Easy Lasagna Cups

5.0
(5)

These easy lasagna cups taste like the crunchy delicious edges of a lasagna. Made with inside-out pasta shells, filled with meat sauce and cheese, they're a terrific 2-bite lasagna appetizer.

1
round plate of pasta shell lasagna cups
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
55 mins
Stand Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Servings:
12
Yield:
12 lasagna cups
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • 1 pound lean ground beef

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion

  • 1 (24 ounce) jar prepared marinara sauce

  • 4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 (12 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Directions

round plate of pasta shell lasagna cups

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan.

  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.

  3. Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, crumbling with a spoon, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes; drain any excess grease. Add onion and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in marinara, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring often.

  4. Add remaining 3 teaspoons salt and pasta to boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and drain well. 

  5. Turn pasta shells inside out and place 24 shells into the prepared muffin pan. Save any broken or remaining shells for another use.

  6. Fill each shell with about 2 teaspoons ricotta and sprinkle 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the ricotta. Top with about 1 tablespoon meat sauce and top evenly with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.

  7. Bake in the preheated oven until slightly golden around the edges and bubbly inside, about 15 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.

    round plate of pasta shell lasagna cups

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

260 Calories
12g Fat
18g Carbs
20g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 260
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g 15%
Saturated Fat 5g 26%
Cholesterol 54mg 18%
Sodium 935mg 41%
Total Carbohydrate 18g 6%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 20g 41%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 224mg 17%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 461mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.