Mini Lasagna Cups are a fun and easy twist on traditional lasagna. Made with frozen spinach and cheese ravioli, these bite-sized cups are layered with a homemade sauce and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. They’re perfect for kids to help prepare, providing a tasty, personalized version of lasagna in muffin tin portions.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 bag (24 ounces) frozen spinach and cheese ravioli

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) chopped tomatoes

• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 1 small carrot, chopped

• 1 clove garlic

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella

• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the ravioli and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool enough to handle.

2. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Brush the cups of a 12-cup muffin tin with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and set aside.

3. In a blender, combine the tomatoes, Italian seasoning, carrot, garlic, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Blend until well combined, but still a little chunky. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of sauce into each muffin cup. Top with one ravioli, then add 1 teaspoon of sauce and 1 teaspoon of mozzarella. Repeat twice so that each cup has 3 raviolis, sauce, and mozzarella.

5. Evenly divide the remaining sauce among the cups. Top each cup with 1 tablespoon of mozzarella and 1/4 teaspoon of Parmesan.

6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, 1 mini lasagna cup)

• Calories: 200

• Protein: 10g

• Fat: 12g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

• Carbohydrates: 20g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugars: 3g

• Sodium: 400mg

• Cholesterol: 25mg

• Calcium: 180mg

• Iron: 2.5mg

• Vitamin A: 500IU

• Vitamin C: 5mg

Why Mini Lasagna Cups?

The concept of mini lasagna cups offers several advantages over traditional lasagna. The individual portions make them easy to serve and can be tailored to individual preferences, making them an excellent choice for families with different tastes. Additionally, the muffin tin format allows for efficient cooking, with each cup baking evenly and ensuring that the layers of cheese, sauce, and ravioli get the perfect level of heat and crispiness.

These mini versions also allow for more variety. You can easily adjust the ingredients, adding or removing vegetables, changing the type of cheese, or even making them vegetarian by swapping out the meat. The compact size also makes them ideal for meal prep, as you can make a batch of mini lasagna cups and store them for later, offering a convenient and easy-to-reheat meal option.

The Comfort of Ravioli in a New Format

Ravioli, typically a small, stuffed pasta, serves as the base for the mini lasagna cups. Using frozen spinach and cheese ravioli not only simplifies the recipe but also adds a rich and flavorful filling. The ravioli already contains cheese and spinach, which are two core components of traditional lasagna. This makes the recipe quicker to prepare while still providing the beloved flavors of lasagna without the need to layer pasta sheets.

Using ravioli in this way also contributes to the delightful texture of the mini lasagna cups. The ravioli retains its shape and absorbs the sauce and cheese as it bakes, creating a satisfying, comforting bite. The result is a mini lasagna that has the perfect ratio of pasta, sauce, and cheese, with each bite offering a balanced combination of creamy and savory elements.

Homemade Tomato Sauce for the Perfect Flavor

The homemade tomato sauce in the mini lasagna cups is made by blending chopped tomatoes with Italian seasoning, carrots, and garlic. This fresh, flavorful sauce is the perfect complement to the ravioli, adding a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese. The addition of carrots gives the sauce a subtle sweetness and a hint of texture, while the garlic adds depth and aromatic warmth.

Making your own sauce allows you to control the flavor and quality of the ingredients, ensuring a fresher taste than store-bought options. The blend of Italian seasoning adds herbs and spices like oregano and basil, which enhance the authenticity of the sauce, making it a perfect base for the ravioli and cheese. Plus, the homemade sauce is chunky, which gives the mini lasagna cups an inviting, hearty texture, further contributing to the comfort-food experience.

The Appeal of Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan

Cheese is an integral part of any lasagna, and these mini lasagna cups are no exception. The combination of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan gives the cups a delicious, gooey, and slightly crispy finish. Mozzarella cheese is perfect for melting, and it forms the soft, cheesy base that binds the layers together. As the mini lasagna cups bake, the mozzarella becomes beautifully melted and bubbly, creating a delightful texture that contrasts with the crispy top and edges.

Parmesan cheese, on the other hand, provides a sharp, salty bite that complements the richness of the mozzarella. Sprinkling Parmesan on top of the mini lasagna cups before baking adds an extra layer of flavor and creates a beautiful golden-brown crust as the cheese crisps up in the oven. This combination of cheeses ensures that every bite is packed with the indulgent, savory taste that makes lasagna so beloved.

Baking in Muffin Tins: The Perfect Solution

Baking lasagna in muffin tins is a brilliant way to create individual servings while ensuring even cooking. Each mini lasagna cup is perfectly portioned, making them easy to serve and eat. The muffin tin format also ensures that the ravioli and cheese cook evenly, with each cup receiving the perfect amount of heat. This method also reduces cooking time compared to traditional lasagna, making it a more efficient and convenient option for weeknight meals.

The muffin tin format is especially fun for kids, as they can help with the assembly of the mini lasagna cups. It’s a hands-on activity that lets them be involved in the cooking process while learning about portion control and the ingredients that go into their food. The mini cups are easy to handle and serve, making them perfect for smaller hands and a great way to introduce children to cooking and trying new foods.

Health Benefits and Customization Options

While the mini lasagna cups are indulgent, they also offer opportunities to include healthier ingredients. The use of frozen spinach and cheese ravioli adds nutritional value to the dish by providing a serving of vegetables and calcium from the cheese. You can also make the recipe even healthier by using whole-grain ravioli or adding extra vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, into the sauce for added fiber and vitamins.

Additionally, the recipe can be customized to suit dietary preferences. If you’re looking to reduce dairy intake, you can use plant-based cheeses or skip the cheese entirely for a lighter version. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace the cheese ravioli with a meatless variety or add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables into the sauce. The customizable nature of this recipe makes it versatile and adaptable to a wide range of diets and preferences.

Kid-Friendly and Family-Friendly Meal

One of the main appeals of the mini lasagna cups is their kid-friendly nature. They are fun to make, fun to eat, and packed with the flavors that kids already enjoy. The individual portions allow children to try a new, fun version of lasagna that they can hold in their hands, making the meal more interactive. Whether for lunch, dinner, or a snack, these mini cups are the perfect way to introduce children to the joys of lasagna without the mess of traditional lasagna layers.

The bite-sized nature of the mini lasagna cups makes them ideal for portion control as well, allowing families to enjoy a comforting meal without overeating. It’s also a great way to encourage kids to try new ingredients, like spinach, which is hidden in the ravioli but still provides important nutrients like iron and vitamins. These mini cups are not only a delicious family meal but also a fun activity for everyone to participate in together.

Perfect for Parties and Gatherings

Mini Lasagna Cups are not just for kids—these bite-sized lasagna servings are perfect for parties, gatherings, and potlucks. Their portable size makes them easy to serve and eat without the need for utensils, making them a great finger food option. You can prepare them ahead of time and bake them just before your guests arrive, ensuring that they are hot, crispy, and ready to serve.

Whether you’re hosting a casual family get-together or a more formal gathering, mini lasagna cups will be a hit. They are easy to transport and serve, and their individual portions make them a perfect choice for buffets or snack tables. Plus, they can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a day or two, making them a stress-free option for busy hosts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mini Lasagna Cups offer a fun, easy, and customizable twist on traditional lasagna. With their individual servings, these bite-sized cups are perfect for kids and adults alike. The combination of spinach and cheese ravioli, homemade tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese results in a satisfying, flavorful meal that is both comforting and nutritious. Whether for a weeknight dinner, a kid-friendly lunch, or a party appetizer, Mini Lasagna Cups are a versatile and delicious option that everyone will enjoy. The ease of preparation, the customizable nature of the recipe, and the ability to make it ahead of time make these mini cups a go-to choice for any occasion.