Mini Vegetable Lasagna Cups

Mini Vegetable Lasagna Cups

Ingredients:

– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small zucchini, finely chopped
– 1 small yellow squash, finely chopped
– 1 cup finely chopped spinach
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 egg
– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente and cut in half

Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.

2. **Cook the Vegetables**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, zucchini, yellow squash, and spinach. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. **Prepare the Ricotta Mixture**: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

4. **Assemble the Lasagna Cups**:
– Place a half lasagna noodle into each muffin cup, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
– Spoon a small amount of the ricotta mixture into each cup.
– Add a layer of cooked vegetables on top of the ricotta.
– Spoon a small amount of marinara sauce over the vegetables.
– Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
– Repeat the layers one more time if there is enough room, finishing with a final layer of mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

5. **Bake**: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.

6. **Garnish and Serve**: Remove the lasagna cups from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious mini vegetable lasagna cups! These are perfect as appetizers, side dishes, or a light main course.