Craving lasagna but short on time? These Lasagna Cups are a busy cook’s dream come true. Made with simple ingredients like wonton wrappers, a rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese, they deliver all the comfort of a classic Italian dish in a fraction of the time. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a game day snack, or freezer-friendly meal prep. This 30-minute recipe is a must-try for any family meal.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So fast. Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Simple cleanup. Each portion is mess-free.
- Perfect for meal prep. Store and reheat easily.
- Kid-friendly. The small size makes them a hit.
- Customizable. Add your favorite meats or veggies.
What You’ll Need to Make Lasagna Cups
Ingredients:
- 12 wonton wrappers
- ½ lb ground beef or 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 minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil
Tools:
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Skillet
- Spoon
How to Make Lasagna Cups Step by Step
- Prep the Oven and Pan. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray or grease a 12-cup muffin tin. This stops them from sticking.
- Cook the Meat. Put a skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they are soft. Next, add the ground meat. Use your spoon to break it up. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink.
- Make the Sauce. Now, stir the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Let it simmer for a few minutes. Then, take the skillet off the heat.
- Assemble the Cups. Take a wonton wrapper and gently press it into each slot of the muffin tin. It’s okay if the sides fold up.
- Layer the Ingredients. In each wrapper cup, add the layers in this order:
- 1 teaspoon of ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon of the meat sauce mixture
- 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese
- A small sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
- Bake Them. Place the muffin tin in the oven. Bake for about 15-18 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. The wonton edges should be golden brown and crispy.
- Cool Down. Let the lasagna cups cool in the tin for 3-5 minutes. This helps them firm up so you can remove them easily.
- Serve. Use a spoon or spatula to carefully lift them out of the tin. Serve them warm and enjoy!
How to Serve
Serve these mini lasagnas warm. They are a great appetizer or a main course. They’re perfect on their own or with a simple side dish.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Let them cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. This keeps the wonton wrapper crispy. You can also microwave them, but the wonton wrapper will get soft.
Make-Ahead
You can assemble the lasagna cups and store them in the fridge overnight before baking. This is a great way to save time on a busy day.
Special Tips
- Don’t overfill the cups. This prevents a messy overflow.
- Use wonton wrappers. They are the key to this quick recipe. They bake up perfectly crisp.
- Grease the muffin tin well. This is super important so the cups don’t stick.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Use sauteed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini instead of meat.
- White Lasagna: Swap the marinara for Alfredo sauce and add cooked, shredded chicken.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the sauce for a kick.
- Low-Carb: Use thin slices of zucchini instead of wonton wrappers.
Side Dishes
These lasagna cups pair well with simple sides.
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping.
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not greasing the tin. This is the number one cause of sticking.
- Overfilling. Too much filling can make a mess and cause the cups to get soggy.
- Using raw lasagna noodles. These will not cook in time. Cook them first and then cut them to fit. The wonton wrappers are the fastest choice.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze these lasagna cups?
A: Yes! After baking, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheat them from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
Q: Are these good for meal prep?
A: Yes, absolutely. They are perfect for preparing lunches for the week. They hold up well in the fridge for up to 4 days and are great for a quick and easy lunch.
Q: What if I can’t find wonton wrappers?
A: You can use cooked lasagna noodles. Boil them, then cut them into squares to fit the muffin tin cups. However, this will increase your prep time. The wonton wrappers are what make this recipe so fast and easy.
Q: Can I use different cheeses?
A: Yes. Feel free to use a blend of Italian cheeses. Provolone or a blend of mozzarella and provolone would work well.
Q: How do I make this vegetarian?
A: Simply swap the ground meat for a mix of finely chopped vegetables. Sauté mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers with the onion and garlic. You can also use plant-based ground meat substitutes.
Conclusion
These Easy Lasagna Cups are the perfect solution for a fast and delicious meal. They take all the best parts of a classic lasagna and make them accessible for a busy schedule. With minimal cleanup and simple steps, they will become a new go-to recipe for any occasion.
Recipe Card
Easy Lasagna Cups
The ultimate shortcut to satisfying Italian flavor, ready in under 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 17 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Course: Main Dish, Appetizer | Cuisine: Italian, American
Servings: 12 lasagna cups | Calories: 180 kcal (approx.)
Ingredients:
- 12 wonton wrappers
- ½ lb 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 minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Cook Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Assemble: Press one wonton wrapper into each muffin tin cup. Layer with 1 tsp ricotta, 1 tbsp meat sauce, 1 tbsp mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.
