Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe

Hearty Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe: A Dreamy Breakfast Delight

Crafting delightful baked oatmeal cups brings morning magic right to your breakfast table.

Morning routines suddenly sparkle with these compact nutrition powerhouses.

Portable and packed with wholesome ingredients, these little cups solve busy breakfast challenges.

Each morsel promises a perfect balance of flavor and health.

Simple pantry staples combine into something extraordinary that will impress everyone around you.

Minimal prep work means maximum satisfaction for hungry souls seeking quick, nutritious options.

FAQs For Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, this pasta soup is perfect for children. It’s packed with hidden vegetables like spinach and carrots, and the cheesy topping makes it extra appealing to kids.

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! You can swap the pasta for any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. Just ensure cooking times remain similar to the original recipe.

  • Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Definitely. The recipe includes protein from beef, vegetables for nutrients, and calcium from cheese, creating a well-rounded one-pot meal that provides multiple food groups.

  • How spicy is this soup?

Not spicy at all. The Italian seasoning adds flavor without heat, making it mild and suitable for all age groups and taste preferences.

Why Baked Oatmeal Cups Make Mornings Easier

  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Craft a hearty, filling meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy families craving a delicious dinner solution.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack multiple food groups into one pot, combining lean protein from beef, vitamins from vegetables, and comforting pasta for a balanced, satisfying meal.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for ground turkey, adding different vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match your family's taste preferences.
  • One-Pot Kitchen Magic: Minimize cleanup with this single-pot recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy soup loaded with Italian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Baked Oatmeal Cups

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A protein-packed ingredient that provides a rich and hearty base for the soup.
  • Pasta: A classic comfort food that adds substance and texture to the dish.
  • Marinara Sauce: A tomato-based sauce that brings a tangy and authentic Italian flavor to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrot, Spinach: A trio of vegetables that add nutrition, depth of flavor, and vibrant color to the recipe.
  • Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile of the soup.
Seasonings and Cheese:
  • Italian Seasoning, Bay Leaf: A blend of herbs that provides traditional Italian taste and aroma.
  • Beef Broth, Tomato Sauce: Liquid ingredients that create a flavorful and moist base for the soup.
  • Mozzarella, Ricotta, Parmesan Cheese: A combination of cheeses that add creaminess and rich flavor to the dish.
  • Fresh Basil: A fragrant herb that brings a fresh and bright finishing touch to the soup.
Cooking Oils:
  • Olive Oil: A healthy oil used for sautéing and adding a subtle flavor to the base of the soup.

Simple Steps To Make Baked Oatmeal Cups

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 4: Add Mix-Ins

Fold in your favorite mix-ins such as:
  • Chopped berries
  • Sliced almonds
  • Chocolate chips
  • Diced apples
  • Shredded coconut

Step 5: Fill Muffin Tin

Grease a standard muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. Carefully spoon the oatmeal mixture into each cup, filling them nearly to the top.

Step 6: Bake Oatmeal Cups

Place the muffin tin in a preheated oven. Bake until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the oatmeal cups from the oven. Let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Store and Enjoy

Store cooled oatmeal cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or enjoy at room temperature.

Helpful Tips For Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier soup base.
  • Choose fresh spinach for maximum nutritional value and vibrant color in the dish.
  • Use homemade marinara sauce for a richer, more authentic flavor profile if possible.
  • Select short pasta shapes like rotini or penne that hold sauce well and are easier to eat in soup.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina or provolone for unique taste variations.

Tasty Add-Ins For Baked Oatmeal Cups

  • Zesty Mediterranean Variation: Replace marinara sauce with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and add crumbled feta cheese. Incorporate oregano and rosemary for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwestern Spin: Swap marinara for salsa, include black beans, and sprinkle chili powder. Top with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro for a bold kick.
  • Vegetarian Green Goddess Version: Substitute ground beef with lentils or quinoa. Increase vegetable content by adding zucchini and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Creamy Tuscan Style: Stir in heavy cream and white wine before adding pasta. Include roasted garlic, spinach, and substitute mozzarella with provolone cheese for a rich, luxurious texture.

What To Serve With Baked Oatmeal Cups

  • Boost Flavor Harmony: Pair this hearty beef pasta soup with crisp, acidic white wines like Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness.
  • Wine Complement: Italian Sangiovese or Chianti provide robust red wine options that match the tomato and beef flavors perfectly.
  • Bread Sidekick: Serve with crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta to soak up the delicious broth and add textural contrast.
  • Fresh Herb Accent: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or add a small arugula salad with light lemon vinaigrette to brighten the entire meal.

How To Store Baked Oatmeal Cups For Later

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
  • Pour soup into a pot and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or water to restore original consistency if needed. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm, about 5-7 minutes.
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Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe

Baked Oatmeal Cups Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 20-26 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delightful Baked Oatmeal Cups bring wholesome breakfast magic to morning tables with minimal effort. Packed with hearty oats, sweet berries, and warm spices, these portable treats offer a nutritious start you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large carrot, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups finely chopped fresh spinach

Pasta and Sauce:

  • 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) campanelle, gigli, radiatore pasta, or broken lasagna noodles
  • 24 ounces (680 grams) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
  • 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) beef broth (preferably low-sodium)

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf

Garnish:

  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil

Cooking Fat:

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with cooking spray.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, creating a uniform dry mixture.
  3. Whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted butter in a separate container until thoroughly blended.
  4. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  5. Fold in chopped nuts and selected fresh or frozen berries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Carefully spoon the mixture into prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
  7. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the oatmeal cups cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  9. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally drizzling with additional maple syrup or topping with a dollop of yogurt.

Notes

  • Customize pasta choice by using gluten-free or whole wheat varieties for different dietary needs.
  • Reduce sodium content by selecting low-sodium marinara sauce and broth.
  • Create a vegetarian version by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils.
  • Enhance meal prep by making larger batches and freezing individual portions for quick future meals.
  • Prep Time: 5-7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-19 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 440 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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