Description
Miniature Petite Lasagna Cups deliver classic Italian comfort in bite-sized perfection, bringing layers of rich cheese and savory meat to your plate. Compact culinary magic awaits when you craving a delightful twist on traditional lasagna that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound (0.23 kilograms) ground beef
- 6–8 lasagna noodles, cooked and cut into small squares
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Cheese Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Sauté ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until meat is completely browned and no pink remains.
- Remove excess fat from the skillet, then incorporate marinara sauce and traditional Italian seasonings, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
- Create a creamy cheese blend by mixing ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper for enhanced taste.
- Craft individual lasagna layers inside each muffin cavity by first placing a segment of lasagna noodle as the base foundation.
- Carefully spoon beef sauce over the noodle, followed by a dollop of the prepared cheese mixture, repeating the layering process until ingredients are fully utilized.
- Ensure the final layer showcases melted cheese on top for a golden, appetizing appearance.
- Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbles form around the edges.
- Allow petite lasagna cups to rest for 3-4 minutes after removing from oven, enabling them to set and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.
- Swap traditional pasta sheets with gluten-free lasagna noodles to accommodate guests with wheat sensitivities or celiac dietary requirements.
- Consider using part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses to create a lighter version without compromising the creamy texture and taste.
- Try vegetarian alternatives by replacing meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils for a plant-based adaptation of these adorable mini lasagnas.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg