Introduction
Delicious Lasagna Cups are a fun, creative twist on traditional lasagna. Instead of layering everything in a large baking dish, these are baked in muffin tins to create perfectly portioned, handheld servings. They’re loaded with savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and tender pasta layers. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or even meal prep, these cups offer all the classic lasagna flavors in a bite-sized form.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Filling
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
Pinch of salt and pepper
For Assembly
12 wonton wrappers (or cooked lasagna noodles, cut to fit muffin tins)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Cooking spray
Instructions
Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened. Add ground beef, cook until browned, then drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Make the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Assemble the Cups: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.
Place a wonton wrapper in the bottom of each cup.
Spoon a little meat sauce on top, then a layer of ricotta mixture, then some mozzarella.
Add another wonton wrapper on top and repeat layers (sauce, ricotta, mozzarella).
Bake: Bake uncovered for 18–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly, and edges are golden.
Cool and Serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before removing from muffin tin. Serve warm.
Description
These Delicious Lasagna Cups are mini layers of comfort. The crispy wonton edges add a delightful crunch, while the inside is filled with rich, saucy layers of beef, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella. They deliver the full flavor of lasagna in a convenient, personal-sized serving that’s as fun to eat as it is tasty.
Tips
Use wonton wrappers for an easy shortcut—they crisp up beautifully.
If using lasagna noodles, cut them into circles to fit the muffin tin.
Let the cups cool slightly before removing to keep them intact.
Make ahead: assemble and refrigerate before baking, or freeze baked cups and reheat.
Variations
Vegetarian: Use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach instead of meat.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
White lasagna cups: Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara.
Cheese lovers: Add provolone or fontina along with mozzarella.
Mini Mexican cups: Use taco meat, salsa, and cheddar cheese instead of Italian flavors.
Correction
A common mistake is overfilling the muffin cups, which causes the layers to spill over. Keep layers light to ensure neat, structured cups. Another issue is removing them too soon—let them rest for a few minutes so the cheese sets and the cups hold their shape.
Enjoy
Serve Delicious Lasagna Cups as a fun appetizer, a kid-friendly dinner, or even a party snack. Each bite delivers the comfort of lasagna in a perfectly portioned package—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and full of flavor.