When comfort food meets convenience, magic happens — and that’s exactly what you get with these Easy Lasagna Cups. Baked to perfection in a muffin tin, these bite-sized delights deliver all the cheesy, meaty satisfaction of traditional lasagna without the hassle of layers and long bake times. They’re ideal for busy weeknights, party appetizers, or lunchbox surprises that disappear in minutes.

Each cup features perfectly curled pasta nests filled with savory meat sauce and melted cheese, forming a golden crown that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving something hearty and fun, these lasagna cups are a delicious twist on a classic favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lasagna Cups

These lasagna cups are not only incredibly delicious, but also ridiculously easy to put together. Their individual portions make them perfect for serving at gatherings, packing in lunchboxes, or freezing for later. You get all the beloved layers of classic lasagna — pasta, meat, sauce, and cheese — in a fraction of the time.

Plus, they’re super customizable. Swap in ground turkey or mushrooms for the beef, try ricotta for a creamy center, or load them with veggies. The result? An endlessly adaptable recipe that never gets boring.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe, gather your kitchen tools to streamline the process and ensure perfect results every time.

Muffin Tin: The star of this recipe. A standard 12-cup muffin tin helps form and bake the pasta into individual cups.
Large Pot: For boiling the lasagna noodles until al dente.
Mixing Bowls: Handy for preparing and combining the meat and sauce mixture.
Skillet or Sauté Pan: Essential for browning the ground beef and onions.
Cheese Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded varieties.
Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Useful for carefully removing and assembling the cooked noodles into the muffin tin.

Using the right tools makes preparation quicker, neater, and more enjoyable. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for the Easy Lasagna Cups

Lasagna Noodles: These wide, sturdy noodles form the crispy, crimped cups and hold all the lasagna goodness inside.
Ground Beef: Brings the savory, hearty flavor that defines classic lasagna.
Onion & Garlic: Adds depth and aroma to the meat sauce.
Marinara Sauce: A rich, tomato-based sauce binds the beef and adds moisture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey, golden perfection on top of each cup.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharpness and a nutty finish that complements the mozzarella.
Fresh Parsley: Offers a pop of color and freshness.
Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper: Kitchen essentials to cook and season everything beautifully.

How To Make the Easy Lasagna Cups

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and cut each noodle in half. These halves will be curled into muffin cups.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.

Step 3: Shape the Cups

Spray the muffin tin with nonstick spray. Curl one half-noodle around the inside of each muffin cup to form a circle, then press a small piece of noodle into the bottom to close the base.

Step 4: Fill the Cups

Spoon the meat sauce into each noodle cup. Top with a mix of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let cool slightly, then garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your perfect bite-sized lasagna!

Serving and Storing These Mini Lasagna Bites

These lasagna cups are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the cheese is melty and golden. Serve them as a main course with a side salad or roasted veggies, or as a fun appetizer at your next gathering.

To store, let the cups cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the noodles from tearing when shaping the cups?

Make sure the noodles are cooked until just al dente. Overcooked noodles can tear easily, while undercooked ones won’t bend properly. Handle them gently with tongs.

Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?

It’s best to use regular lasagna noodles that you boil. Oven-ready noodles don’t become flexible enough for shaping into cups.

What’s a good substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well. You can also use sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna cups and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them pre- or post-bake for meal prepping.

What cheeses can I use besides mozzarella and Parmesan?

Try a blend of Italian cheeses, or add ricotta to the center for a creamy surprise.

How do I keep them from sticking to the muffin tin?

Use a generous amount of nonstick spray or line with silicone muffin liners to prevent sticking.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you loved these Easy Lasagna Cups, here are more pasta recipes you need to try next:

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for a cheesy, hearty weeknight dinner.
Cheesesteak Tortellini Bliss for a bold, savory twist.
One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta for easy elegance in under 30 minutes.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for classic comfort food with a kick.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for your next pasta-night hit.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap the beef for turkey? Add extra cheese? I love hearing how you make these your own. Got questions? Drop them below — let’s make dinnertime fun and stress-free!