Mini Lasagna Cupcakes with Rich Ragù and Creamy Béchamel

Lasagne Cupcakes Recipe

Category: Main Courses
Servings: 1 serving (adjust as needed)

Lasagne cupcakes are a unique twist on the classic lasagna, served in individual portions that are as delightful as they are delicious. This recipe combines tender homemade pasta with a rich ragù sauce, creamy béchamel, and layers of melted cheese, all packed into cute cupcake forms. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a fun family meal, these lasagne cupcakes are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pasta:
   Start by making the homemade pasta. On a clean, flat surface (like a large cutting board or countertop), place the all-purpose flour and create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well, and gently whisk them with a fork, gradually incorporating the flour. Once the dough starts to come together, knead it with your hands until smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

2. Make the Ragù Sauce:
   While the dough rests, prepare the ragù sauce. Begin by finely chopping the carrot, celery, and onion. In a large saucepan, melt the 40g of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté them for about 15 minutes until they soften and develop a slight golden color. Next, add the crumbled sausage to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Pour in the red wine and let it cook for a few minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.

3. Simmer the Ragù:
   Add the tomato paste to the pan, followed by the beef broth. Stir to combine and adjust with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. After this, add the tomato passata to the mixture and continue cooking on low heat for at least 50 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.

4. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:
   In a separate saucepan, melt the 25g of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, sprinkle in the 25g of flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Cook for a minute or two to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the béchamel sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Add a pinch of nutmeg, and season with salt to taste. Set the béchamel aside.

5. Roll Out and Cut the Pasta:
   After the dough has rested, roll it out using a pasta machine. Begin with the thickest setting and gradually work your way to the thinnest setting. Once you have thin sheets of pasta, cut 12 squares, each about 10 cm on each side. Then, from the remaining dough, cut out 12 circles, each with a diameter of approximately 6 cm.

6. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the square pasta sheets into the water and blanch them for just a few seconds. Remove the pasta and let it cool on a clean kitchen towel.

7. Assemble the Lasagne Cupcakes:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter. Begin layering the lasagne in the muffin cups by placing one square of pasta at the bottom of each muffin tin. Next, add a layer of ragù sauce, followed by a spoonful of béchamel. Then, add one of the pasta circles, pressing it down gently to fit. Repeat the layers, alternating between ragù and béchamel, finishing with a final layer of pasta.

8. Bake the Lasagne Cupcakes:
   Once each cupcake is assembled, sprinkle the top with grated Grana Padano cheese. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

9. Serve and Enjoy:
   After baking, let the lasagne cupcakes rest for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm and enjoy the rich flavors of this delicious individual lasagne twist.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

These lasagne cupcakes are an elegant and delicious way to serve the classic Italian dish in individual portions. Perfect for a cozy family meal or a fancy dinner party, they combine the flavors of traditional lasagna with the novelty of a cupcake format. The rich, savory ragù sauce, creamy béchamel, and melt-in-your-mouth pasta are sure to make these cupcakes a hit!