Mini Lasagna Cupcakes are a fun, bite-sized version of the classic lasagna, packed with layers of pasta, rich marinara sauce, gooey cheese, and seasoned ground meat. Each “cupcake” is baked in a muffin tin, creating individual servings that are easy to eat and perfect for parties, meal prep, or a fun twist on traditional lasagna.
The first time I made these, I wanted to make lasagna in a way that would be more portable and easy to serve, and these mini lasagna cupcakes were the perfect solution! The pasta layers hold everything together, while the gooey cheese and savory sauce create that comforting lasagna flavor. What I love most about these is how you can easily customize them—add vegetables like spinach or zucchini, use a different type of cheese, or even swap in ground turkey for a lighter version. Mini Lasagna Cupcakes are perfect for a fun, individual-sized meal that everyone will love!
Perfect for:
- Family gatherings
- Parties
- Game nights
- Meal prep
- Lasagna lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Mini Lasagna Cupcakes will become your go-to comfort food:
- Deliciously Savory: The combination of marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
- Bite-Sized Perfection: These individual servings are perfect for portion control and easy to serve.
- Fun Twist on Tradition: A creative and fun way to enjoy the classic lasagna in a portable form.
- Perfectly Layered: Each cupcake has the ideal balance of meat, cheese, and sauce.
- Crowd-Pleasing: They’re great for sharing and making sure everyone gets a taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These mini cupcakes can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for busy schedules.
- Easy to Serve: No need to worry about slicing and serving—just grab and go!
- Customizable Fillings: Feel free to adjust the fillings by adding veggies or swapping ground beef for turkey or chicken.
- Comfort Food in a Cup: These cupcakes deliver all the comfort of lasagna in a fun and bite-sized format.
- Freezable: Make a big batch and freeze some for later use—great for quick meals.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
For the Lasagna Cups:
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Highlights
- Wonton Wrappers: Provide a quick and easy base for each mini lasagna cup.
- Ground Beef: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish, but you can substitute with turkey or chicken.
- Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato sauce that ties all the layers together.
- Ricotta and Mozzarella: These cheeses create the creamy, melty layers we love in lasagna.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Lasagna Filling:
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Season the Meat: Stir in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Stir until well combined.
Assemble the Mini Lasagna Cups:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Muffin Tin: Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Place one wonton wrapper in each cup, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides.
- Layer the Filling: Add a spoonful of the ground beef mixture, followed by a spoonful of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled, ending with the cheese mixture.
- Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of each cup.
Bake the Lasagna Cups:
- 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 wonton wrappers are golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Let the mini lasagna cupcakes cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the muffin tin.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Mini Lasagna Cupcakes:
- For Game Night: Serve with a side of garlic bread for a delicious and fun dinner.
- As Appetizers: These mini cupcakes are perfect for serving at parties or as appetizers.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- For Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and store in the fridge for an easy meal during the week.
- For Family Dinners: Great for kids and adults alike—everyone can enjoy their own personal serving.
- For Potlucks: Bring them to a potluck or get-together where they’re sure to be a hit.
- As a Snack: These cupcakes are also perfect for a savory afternoon snack.
- With Marinara Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra marinara on the side for dipping.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables for added nutrition.
- For Lunch: These cupcakes make for an easy and filling lunch.
Additional Tips
- Crispy Wonton Wrappers: Bake the lasagna cups a little longer to get a crispier texture if you prefer a crunchy base.
- Layering: Ensure each layer is evenly spread out for the best balance of flavors in each bite.
- Customizable Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the beef mixture for a veggie-packed version.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Freezing: Freeze the uncooked cupcakes on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for easy storage. Bake from frozen for 30-35 minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Lasagna Cupcakes: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian version.
- Chicken Lasagna Cupcakes: Swap the beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free wonton wrappers or substitute with gluten-free pasta sheets.
- Spinach and Ricotta Only: Make a cheese-only version by using ricotta, spinach, and mozzarella.
- Spicy Lasagna Cupcakes: Add chorizo or spicy sausage to the meat filling for a bold flavor.
- Mexican Lasagna Cupcakes: Swap marinara for salsa and add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning for a fun twist.
Special Equipment
- Muffin Tin: Essential for making these individual servings.
- Skillet: For cooking the ground beef and mixing the sauce.
- Spoon or Ice Cream Scoop: To evenly distribute the fillings into the muffin tin.
- Sharp Knife: To cut any larger wonton wrappers or adjust the shape.
- Offset Spatula: For spreading the cheese mixture evenly.
FAQ Section
- Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of wonton wrappers?
Yes, you can cut cooked lasagna noodles into smaller pieces to fit the muffin tin. - Can I freeze the mini lasagna cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. - Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use a combination of ricotta, spinach, and your favorite veggies for a vegetarian version. - Can I use a different cheese in the filling?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or goat cheese. - How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, you can add roasted or sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. - What’s the best way to reheat them?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes. - Can I make these without meat?
Yes, make them with just cheese and vegetables for a meatless option. - How do I prevent the wonton wrappers from becoming soggy?
Make sure the layers are well-drained and bake until crispy for the best texture. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two muffin tins if you need more servings.
Conclusion
Mini Lasagna Cupcakes are a fun and creative twist on traditional lasagna, offering all the delicious layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and sauce in individual, bite-sized portions. These mini lasagnas are made by layering pasta sheets, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and seasoned ground beef or beef sausage in a muffin tin, then baking until bubbly and golden. The result is a perfectly portioned, handheld version of the classic comfort food, making them perfect for parties, family dinners, or meal prep.
These mini lasagna cupcakes are easily customizable with your favorite ingredients, such as sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, or different types of cheese. They’re great served on their own or with a side of garlic bread or salad for a complete meal.
I can’t wait to see how your Mini Lasagna Cupcakes turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!