cozy dinner or a party appetizer that feels both elegant and homey at the same time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows many ingredients for cooking, arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are 7 layers on the left side, each yellow pasta sheet stacked vertically in a white bowl. Next to that is an egg in a small turquoise bowl. Above and beside the pasta are small bowls filled with ground pepper, raw ground meat in a rectangular shape, and a small glass container of oil. Below the meat are four white bowls holding chopped zucchini, diced red bell pepper, chopped onions, and a red sauce sauce swirled inside. On the right side, three white bowls hold minced garlic, dried herbs, and salt. Near the bottom middle, there are shredded cheese in a white bowl and a smaller bowl with grated parmesan cheese. Two larger bowls have creamy white sauces, and small bowls contain dry seasoning and milk. All items are placed in clean white or turquoise bowls on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of the Lasagna Cups Recipe is in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each component plays a role, from the fresh veggies adding color and texture to the creamy cheese blend bringing indulgent richness, and the hearty meat sauce giving every bite a full, savory punch.

Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the vegetables and beef, providing a smooth flavor base.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down.
Ground beef: Gives the sauce its meaty, robust character.
Red bell pepper: Brings a fresh sweetness and vibrant color.
Zucchini: Adds a subtle texture contrast and a touch of green.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
Tomato paste, sauce, and diced tomatoes: Form the rich, thick foundation of the sauce.
Dried basil, oregano, and bay leaf: Classic Italian herbs that elevate the flavor complexity.
Sugar, salt, and black pepper: Balance and season the sauce perfectly.
Cream cheese and whole milk: Create a luscious, creamy cheese filling.
Italian seasoning: Adds an extra herbal punch to the cheese mix.
Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty accent.
Mozzarella cheese: Essential for that signature melty, gooey lasagna texture.
Ricotta cheese: Lightens the cheese filling with a smooth, fluffy touch.
Egg: Binds the cheese filling so it holds up beautifully in the cups.
Lasagna pasta sheets: The key ingredient to form the layers in each cup.

How to Make Lasagna Cups Recipe

Step 1: Make the sauce

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and minced garlic and sauté together until the vegetables are soft and the beef is cooked through, about 12 minutes. This step develops the base flavor of your sauce with a wonderful blend of savory and sweet notes from the veggies.

Step 2: Add tomato ingredients and herbs

Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Then add the bay leaf, lower the heat, and let this simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes. The sauce will thicken and deepen in flavor the longer you let it simmer, so don’t rush this crucial step. The end result is a rich, hearty sauce that’s the soul of your lasagna cups.

Step 3: Prepare the cheese filling

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, whole milk, Italian seasoning, grated parmesan, ricotta, half of the mozzarella, black pepper, and the egg. Stir everything until smooth and well blended. This creamy mixture will offer a luscious contrast to the tangy tomato sauce and tender pasta.

Step 4: Cook the pasta sheets

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna sheets until just under the recommended time on the package—about 2 minutes less. This ensures the pasta will finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy. Drain and lay the sheets flat on a greased baking sheet to prevent sticking while you prepare to assemble the cups.

Step 5: Assemble the lasagna cups

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 12 jumbo muffin tins with parchment paper squares that cover the inside fully; if they don’t stay perfectly in place, don’t worry—the pasta will help hold them. Press one whole pasta sheet around the edges of each tin, allowing the edges to overlap. Next, spoon a small amount of sauce into the bottom, add a quarter piece of a pasta sheet, then layer with sauce and a generous tablespoon of the cheese filling. Repeat with another layer of pasta, sauce, and cheese, pressing gently to remove air pockets. Top each cup with a final pasta piece, more sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese. A light tent of foil will keep the tops from browning too much.

Step 6: Bake and enjoy

Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and heated through. Once out of the oven, let them cool just slightly before unmolding. These little cups are pure joy, combining all the heartiness of traditional lasagna with a playful, convenient format that everyone will love.

How to Serve Lasagna Cups Recipe

The image shows several tall, uncooked pasta rolls standing upright in a silver muffin tray lined with small white paper pieces. Each roll has smooth, pale yellow pasta sheets curved around the edges with wavy ridges on top. Inside each pasta roll is a bright red tomato sauce with a thick, chunky texture. A woman's hand is seen sprinkling shredded white cheese over one of the pasta rolls, adding a soft, stringy layer on top of the sauce. The whole setup is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add even more freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a dusting of extra parmesan cheese can also take these lasagna cups from excellent to unforgettable in seconds.

Side Dishes

Pair these delightful cups with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette or a bowl of garlic-roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A simple bruschetta or warm, crusty bread is also a fabulous complement for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve lasagna cups on a rustic wooden board for casual entertaining or arrange them on elegant platters for a dinner party. They also work wonderfully in individual mini baking dishes for a pretty presentation. You can even prepare them ahead and serve them at your next potluck for an easy crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover lasagna cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes for a perfect next-day meal or a quick dinner during a busy week.

Freezing

You can freeze these cups individually or in the muffin tins before baking, wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

Reheat stored lasagna cups in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that melty cheese texture and crisp pasta edges.

FAQs

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day or two in advance and refrigerated. In fact, it often tastes even better after the flavors have had more time to meld.

What if I cannot find jumbo muffin tins?

Regular muffin tins can work, but your lasagna cups will be smaller—just adjust cooking time slightly and expect fewer servings.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

You can, but be sure to cut them to size and soften them as needed. The layering might be a bit trickier, but it’s doable.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Lasagna Cups Recipe?

Definitely! Simply skip the ground beef and add extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach for a delicious meat-free alternative.

How do I prevent the pasta edges from drying out?

Covering the cups loosely with foil while baking protects the pasta edges from becoming too crisp or hard, keeping them tender and delicious.

Final Thoughts

There is something genuinely joyful about making lasagna in a fresh, fun way that invites smiles at the dinner table. This Lasagna Cups Recipe captures all the best parts of the classic dish while adding flair and convenience. I encourage you to give it a try for your next mealtime celebration—you might just find a new family favorite in these irresistible little bundles of comfort.