Easy Lasagna Cups (Just 30 Minutes!)

Short Description

These bite‑sized lasagna cups transform classic flavors into a convenient, crispy mini treat—perfect for parties, quick dinners, or snacks. With savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella nestled in wonton wrappers, they bake up golden in about half an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the satisfaction of lasagna in a handheld bite
• Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy days
• Quick cleanup with a muffin tin and no noodles or layers
• Crowd-pleasing and easy to customize or serve as appetizers

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 wonton wrappers
• ½ pound ground beef or ground turkey
• ½ cup marinara sauce
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or oil for greasing the muffin tin

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat to 375 °F (190 °C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or oil.
2. Cook the Meat Sauce
   In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until softened (about 2–3 minutes). Add ground beef or turkey, breaking up into pieces. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
   Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Lasagna Cups
   Press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, gently folding to fit. Into each cup layer:
   • 1 teaspoon ricotta cheese
   • 1 tablespoon meat sauce
   • 1 tablespoon shredded mozzarella
   • A light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top
4. Bake
   Bake for 15–18 minutes, until cheese is melted and the edges of the wonton wrappers turn golden and crispy.
5. Cool and Serve
   Let the cups cool in the tin for 3–5 minutes. Carefully remove and serve warm.

Servings And Timing

• Makes: 12 cups
• Prep Time: ~10 minutes
• Cook Time: ~15–18 minutes
• Total Time: ~25–30 minutes

Variations

• Swap ground beef with turkey, Italian sausage, or a plant-based ground alternative.
• Use pesto instead of marinara for a different flavor profile.
• Add chopped spinach or mushrooms into the meat sauce for extra veggies.
• Top each cup with chopped fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for garnish.
• Use pepperoni bits or sliced olives for a pizza-style twist.

Storage/Reheating

• To Store: Refrigerate lasagna cups in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Warm in a 325 °F oven for about 5–7 minutes until heated through; or microwave briefly (10–15 seconds) if short on time.
• To Freeze: After cooling, freeze cups in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat as above.

FAQs

What size wonton wrappers should I use?

Standard square wonton wrappers work best—they easily fold into the muffin cups and crisp up nicely.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes—substitute meat with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or sautéed mushrooms with garlic and tomato sauce.

Is ricotta essential?

It’s optional but provides creamy texture. You can omit it or substitute with a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese.

Can I assemble ahead of time?

Yes—fill the muffin tin ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready; you may need an extra minute or two.

How do I keep the bottoms crispy?

Ensure wrappers lie flat inside each muffin cup and avoid excess sauce dripping to the bottom.

Can I use mini muffin tins?

Yes—mini cups make smaller bites. Reduce bake time to 12–15 minutes and fill with less filling.

How much marinara should I use per cup?

Plan for about a tablespoon of meat sauce per cup. Too much sauce may make wrappers soggy.

Can I top with herbs?

Absolutely—fresh basil, parsley, or oregano chopped on top adds a bright finishing touch.

What if cheese doesn’t melt evenly?

Check that oven temperature is accurate. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if needed.

Can I use low-fat cheese or meat?

Yes—you can use lean ground meat and part-skim cheese to lighten the recipe. The flavor remains delicious.

Conclusion

Easy Lasagna Cups are a fun, flavorful, and fast way to enjoy classic lasagna flavors in a neat grab-and-go format. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and quick baking, they’re perfect for party appetizers, family dinners, or meal prep. Customize the fillings to suit your taste, and enjoy a crispy, cheesy bite every time!

Print