Mini Lasagna Cups are the perfect way to enjoy the beloved flavors of lasagna without the hassle of layering and baking a large casserole. These bite-sized wonders pack all the hearty goodness of classic lasagna in a fun, individual portion, making them ideal for busy weeknights or party appetizers. The crispy wonton wrapper forms a delightful base, while the flavorful beef and rich cheeses take this dish to a whole new level of indulgence.
Each mini lasagna cup can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it easy to add more veggies, adjust the cheese blend, or make it meat-free with plant-based options. With their irresistible combination of crispy edges and gooey, cheesy centers, these lasagna cups will be a hit with both kids and adults. They’re sure to become a go-to recipe for every occasion that calls for a comforting, easy-to-make meal.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 wonton wrappers
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1 lb ground beef
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1/2 cup onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1/2 cup tomato sauce
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon dried basil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
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Add the onion and garlic to the beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
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Meanwhile, spray a muffin tin with non-stick spray and press a wonton wrapper into each cup.
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Fill each wonton cup with the beef mixture, then top with a spoonful of ricotta cheese and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Repeat the layering process to fill each cup.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 225 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Why Mini Lasagna Cups?
These lasagna cups are a fantastic alternative to traditional lasagna. The individual servings mean you can enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal without having to deal with the time-consuming process of layering large lasagna sheets. Instead, this recipe uses wonton wrappers, which crisp up beautifully in the oven, creating a light and crunchy base for the filling. It’s a creative way to enjoy lasagna in a new format.
In addition to their appeal in terms of taste, these mini lasagna cups are a great choice for anyone with a busy schedule. You can prep and bake them in just under 30 minutes, making them ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Plus, they are easy to make in bulk, ensuring that everyone gets a delicious serving!
How to Make Mini Lasagna Cups
The process of creating these little lasagna cups is surprisingly simple. Start by browning lean ground beef in a skillet, adding in a blend of spices like cumin, salt, and pepper. The addition of chorizo sausage adds a delicious, slightly spicy kick to the filling. Once the beef is cooked and seasoned, you mix it with spaghetti sauce, which provides a rich and flavorful base for the meat mixture.
Next, the magic happens with the wonton wrappers. These wrappers are placed in a muffin tin, creating small cups to hold the filling. Each cup is filled with a spoonful of ricotta cheese, followed by a generous portion of the beef and chorizo mixture. To top it all off, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese adds an extra layer of flavor. These cups are then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a crispy, cheesy, and savory treat that’s simply irresistible.
Making It Your Own
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can customize these mini lasagna cups to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. For example, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply swap the ground beef and chorizo for your favorite vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives. You can also change up the cheese—use mozzarella for a milder flavor, or try adding a sharp Parmesan for an extra punch.
Feel free to play with the seasonings as well. While the cumin and Italian herbs give the cups a nice depth of flavor, you can add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or even red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. This is a dish that encourages creativity in the kitchen, so feel free to get experimental with your ingredients!
Healthier Lasagna Option
These Mini Lasagna Cups are a lighter alternative to traditional lasagna. By using wonton wrappers instead of pasta sheets, you significantly reduce the carb content, while still keeping the rich, indulgent flavors. The use of lean ground beef and a small amount of chorizo sausage ensures that the dish remains flavorful without being overly greasy. Additionally, the portion-controlled nature of these mini lasagnas means that you can enjoy a satisfying meal without feeling overstuffed.
Another bonus is that you can easily adjust the recipe to be gluten-free by swapping the wonton wrappers for gluten-free varieties. Similarly, if you’re looking to make this dish dairy-free, consider substituting the ricotta and cheddar for vegan cheese options, allowing everyone to enjoy these tasty cups.
Serving Suggestions
Mini Lasagna Cups are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Serve them with a fresh green salad, drizzled with a simple vinaigrette, or alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. If you’re entertaining guests, consider offering a side of garlic bread or a light tomato soup to round out the meal. These mini lasagna cups are also great for serving at parties or potlucks, where they can be enjoyed as both an appetizer and a snack.
Conclusion
Mini Lasagna Cups are a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of lasagna in a new and innovative format. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party, preparing a quick weeknight meal, or looking for a savory snack, these bite-sized cups will surely please everyone. The combination of crunchy wonton wrappers, flavorful beef, and melty cheese makes these mini lasagnas a dish that’s both satisfying and versatile. So, the next time you’re craving lasagna but want something a little different, give these mini lasagna cups a try—they might just become your new favorite way to enjoy this Italian classic!