Easy Lasagna Cups

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Craving all the cozy comfort of classic lasagna but don’t want to spend hours layering and baking? These Easy Lasagna Cups bring all the flavor of a traditional lasagna into a fun, bite-sized form. Perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or meal prep, they’re layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, all baked to bubbly perfection in a muffin tin.

Each cup delivers a satisfying, cheesy bite with crispy edges and gooey centers. They freeze well, reheat beautifully, and are incredibly fun to eat. Whether you’re serving them to kids, guests, or just indulging in a cozy dinner for one, these lasagna cups are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

---

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lasagna Cups Recipe

• Quick and Convenient – No more wrestling with giant pans of layered noodles.
• Perfectly Portioned – Great for serving at parties or controlling portion sizes.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Make a batch and freeze them for future dinners.
• Kid-Approved – Fun size and cheesy flavor make them a hit with little ones.
• Customizable – Add your favorite meats, veggies, or cheese blends.

---

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Lasagna Cups?

Traditional lasagna noodles work best for these cups. You’ll want to cook them until al dente so they’re flexible but still hold their shape. Once boiled, cut each noodle in half lengthwise to make layering easier in the muffin tin. If you’re looking for a shortcut, you can try oven-ready noodles, but be sure to soften them first in warm water so they can bend without breaking.

---

Ingredients for the Easy Lasagna Cups

Every ingredient in this recipe serves a delicious purpose. Together, they create that nostalgic lasagna flavor in a compact, muffin-sized form.

• Lasagna noodles – The structure of each cup; choose regular or oven-ready noodles softened before use.
• Ground beef – Adds savory richness to the filling.
• Onion – Sautéed for sweetness and flavor depth.
• Garlic – Boosts the aroma and flavor.
• Marinara sauce – The saucy base that ties everything together; choose your favorite jarred or homemade.
• Ricotta cheese – Offers a creamy layer inside the cups.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully on top and gives that signature stretchy pull.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – Adds salty sharpness and a golden finish.
• Fresh basil or parsley – A fresh sprinkle for color and brightness.
• Olive oil – For sautéing the beef and aromatics.
• Salt and pepper – To season everything just right.

---

How To Make the Easy Lasagna Cups

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Boil the lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a clean surface. Cut each noodle in half lengthwise.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced onions until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the Cups

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin. Line each muffin cup with two strips of noodle forming an “X”. Add a spoonful of ricotta, then meat sauce, then a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling. Let them cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil or parsley and enjoy warm!

---

How to Serve and Store Easy Lasagna Cups

This recipe makes about 12 lasagna cups, which can feed 4 to 6 people depending on appetite and sides. Serve them fresh from the oven while the cheese is still melty and the edges are slightly crisp. They make a perfect weeknight dinner, potluck addition, or fun party appetizer.

To store, let the lasagna cups cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them individually for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

---

What to Serve With Easy Lasagna Cups?

Garlic Bread

A crunchy, buttery slice of garlic bread is the ultimate sidekick.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, parmesan, and a creamy dressing balance the richness of lasagna.

Roasted Vegetables

Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers roasted in olive oil complement the hearty cups.

Italian Chopped Salad

Loaded with olives, pepperoncini, salami, and chickpeas for a zesty contrast.

Tomato Basil Soup

A light soup on the side keeps the meal cozy and satisfying.

Steamed Green Beans

Simple and fresh, green beans add balance and crunch.

Antipasto Skewers

Mini skewers with cheese, olives, and cherry tomatoes are a fun appetizer to start with.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these lasagna cups vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.

Can I assemble these in advance?
Yes, you can assemble them a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Do I have to use ricotta?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can substitute cottage cheese or even a layer of seasoned cream cheese for a different creamy touch.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
After boiling, lay the noodles flat on parchment paper or drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking while you prep everything else.

---

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with a veggie version or spice it up with hot Italian sausage? Did you top them with extra cheese (no judgment!)?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

You can find more meal ideas and easy dinner inspiration on my Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally.

---

Conclusion

These Easy Lasagna Cups are everything you love about lasagna but made simpler, smaller, and even more fun to eat. Whether you’re planning ahead for the week, packing lunchboxes, or serving a party crowd, they’re a foolproof favorite. Try them once, and they might just become your new go-to lasagna recipe.

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?