Lasagna Cupcakes Recipe

Lasagna Cupcakes Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • pound ground beef
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 24 wonton wrappers
  • 1 cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup pasta sauce (such as Muir Glen)
  • cup chopped fresh basil, or to taste (Optional)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Lightly grease muffin cups with cooking spray.

Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease from the beef and set aside.

Step 3: Using a biscuit cutter, cut the wonton wrappers into 2 -inch circles. Press one wonton wrapper into the bottom of each muffin cup.

Step 4: Evenly distribute the grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and ricotta cheese into each muffin cup. Top each with a spoonful of ground beef and pasta sauce.

Step 5: Repeat the layering process: add cup of Parmesan cheese, cup of mozzarella cheese, half of the ricotta cheese, half of the cooked ground beef mixture, and cup of pasta sauce on top of the first layer. Continue layering with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a final layer of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses on top of the wontons.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges of the "cupcakes" are golden brown. Let them rest in the tins for 5 minutes before using a knife to loosen the edges and remove them from the cups.

Step 7: Garnish with freshly chopped basil and serve.

Cook's Note

If you dont have a biscuit cutter, you can use the top of a drinking glass to cut the wonton wrappers, and you can even cut several at once. For a more rustic look, feel free to skip cutting the wrappers altogether!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: 9g (12% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 5g (26% Daily Value)
  • Cholesterol: 35mg (12% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 495mg (22% Daily Value)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 14g (5% Daily Value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% Daily Value)
  • Total Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 14g (28% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin C: 1mg (1% Daily Value)
  • Calcium: 312mg (24% Daily Value)
  • Iron: 1mg (6% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 153mg (3% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Lasagna cupcakes are a fun, bite-sized spin on the classic Italian lasagna, a dish traditionally made of pasta sheets, sauce, cheese, and meat. The concept of lasagna cupcakes involves replacing the traditional lasagna noodles with wonton wrappers, which create individual servings that can be baked in muffin tins. These portable "cupcakes" are not only delicious but also perfect for gatherings, making them a popular choice for parties and casual meals.

Origin of Lasagna

Lasagna itself has ancient origins. It is believed to have been created in Ancient Greece, where layers of pasta-like dough were used in a dish called "Laganon." This dish was later adapted by the Romans and eventually evolved into the lasagna we know today. The modern version, particularly with the rich, meaty tomato sauce, was popularized in Italy during the Middle Ages. Over time, lasagna became one of Italy's most iconic dishes, with regional variations adding different types of cheeses, meats, and sauces.

Regional Differences in Lasagna

Different regions of Italy have their own variations of lasagna. In Naples, lasagna is typically made with rich, meaty rag sauce, mozzarella, and ricotta. In Emilia-Romagna, the dish is often made with bchamel sauce and Parmigiano-Reggiano. The northern regions, like Liguria, use pesto as a base for their lasagna, while in Southern Italy, tomato sauce and eggplant are commonly incorporated. The use of wonton wrappers in lasagna cupcakes brings a creative twist, combining the traditional flavors of lasagna with a more modern, individual-serving format.

Differences from Traditional Lasagna

The main difference between lasagna cupcakes and traditional lasagna lies in the format and ingredients. While traditional lasagna uses wide, flat pasta sheets, lasagna cupcakes use thin wonton wrappers, which offer a lighter, crisper texture. Additionally, the individual portion sizes make them easier to serve and eat. The mini lasagnas also tend to cook faster, making them a more convenient option for those in a hurry.

Where Are Lasagna Cupcakes Usually Served?

Lasagna cupcakes are commonly served at casual gatherings, such as game days, potlucks, and dinner parties. Their individual portion size makes them easy to serve and perfect for guests to enjoy without the need for plates and utensils. They are also a hit for kids' parties or as an appetizer at larger events. Their versatility makes them suitable for both family dinners and festive occasions, such as Thanksgiving or birthdays. In short, these mini lasagnas are a fun way to enjoy a classic dish in a modern, easy-to-eat format.

Interesting Facts About Lasagna Cupcakes

  • The concept of lasagna cupcakes emerged in recent years as part of a trend toward bite-sized versions of classic dishes.
  • Lasagna cupcakes can be easily customized for dietary preferences. For example, vegetarians can use spinach and zucchini instead of meat, and vegan versions can substitute plant-based cheeses and meat alternatives.
  • The use of wonton wrappers instead of lasagna noodles provides a unique twist, offering a lighter texture and a crisp edge when baked.
  • Leftover lasagna cupcakes can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated, making them a great meal prep option for busy weeknights.

In conclusion, lasagna cupcakes offer a delightful, modern take on the classic Italian dish. With their individual servings, crispy texture, and easy customization, they are sure to become a favorite at your next gathering. Whether you're serving them at a casual party or as a family meal, these mini lasagnas will provide a delicious and fun twist on a beloved tradition.

FAQ about Lasagna Cupcakes Recipe

Lasagna Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, they can be frozen. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Yes, you can prepare the cupcakes ahead of time. Assemble the cupcakes and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If you need to store them for longer, it is best to freeze them before baking and then bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Yes, you can customize the cheese mixture to your liking. For example, you can use ricotta, cottage cheese, or even cream cheese as a substitute for the ricotta. You can also experiment with different types of shredded cheese like cheddar, provolone, or gouda to add variety to the flavor.

If you don’t have wonton wrappers, you can substitute them with fresh lasagna sheets, cutting them into circles or squares to fit the muffin tin. Alternatively, you can use egg roll wrappers, though they might be slightly thicker.

Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives like soy-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed substitute.

Yes, you can use any type of tomato-based sauce, such as marinara, arrabbiata, or even a homemade tomato sauce. You can also experiment with white sauces like Alfredo or a pesto sauce for a different twist.

To avoid overly crispy wonton wrappers, make sure not to overbake them. Keep an eye on them in the oven and bake them just until the edges are golden brown. You can also cover them with foil for the first part of baking to prevent the edges from crisping too much.

To make more servings, simply double or triple the ingredients, ensuring that you have enough muffin tins to bake the cupcakes. The baking time may vary slightly depending on the number of servings, so check the cupcakes as they bake and adjust accordingly.

Yes, Lasagna Cupcakes reheat very well. Simply microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, or reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until heated through.

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meats like soy or mushroom-based products can be used as substitutes for ground beef. These alternatives can provide a lighter, leaner option while still maintaining the flavor of the dish.

Comments

lutzflcat

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Dang, did we ever enjoy these! The only change I made was using ground turkey (I had one patty in the freezer & it worked well) instead of ground beef. They baked up beautifully, are cheesy, moist, and tasty, and excellent for portion control. Another nice thing about this recipe is that after they cool for a while, you actually can eat them with your hands, knife and fork optional. These would be great for game day, a buffet table, party food or, of course, dinner. Thanks kpiper for submitting your recipe, I wouldn’t change a thing, and in this house, it’s been delcared a winner!

Carol Portnoy Cennamo

11/29/2015 05:39:14 PM

I'm a vegetarian, so I made these with spinach, green and yellow squash and onions. I bought "Texas sized" muffin tins for Thanksgiving dinner for the vegetarians, and also made the smaller ones for other people. Everyone loved them. I didn't even cut the wonton wrappers and they cooked perfectly. They actually tasted better two days later, with some fresh mozzarella and sauce on top, heated in the microwave for two minutes. Will definitely make them again.

darcylover

02/12/2020 03:43:16 PM

Really good! I made a double batch with 1lb ground beef browned and added to 1 jar of spaghetti sauce seasoned how I usually make my spaghetti sauce. For the cheeses I only used 3/4 cup of each cheese, or 1.5 cups for a double recipe, and I felt that was plenty. I made it even easier on myself and just used an Italian blend cheese for both cheeses, so 3 cups total of the Italian blend added to 1.5 cups of the ricotta, all mixed together to make assembly also easier. I didn't bother cutting the wonton wraps. Topped last layer with a little more cheese and Italian seasoning. Going to use this recipe for my daughter's birthday coming up, for her to make with me and her friends, and possibly at a baby shower too!

Suehar

07/27/2019 05:28:41 PM

Very easy to do, I cooked or chopped the things I added in - like the hamburger, onions, zucchini, etc - the day before assembly - so easy - I did reduce the amount of time in the oven to 16 minutes due to wontons getting a little too brown in my oven - and I added marinated mozzeralla balls to the mix - great idea, and easy, everyone loved them! I did not cut the wontons, just put them in and they looked like flowers in the tins, which I thought was prettier.

Kal

01/20/2020 12:56:31 AM

My family loves these. They prefer it over regular lasagna so I make them fairly often. The thinness of the wonton wrappers as opposed to lasagna noodles really make the flavors of the other ingredients stand out. I usually make 24 of these so I don't waste too many of the wonton wrappers and they're even better as leftovers the next day. I just prepare extra sauce and make sure I have extra cheese. I only cut the corners off the wrappers used for the top layer and use whole ones in the bottom. Don't worry if you don't think they cover enough of the cup. It works. I just drop a spoonful of ricotta in then top with shredded parm, shredded mozzarella and sauce. I top that with a trimmed wrapper and the same layers. I bake at 350 for 12 minutes, top with shredded parm and mozzarella then bake for 5 more minutes. Let them sit for 15 minutes before taking them out of the muffin tin and they'll pop right out neatly. I think the key is to not overthink it. I just plop the ingredients in. No measuring or spreading. They're super easy to assemble and absolutely delicious.

LadyChurchillUSA

10/02/2015 12:36:09 AM

These were a hit with my picky husband. I used a large muffin pan and found that the squared of wonton wrappers fit perfectly, no cutting required. And I mixed the three cheeses together with basil and oregano and then topped with just mozarella. I think the only thing I might do differently next time is to add some creamed spinach to my cheese mixture I do that for my veal parm topping and find it adds a little more flavor.

Jeanne

09/02/2015 08:11:14 PM

Made this tonight, so easy my 8yr old daughter helped! I added a clove of garlic to the ground beef, and oregano, basil, and Italian seasoning to the cheese mixture. Everyone loved it!

jimbob2229

10/12/2016 04:22:28 AM

I made 1 batch as per the recipe then the next 3 batches I subbed chopped spinach on the 2nd layer instead of ground beef. My whole family enjoyed it and commented on the great flavour.

vwturbochick

01/24/2018 04:09:15 PM

I made these for the first time last night and these were absolutely amazing! I only made some slight changes but nothing that strayed from this recipe. I seasoned the ground beef before browning it with some garlic and onion powder, oregano, and a little bit of red pepper flake for some extra flavor. I also used shredded parmesan cheese instead of grated. I didn't cut the wonton wrappers and found that leaving them as the squares helps to keep everything on the neater side and together easier. I folded the corners that we're sticking up over the layers and put the cheese over top. Sprinkling some basil over everything after they were done cooking really ties everything together. I wish I had taken a picture of them before they were served because there weren't any leftover! I followed the video since the directions are a little confusing and I'm glad I did! Such an amazing dish that I'm already getting requests by my family to make again, this is definitely a keeper!!

Judy64

06/26/2016 09:11:25 PM

Delicious! I tweaked the recipe slightly by using 1/2 pound ground beef and adding garlic powder and some Italian seasonings as well as the S & P. I also could not find wanton wrappers at my grocery store so I bought fresh, refrigerated lasagna sheets and easily cut the circles out of those. So yummy!

MIKIE

03/29/2020 10:17:34 PM

I did make these and I doubled everything. Almost as much work as regular lasagna but worth it. Cooks in minutes. I thought if it was made in the smaller cupcake pan could be a really great appetizer. Will be making again.

T1T2GRE

08/09/2025 06:29:56 PM

Fantastic recipe! There is no need to trim the wonton wrappers if using a square brownie pan as shown in the photo. Makes it much easier and also avoids the overly crisped edges. I personally mix all the cheeses together, as it saves time and it's easier to keep an eye on evenly distributing it throughout all of the cups. Really great recipe.

Stephen Allen

02/05/2025 12:27:09 AM

I’ll keep this one forever.

MintMint1915

11/25/2024 10:09:09 PM

Too much cheese.

SilkyEgg4613

09/06/2024 11:07:03 PM

Never tried ricotta cheese before this but "WHOA" tasted super delish. Prefect as is and easy enuf to customize for anyone.

Dallas mosque48

03/26/2024 12:02:25 AM

I made a veganized version of it. I used vegan wonton paper and replaced all cheeses for a vegan version. I replaced the beef for a vegan version. I made a vegan homemade pasta sauce. I used vegan meat crumbles.

Tracy Daigle Tabone

11/03/2022 06:07:46 PM

These were really good. The wonton wrappers were a really nice change from pasta! Slight changes: I used 1/2 lb ground beef. Mixed together the cheeses and added about a teaspoon and a half of dried parsley to this mix. To the meat I added a teaspoon of oregano and about two teaspoons of dried onion flakes. I used a medium sized muffin pan and made 12 of these. I made 6 with meat and 6 with just the cheese mix since my daughter doesn't eat meat.

Michelle

07/21/2022 09:00:34 PM

Really good and SOOOO easy to make. The only thing I did different was I made it with ground chicken instead of ground beef. Will definitely make again!

DOUGFRITZ

02/07/2022 12:57:15 AM

They come out very good as the recipe is written. Need to cool on paper towel to absorb extra grease. I do not trim the bottom wonton wrappers because they push down far enough that the points remain in the cupcake pan, which is important because if they stick out they will get very hard and difficult to eat. I do like to mix all the cheeses together to make spreading into the cups easier. Do not overfill the first layer or you will not have enough room to make a second layer. I make 48 cupcakes and that takes 2 pounds of meat and either two small jars of sauce or one large jar. I end up baking for about 25 min and then under the boiler to put some color on them. These freeze great and then reheat quickly in the microwave.

Jill Douglas

10/04/2021 11:33:18 AM

Great recipe for a football party! Went over very well, simple to make!