Lasagna Cupcakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lasagna Cupcakes are easy to assemble, quick to bake, and loved by both kids and adults. They offer all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a convenient, handheld form. These mini lasagnas are also customizable—fill them with your favorite meats, cheeses, and sauces. Perfect for meal prepping, potlucks, or as a creative alternative to traditional pasta dishes.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 12 wonton wrappers (or cooked lasagna noodles cut to fit muffin tin)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

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

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick spray or a little olive oil.

2. Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

3. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.

4. Assemble the cupcakes:

   • Place one wonton wrapper in each muffin cup, pressing it down gently to form a cup.
   • Add a small spoonful of the ricotta mixture, followed by a spoonful of meat sauce, then a sprinkle of mozzarella.
   • Add another wonton wrapper on top and repeat the layers: ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella.

5. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

6. Cool and serve: Let the lasagna cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing them. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 lasagna cupcakes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini instead of meat.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes
• Four-Cheese: Add a blend of provolone, fontina, mozzarella, and Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
• Chicken Alfredo: Substitute the marinara with Alfredo sauce and use cooked, shredded chicken instead of ground beef.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover lasagna cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make lasagna cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and store in the fridge until ready to bake.

2. Can I freeze lasagna cupcakes?

Absolutely. Wrap each cupcake individually and freeze. Reheat straight from frozen.

3. What can I use instead of wonton wrappers?

You can use cooked lasagna noodles cut into squares or rounds to fit your muffin tin.

4. Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes! Use sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead of meat.

5. Can I use store-bought pasta sauce?

Yes, any good-quality marinara or tomato basil sauce will work great.

6. Do I need to pre-cook the wonton wrappers?

No, the wonton wrappers cook perfectly in the oven during baking.

7. How do I prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the pan?

Grease the muffin tin well or use parchment liners.

8. Can I use different cheeses?

Definitely! Try a blend of cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a touch of blue cheese for bold flavor.

9. Are these good for kids?

Yes! Their size and flavor make them a fun and easy-to-eat option for kids.

10. What sides go well with lasagna cupcakes?

Serve with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a full meal.

Conclusion

Lasagna Cupcakes are a fun, flavorful, and versatile dish that brings a creative spin to a classic comfort food. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, they make an ideal appetizer, lunch, or dinner for any occasion. With layers of cheesy, saucy goodness in every bite-sized portion, these mini lasagnas are sure to be a hit at your next meal or gathering!

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