Easy Lasagna Cups Recipe

Ingredients:

• 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:

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
3. In a large deep skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, crumbling it with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. In the boiling water, add the remaining 3 teaspoons of salt and the pasta shells. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender. Drain and rinse the shells with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
7. Turn each pasta shell inside out and place 24 shells into the prepared muffin pan. Set aside any broken shells for future use.
8. Fill each shell with approximately 2 teaspoons of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the ricotta in each shell.
9. Top each filled shell with about 1 tablespoon of the meat sauce, followed by an even layer of shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cheese is bubbly inside.
11. Let the stuffed shells rest for 10 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 260
• Total Fat: 12g (15% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 5g (26% DV)
• Cholesterol: 54mg (18% DV)
• Sodium: 935mg (41% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 18g (6% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% DV)
• Total Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 20g (41% DV)
• Vitamin C: 2mg (2% DV)
• Calcium: 224mg (17% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (12% DV)
• Potassium: 461mg (10% DV)

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