While the holiday season often steers our thoughts towards an abundance of sweet treats, let’s take a delightful detour to explore something wonderfully savory: these irresistible Lasagna Cups. Forget the traditional, time-consuming casserole dish; we’re bringing the rich, comforting flavors of Italian lasagna into a fun, bite-sized format that’s as convenient as it is delicious. These individual portions are an absolute game-changer, simplifying meal prep and making serving a breeze. Get ready to fall in love with a dish that combines classic taste with modern practicality.

Why These Lasagna Cups Will Be Your New Favorite

There’s a reason these mini lasagnas are rapidly becoming a go-to recipe for home cooks everywhere. They offer a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and versatility that’s hard to beat.

Unbeatable Convenience & Portability

The beauty of these individual lasagna cups lies in their simplicity. They transform a beloved but often elaborate dish into something remarkably easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. No more wrestling with a large, messy casserole; each cup is a self-contained serving. This makes them incredibly portable for potlucks, lunchboxes, or even a quick snack on the go. Plus, the muffin tin method drastically reduces cooking time compared to a full-sized lasagna, getting you to deliciousness much faster.

Flavor-Packed Perfection in Every Bite

Don’t let their small size fool you; these lasagna cups deliver a powerful punch of classic Italian flavor. Each layer of savory Italian sausage, rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella is perfectly balanced, ensuring that every bite is as satisfying as a mouthful of traditional lasagna. The crispy edges from the muffin pan add an extra delightful texture that elevates the entire experience.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner for the family, hosting a lively game day get-together, or preparing elegant appetizers for a holiday party, these lasagna cups fit the bill. They can be served as a hearty main meal alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread, or as a delectable finger food that guests can easily grab and enjoy while mingling. Their universal appeal makes them suitable for a wide range of social events, guaranteeing happy faces all around.

Gather Your Ingredients for Muffin Tin Magic

Crafting these delectable lasagna cups requires a simple list of ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. The key is to select quality components that will build layers of rich, authentic Italian flavor.

The Essential Components:

• Bulk Italian Sausage: The star of our savory filling. Choose hot or sweet based on your preference.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic Italian herbs that adds depth and aromatic richness.
• Egg Roll Wrappers (or Wonton Wrappers): Our innovative substitute for traditional lasagna noodles, providing both structure and a delightful texture.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty, and sharp flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that essential gooey, stretchy, melty goodness.
• Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: Contributes a creamy, slightly sweet element that balances the savory flavors.
• Marinara Sauce: The flavorful foundation that binds all the ingredients together.

Ingredient Spotlight: My Personal Touches

My inspiration for these marvelous cups came from a recipe I first encountered in Allrecipes Magazine. The concept immediately captured my imagination, prompting me to put my own spin on it. Originally calling for ground beef, I opted for robust Italian sausage to introduce a richer, more spiced flavor that truly complements the other ingredients. I also increased the meat quantity from 5 ounces to a more substantial 8 ounces, ensuring a heartier bite in each cup. A dash of extra Italian seasoning further amplifies those classic flavors.

One of the ingenious aspects of this recipe is the use of wrappers instead of traditional pasta. While the original recipe suggested wonton wrappers, I’ve found that egg roll wrappers work equally well, if not better, for my taste. Egg roll wrappers are generally a bit thicker and provide a wonderfully chewier texture, adding a satisfying heft to each lasagna cup. Both options are fantastic, so feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

Initially, I harbored concerns about how easily these delicate cups would release from the muffin pan. To my pleasant surprise, my worries were completely unfounded! They truly are super easy to remove, making the whole process enjoyable from start to finish. This recipe quickly became a beloved staple in my kitchen, and I’m confident it will in yours too.

Crafting Your Delicious Lasagna Cups: Step-by-Step

Follow these straightforward steps to assemble your very own batch of irresistible lasagna cups. Precision in layering ensures even cooking and optimal flavor distribution.

Step 1: Sauté the Savory Sausage

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). While the oven heats, brown your bulk Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks until no pink remains. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat to prevent a greasy final product. Stir in the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then set the seasoned sausage aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Muffin Tin & Wrappers

Generously spray a standard 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray; this is crucial for easy removal. Next, take your egg roll wrappers and use a 2 1/4-inch biscuit cutter to cut out circles. Each standard egg roll wrapper sheet should yield four circles, meaning you’ll need approximately six sheets in total to make 24 circles for 12 cups (two circles per cup). Carefully place one egg roll wrapper circle into the bottom of each muffin cup, gently pressing it down to form a base.

Step 3: Begin the Layering Process

Now, it’s time to build your mini lasagnas! Evenly divide 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, followed by 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, among the 12 cups. Then, carefully spoon half of the ricotta cheese mixture (you can mix it with a fork first to make it smoother), half of the cooked Italian sausage, and half of the marinara sauce into the cups, ensuring each gets an equal share of these flavorful layers.

Step 4: Repeat for Richness

To create a true lasagna experience, we’ll repeat the layers. Place another egg roll wrapper circle on top of the first layer in each cup. Then, distribute the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, the rest of the ricotta cheese, the remaining Italian sausage, and the rest of the marinara sauce evenly among all 12 cups. This double layering ensures a substantial and satisfying mini lasagna.

Step 5: The Grand Cheese Finale

For the ultimate golden, bubbly topping, sprinkle the final 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and the remaining 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of each lasagna cup. This ensures a beautiful cheesy crust once baked.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Carefully transfer the muffin pan to your preheated oven. Bake the lasagna cups for approximately 20 minutes, or until the edges of the wrappers are nicely browned and crispy, and the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent over-browning.

Step 7: Cool, Loosen, and Serve

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the lasagna cups cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. This cooling period is crucial; it allows the cups to set and makes them much easier to remove without falling apart. After cooling, run a sharp knife carefully around the edges of each cup to loosen them, then gently lift them out onto a serving plate. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

Tips & Tricks for Lasagna Cup Success

To ensure your lasagna cups turn out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips and creative variations:

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions

One of the best features of these lasagna cups is their make-ahead potential. You can assemble them completely, up to the point of baking, cover the muffin pan tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

These cups also freeze beautifully! Once baked and fully cooled, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cups to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them directly from the freezer into a preheated oven (around 350°F / 175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave until heated through. This makes them perfect for quick, individual meals!

Customization Ideas: Make Them Your Own!

• Meat Alternatives: If Italian sausage isn’t your preference, feel free to substitute with ground beef, ground turkey, or even a mix of both. Ensure any ground meat is fully cooked and drained before layering.
• Vegetarian Option: For a delightful vegetarian version, swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach (ensure excess water is squeezed out), or finely diced roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
• Spice It Up (or Down!): If you enjoy a little heat, use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce. For a milder flavor, stick with sweet Italian sausage.
• Cheese Blends: Experiment with different cheese combinations. A touch of provolone or fontina can add a unique flavor dimension.
• Herb Boost: Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley stirred into the ricotta mixture or sprinkled on top after baking can add a vibrant freshness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Sticking to the Pan: The most common issue! Ensure you’ve generously coated your muffin pan with nonstick spray. Allowing the cups to cool for the full 10 minutes before attempting removal is also key, as this gives the cheese a chance to firm up slightly.
• Soggy Bottoms: Using thicker egg roll wrappers helps prevent this. Also, thoroughly draining the fat from your sausage and not overloading the cups with too much sauce will ensure a crisper base.

Serve Them Up! Perfect Pairings

These versatile lasagna cups pair wonderfully with a variety of sides, making them a complete and satisfying meal. Consider serving them with a simple Caesar salad or a fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is always a welcome accompaniment to soak up any extra sauce. For a more elaborate meal, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli make a healthy and delicious addition. Enjoy them as a relaxed family dinner, or as a fun, interactive appetizer at your next gathering!

More Italian Inspiration to Savor

If you’re a fan of these delightful lasagna cups and crave more authentic Italian flavors, be sure to explore some of our other cherished recipes:

• Mom’s Meatballs and Marinara Sauce
• Slow Cooker Italian Beef
• Italian Chopped Salad

Lasagna Cups

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 12 cups

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These Lasagna Cups are the classic Italian dish whipped up in your handy dandy muffin pan! Easy to make, easy to eat and perfect for your family dinner, next game day or party. They’re flavor-packed little bites everyone will enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

• 8 oz. bulk Italian sausage, hot or sweet, you choose
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 6 eggroll wrappers
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
• Cook your Italian sausage in a skillet until no longer pink. After the sausage is cooked through, drain the fat and then stir in your salt, pepper and Italian seasoning and set aside.
• Cut 2 1/4-inch circles with a biscuit cutter out of each egg roll wrapper. I got four circles per wrapper, so you’ll need 6 egg roll wrapper sheets. Place an egg roll wrapper circle into the bottom of each muffin cups. Divide 1/4 cup Parmesan, followed by 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella, half the ricotta, half of the Italian sausage and half of the marinara sauce evenly among the cups. You’ll repeat layers with the remaining egg roll wrapper circles, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1/2 cup mozzarella, as well as the remaining ricotta, Italian sausage and marinara sauce.
• Top with the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan and 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake the cups until the edges are browned, about 20 minutes. Cool the cups in the pan for 10 minutes before attempting to remove. Run a sharp knife around the edges of the cups to loosen and then remove from pan to a serving plate.

Notes

You can use ground beef or Italian sausage for this recipe. I used hot Italian sausage for my cups.

I’ve made this recipe numerous times. I use egg roll wrappers for my cups. Egg roll wrapper are slightly thicker than wonton wrappers with a chewier texture that I prefer.

Nutrition

Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 537mg | Potassium: 161mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 330IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 186mg | Iron: 1mg

Keyword: Comfort Food, Italian sausage, lasagna, Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

This recipe is adapted from Allrecipes Magazine, with a few personal twists to make it uniquely delicious.