Cheesy Lasagna Cups

by September 15, 2026
5 minutes read

Cheesy Lasagna Cups are a fun, individual-sized twist on classic lasagna. Wonton wrappers or pasta sheets are layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then baked until golden, bubbly, and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
½ medium yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ cup marinara sauce

For the Cheese Filling:

1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 large egg
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For Assembly:

24 wonton wrappers
1½ cups marinara sauce
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil.

Prepare the meat filling

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

Add the diced onion and cook for another 3–4 minutes until softened.

Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano.

Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in ½ cup marinara sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Remove from the heat and set aside.

Make the cheese mixture

In a medium bowl, combine:

Ricotta
Parmesan
½ cup mozzarella
Egg
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Black pepper
Fresh parsley

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Prepare the wonton wrappers

Gently separate the wonton wrappers.

Place one wrapper into each muffin cup, pressing it gently against the bottom and sides.

If the wrappers are sticking together, keep them covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel while assembling.

Add the first layer

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce into each wrapper.

Add approximately 1 tablespoon of the cooked beef mixture.

Top with about 1 tablespoon of the ricotta mixture.

Add the second wrapper

Place another wonton wrapper over each filling.

Rotate the second wrapper slightly so the corners don’t line up directly with the first wrapper.

Press gently to form another cup.

Repeat the layers

Add another small spoonful of marinara sauce.

Add another layer of meat filling.

Add another layer of cheese filling.

Don’t overfill the cups because the cheese will bubble during baking.

Add the topping

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan evenly over each lasagna cup.

Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven.

Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges of the wonton wrappers are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

For a deeper golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.

Cool slightly

Remove the muffin tin from the oven.

Let the lasagna cups rest for 5–10 minutes.

Carefully lift each cup out using a small spatula or butter knife.

Garnish and serve

Top with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Servings: 12 lasagna cups

Nutrition Information

Approximate per lasagna cup:

Calories: 245 kcal
Protein: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 500 mg
Potassium: 220 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the brands of wrappers, cheese, marinara sauce, and meat used.

Nut Information

Contains nuts: No
Peanuts: No
Almonds: No
Cashews: No
Walnuts: No
Pecans: No
Pistachios: No
Hazelnuts: No
Coconut: No

Allergen Information

Contains dairy: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan
Contains egg
Contains wheat/gluten if using traditional wonton wrappers
No nuts or peanuts in the listed ingredients
Check marinara sauce and packaged wrappers for additional allergens

Tips for the Best Cheesy Lasagna Cups

Spray the muffin tin generously so the cups release easily.
Don’t use too much sauce because excess moisture can make the wrappers soft.
Freshly shredded mozzarella melts especially well.
Let the cups cool for several minutes before removing them.
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or ground chicken.
For extra crispy edges, lightly brush the wonton wrappers with olive oil before baking.

Q&A

Q: Can I use lasagna noodles instead of wonton wrappers?

A: Yes. Cook lasagna noodles until flexible, cut them into pieces, and use them to line the muffin cups. You may need to adjust the number of noodles depending on their size.

Q: Can I make these with ground turkey?

A: Absolutely. Ground turkey is an easy substitute for ground beef.

Q: Can I make vegetarian lasagna cups?

A: Yes. Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or a combination of vegetables.

Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

A: Yes. Cottage cheese works well. For a smoother filling, blend it briefly before mixing with the other cheese ingredients.

Q: Can I prepare them ahead of time?

A: Yes. Assemble the cups, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if they are very cold.

Q: Can I freeze Cheesy Lasagna Cups?

A: Yes. Allow the baked cups to cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months.

Q: How do I reheat frozen lasagna cups?

A: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through.

Q: Why are my lasagna cups soggy?

A: Too much sauce or watery fillings can cause sogginess. Use a thick marinara sauce, drain excess grease from the meat, and avoid overfilling the cups.

Q: How long do leftovers last?

A: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Q: Can I add extra cheese?

A: Yes. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, or a little shredded cheddar for an extra-cheesy version.

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Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly. With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.

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