Easy Lasagna Cups

If you love classic lasagna but don’t always have the time (or patience) to layer a full baking dish, these Easy Lasagna Cups are the perfect solution. They deliver all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta but in individual, perfectly portioned cups that bake faster and serve easier.

Lasagna cups are ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, parties, or even meal prep. They’re baked in a muffin tin, which means crispy edges, melty centers, and no messy slicing. Each cup is its own little serving of comfort food.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hosting guests, or just craving something warm and cheesy, this recipe gives you everything you love about lasagna in a simpler, more convenient form.

How to Make Mini Lasagna Cups 

What Are Easy Lasagna Cups?

Easy Lasagna Cups are a mini, handheld version of classic lasagna made by layering lasagna noodles, meat sauce, and cheese inside a muffin pan. Instead of building one large casserole, you assemble small portions that bake evenly and come out perfectly shaped.

They taste just like traditional lasagna but:

• Cook faster
• Are easier to serve
• Are great for portion control
• Work well for freezing and reheating

Because each cup is separate, they’re also great for kids, lunchboxes, and party platters.

If you enjoy comfort style recipes like Irresistibly Cheesy Taco Sticks or Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Wings, these lasagna cups fit right into that cozy, crowd pleasing category.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavor of classic lasagna, less effort
• Perfect individual portions
• Crispy edges with a soft, cheesy center
• Easy to customize
• Freezer friendly
• Great for meal prep and leftovers

This is one of those recipes that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients (with measurements):

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and cut in half
  This makes 18 noodle pieces for standard muffin tins.
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  Use lean meat to avoid excess grease.
• 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
  Store-bought or homemade both work.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
  Whole milk ricotta gives the creamiest texture.
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  For that classic melty lasagna pull.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  Adds salty, savory depth.
• 1 egg
  Helps the ricotta layer set.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add Ins:

• ½ cup sautéed spinach or mushrooms
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Ingredient Notes

• Lasagna noodles: Regular noodles work best. No boil noodles don’t shape as well in muffin tins.
• Ricotta mixture: The egg helps hold everything together.
• Meat: Ground turkey is lighter; beef adds richness.
• Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre shredded.

How to Make Easy Lasagna Cups

This recipe comes together in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles until just al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper so they don’t stick.

Cut each noodle in half crosswise.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.

This layer gives the lasagna cups their creamy center.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Cups

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard muffin tin.

Press one half noodle into each muffin cup, gently shaping it to form a bowl.

Add layers:

1. Spoon meat sauce into the noodle cup
2. Add a dollop of ricotta mixture
3. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese

Repeat layers once more if space allows, finishing with mozzarella on top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are lightly golden.

Let rest for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.

Step 6: Serve

Carefully lift each lasagna cup out using a spoon. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Serve warm.

Recipe Tips for Best Results

• Don’t overcook noodles they should still be firm
• Grease muffin tin well to prevent sticking
• Let cups rest before removing
• Use a spoon to lift gently
• Don’t overfill lasagna expands slightly while baking

Variations and Customizations

1. Vegetarian Lasagna Cups

Skip meat and use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or lentils.

2. Chicken Lasagna Cups

Use cooked shredded chicken and Alfredo or marinara sauce.

3. Spicy Lasagna Cups

Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.

4. Low Carb Version

Use thin zucchini slices instead of noodles.

5. Extra Cheesy Cups

Add a layer of provolone or extra mozzarella.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Ideas:

• Serve with garlic bread
• Pair with a green salad
• Add roasted vegetables on the side
• Great for parties and potlucks

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days

Reheating:

• Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes
• Air fryer: 350°F for 4–5 minutes
• Microwave: Use short intervals

Freezing Tip:

• Freeze baked cups individually
• Store for up to 2 months
• Reheat directly from frozen in oven

Nutritional Notes (Approx. per cup)

• Calories: 280–320
• Protein: 18–22g
• Fat: 12–14g
• Carbs: 20–24g

Values depend on meat and cheese used.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Cups falling apart: Let them cool slightly before removing
• Too greasy: Use lean meat and drain well
• Dry cups: Add more sauce
• Sticking to pan: Grease muffin tin generously

FAQs About Easy Lasagna Cups

1. Can I make lasagna cups ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze baked or unbaked cups.

3. Can I use no-boil noodles?
Not recommended—they don’t bend easily.

4. Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, they’re perfect for kids and lunchboxes.

5. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, blended cottage cheese works well.

Why This Recipe Works

• Individual portions cook evenly
• Easier than traditional lasagna
• Perfect balance of sauce, cheese, and pasta
• Great texture with crispy edges
• Ideal for meal prep and freezing

This is comfort food made practical.

Conclusion

Easy Lasagna Cups give you everything you love about classic lasagna in a faster, easier, and more fun format. With layers of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese, they’re comforting, filling, and incredibly satisfying.

They’re perfect for busy nights, gatherings, or make ahead meals. Once you try them, you’ll see why these little lasagna cups are a favorite with both kids and adults.